Last Updated on March 26, 2025 by Iain S
Dubai Chocolate Rationing!
In a twist that could only happen in the world of confectionery, British supermarkets are now rationing indulgence.
Yes, you heard it right: the delectable Dubai-style chocolate bars have become so irresistibly popular that retailers are imposing a two-bar limit per customer.
It’s a chocolate lover’s dream and dilemma rolled into one.
The Dubai Chocolate Craze Unwrapped
The Dubai-style chocolate bar has gained popularity for its unique combination of flavors and textures, featuring a milk chocolate shell filled with a blend of pistachio cream, crispy kataifi (also known as knafeh or angel hair pastry), and tahini.
Key Ingredients:
Milk Chocolate: Forms the outer shell of the bar.
Pistachio Cream: A sweet, creamy paste made from finely ground pistachios, providing a rich nutty flavor and vibrant green color.
Kataifi (Knafeh) Pastry: Thin, shredded phyllo dough that’s toasted to a golden brown, adding a delicate crunch to the filling.
Tahini: A smooth paste made from ground sesame seeds, contributing a subtle, earthy undertone that complements the sweetness of the pistachio cream.
These ingredients are layered and encased in milk chocolate to create the distinctive Dubai-style chocolate bar.
This Middle Eastern-inspired treat, originally crafted by Dubai chocolatier Fix Dessert, took the internet by storm in 2021.
Thanks to the viral magic of TikTok, where food enthusiasts showcased the bar’s gooey goodness, the #dubaichocolate hashtag amassed over 300,000 posts.
Naturally, UK retailers couldn’t resist bringing this sensation to their shelves.
Waitrose Takes the Lead
Leading the charge, Waitrose introduced the Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate bar to its aisles, priced at a cool £10 for 145g of indulgence.
Anticipating a stampede of sweet-toothed shoppers, they wisely implemented a two-bar per person policy.
A spokesperson for Waitrose explained, “Due to the incredible popularity of this product, we want to make sure that as many customers as possible have the opportunity to try it.”
Lidl Joins the Fray
Not to be outdone, Lidl launched its own version dubai chocolate under the J.D. Gross brand, offering a 122g bar for a mere £3.99.
The response? A chocolate frenzy.
When 6,000 bars debuted on Lidl’s TikTok Shop, they vanished in just over an hour, selling at a rate of 72 bars per minute.
To manage the mania, Lidl followed suit with a two-bar limit. As they cheekily put it, “Devotees can wave Du-bye to the hefty price-tag of other bars.”
Home Bargains Enters the Scene
Meanwhile, Home Bargains introduced ‘Dubites,’ bite-sized versions of the viral treat, priced at £3.99 for a 100g pack.
While they haven’t announced any purchasing limits, it’s only a matter of time before chocoholics descend en masse.
The Social Media Effect
This chocolate hysteria underscores the power of social media in shaping consumer trends. A
single viral video can catapult a niche product into the mainstream, leaving retailers scrambling to meet demand. It’s a testament to our times: where there’s a will (and a Wi-Fi connection), there’s a way.
A Sweet Dilemma
For those plotting their chocolate acquisitions, the two-bar limit poses a strategic challenge.
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Do you savor them slowly, gift one to a friend, or perhaps attempt a disguise for a second round at the checkout? The choices are as rich as the chocolate itself.
Final Nibble
In the end, whether you’re a die-hard chocophile or a curious newcomer, the Dubai chocolate bar saga is a delicious reminder of life’s simple pleasures—and the lengths we’ll go to secure them.
So, next time you’re in the confectionery aisle, remember: it’s not just chocolate; it’s a cultural phenomenon.
Happy (limited) indulging!