Latest news with #Can'tGetKnafehOfIt
USA Today
10-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Lindt has released a Dubai chocolate bar: Here's where to buy it
The original Dubai chocolate bar is made by FIX Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A six-pack of the bars cost $120. The internet-famous Dubai chocolate bar is making its way to major retailers, as Lindt has released its own version of the viral dessert. Lindt launched a limited-run of its Dubai Style Chocolate Bar in Walmart, Target, Kroger, and other retailers on Monday, July 7. The milk chocolate bar is filled with pistachio paste, kadayif (shredded phyllo dough), sugar-coated pistachios and hazelnuts. Lindt first launched its Dubai Style Chocolate Bars in December 2024 and then again in June. The bars quickly sold out, an indicator that a more widespread launch of the bars would be successful, a news release states. Interested in getting your hands on one of the chocolate bars? Here's what to know. More Dubai chocolate: Trader Joe's sells viral Dubai chocolate bars for 5 times less than original price Where are the Lindt Dubai chocolate bars available? The Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate Bar is available at major retailers including Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Kroger, Albertson's, Meijer, Publix, Stop & Shop, Hannaford and Hy-Vee, a news release states. The chocolate bar is also available on the Lindt website. When are the Lindt Dubai chocolate bars available? Lindt launched the specialty chocolate bar on Monday, July 7. The bars are available for a limited time, while supplies last. According to the Kroger website, the bars won't be available at the chain until July 14. How much do the Lindt Dubai chocolate bars cost? The Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate Bar is $15, according to Lindt. Kroger also lists the bar at the $15 price point. Prices have not been listed yet for any other retailer. What is the viral Dubai chocolate bar? The original Dubai chocolate bar is called "Can't Get Knafeh Of It" and is made by FIX Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A six-pack of bars costs $120 on the FIX Dessert Chocolatier website, making one bar $20. The chocolate bar was released in 2022 when FIX Dessert Chocolatier Founder Sarah Hamouda wished to satisfy her pregnancy cravings for knafeh (a Middle Eastern dessert made with pastry dough, sweet cheese and syrup) and pistachio, as reported by BBC. "Can't Get Knafeh Of It" first went viral in 2023, when content creator Maria Vehera posted a TikTok video of her trying the luxury chocolate bar. As of July 10, the video had more than 131 million views. Countless brands have made their own versions, or "dupes" of the viral chocolate bar, including Florida-based Bolci ($19 for one bar) and New York City-based The Nuts Factory ($50 for two bars) and countless homemade recipes on Etsy. Some brands have even released their own Dubai chocolate-inspired products, like Shake Shack's Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Shake, which is made with pistachio frozen custard, toasted kataifi and a dark chocolate shell. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
Hi Dubai
08-07-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
World Chocolate Day: The Business Behind Dubai's Artisanal Dessert Boom
Every July 7, the world pauses to celebrate chocolate, a treat that transcends cultures and ignites joy. World Chocolate Day is more than a nod to cocoa's universal appeal; it's a moment to savor indulgence and creativity. From sleek boutiques in Dubai Mall to artisanal workshops tucked away in Al Quoz, the city's dessert scene has transformed into a global hotspot for premium confections. Dubai's obsession with premium desserts reflects its identity as a melting pot of cultures and a hub for innovation. The city's residents, a mix of locals and expats, demand excellence, and its visitors expect experiences that match Dubai's reputation for opulence. Artisanal chocolate has emerged as a perfect fit, blending craftsmanship with the city's love for the extraordinary. Behind the glossy packaging and viral Instagram posts lies a dynamic industry driven by consumer trends, cultural fusion, and entrepreneurial grit. Dive deep into the business behind Dubai's artisanal dessert boom, exploring how chocolatiers are carving out a niche in a competitive market and why their creations are more than just a sweet escape. The Rise of Artisanal Chocolate in Dubai Dubai's chocolate scene wasn't always about small-batch, handcrafted bars. A decade ago, the market leaned heavily on mass-produced chocolates from global giants like Mars, Nestlé, and Ferrero. These brands still dominate supermarket shelves, but consumer tastes have shifted dramatically. Today, Dubai's residents and visitors crave authenticity, quality, and unique flavors. This evolution mirrors global trends, with the chocolate market projected to reach $255.58 billion by 2034, driven by demand for premium and artisanal products. In the UAE, the chocolate market is expected to hit $704.11 million by 2030, with Dubai leading the charge. The city's diverse population, with over 200 nationalities, has fueled this shift. Expats bring their culinary traditions, while food tourism, amplified by events like the Salon du Chocolat, has introduced visitors to Dubai's growing reputation as a confectionery capital. Social media, particularly TikTok and Instagram, has been a game-changer. Viral videos, like Maria Vehera's 2023 post about FIX Dessert Chocolatier's 'Can't Get Knafeh Of It' bar, have turned local creations into global sensations, driving demand and inspiring new chocolatiers. Brands like FIX Dessert Chocolatier, Mirzam, VOCCA, Forrey & Galland, and Ganache Chocolate have led the artisanal movement. Mirzam, founded by Kathy Johnston, was among the first to bring bean-to-bar chocolate to Dubai, focusing on quality and storytelling. FIX, with its pistachio-filled, knafeh-crunch bars, captured global attention through social media. VOCCA and Forrey & Galland cater to the luxury market, while Ganache emphasizes accessibility without compromising craftsmanship. These brands have tapped into Dubai's appetite for exclusivity and quality, setting the stage for a vibrant artisanal scene. The Business of Bean-to-Bar Bean-to-bar is more than a buzzword; it's a philosophy that defines artisanal chocolate. Unlike mass production, where manufacturers buy pre-processed cocoa, bean-to-bar chocolatiers control every step, from sourcing raw cocoa beans to crafting the final bar. This hands-on approach ensures quality and allows makers to highlight the unique flavors of cocoa from specific regions, like Madagascar or Venezuela. In Dubai, brands like Mirzam and VOCCA have embraced this method, turning chocolate into a narrative of origin and craft. Sourcing sustainably is central to the bean-to-bar ethos. Mirzam, for example, works with farmers along the ancient Spice Route, ensuring fair trade practices and transparency. This resonates with Dubai's conscious consumers, who value ethical production. The process is costly, sourcing high-quality beans and investing in small-scale equipment drives up production expenses. Yet, consumers are willing to pay premiums, often AED40-AED80 per bar, for the story, quality, and exclusivity. The global demand for bean-to-bar and single-origin chocolates is growing, with consumers prioritizing flavor authenticity over mass-market uniformity. The value lies in the experience. A Mirzam bar isn't just chocolate; it's a journey through the cocoa's origin, paired with flavors like cardamom or date. This storytelling sets artisanal products apart, justifying higher price points in a city where luxury is a lifestyle. However, scaling bean-to-bar production is challenging due to limited cocoa supply and high operational costs, pushing chocolatiers to innovate in sourcing and marketing to stay competitive. Chocolate and Culture: Global Flavours, Local Touch Dubai's artisanal chocolate scene thrives on its ability to blend global techniques with local flavors. Chocolatiers draw inspiration from the city's culinary heritage, incorporating ingredients like saffron, dates, rosewater, and za'atar into their creations. Mirzam's date and fennel bar, for instance, pays homage to Emirati traditions, while Forrey & Galland's saffron pralines fuse French techniques with Middle Eastern flair. This fusion creates a unique identity that sets Dubai's chocolates apart on the global stage. French chocolatier training is a common thread among Dubai's artisans. Brands like Ganache and Forrey & Galland use classic techniques like tempering and ganache-making, honed in European kitchens. Yet, they adapt these methods to local tastes, creating confections that feel both familiar and novel. Al Nassma, another local favorite, uses camel milk to craft chocolates that resonate with Emirati culture, offering a 'taste of the Emirates' that appeals to tourists and locals alike. Cultural events like Ramadan and Eid drive innovation. During these holidays, chocolate becomes a centerpiece of gifting, with brands releasing limited-edition boxes featuring regional flavors. The UAE's gifting culture, rooted in hospitality and celebration, has spurred demand for premium chocolates, especially during festive seasons. This demand peaks in December and January, as well as during Valentine's Day and National Day, making these periods critical for sales. Made for Instagram: Aesthetic, Packaging & Brand Identity Image Source: FIX Dessert Chocolatier In Dubai, presentation is everything. Artisanal chocolates are as much about visual appeal as taste, designed to dazzle on social media. A FIX chocolate bar, with its vibrant toppings and oozy pistachio filling, is crafted for Instagram and TikTok, where ASMR videos of snapping bars rack up millions of views. This visual allure has fueled the Dubai chocolate craze, with brands like FIX selling out within minutes on delivery apps like Deliveroo. Luxury packaging is a cornerstone of brand identity. Forrey & Galland's elegant boxes and Ganache's sleek designs elevate chocolates into gift-worthy art. Limited editions, like FIX's 'Mind Your Own Biscoff' or Mirzam's seasonal spice bars, create a sense of exclusivity, driving consumer frenzy. Packaging isn't just aesthetic; it's functional, with brands investing in sustainable materials to align with global trends. Recyclable pouches and eco-friendly boxes, like those used by Nestlé's Sustainably Sourced range, appeal to environmentally conscious buyers. Influencer marketing amplifies this visual strategy. TikTok and Instagram influencers, from local foodies to global stars, showcase Dubai's chocolates, turning small brands into international names. Dessert experiences has also surged, with visitors flocking to Mirzam's Al Quoz workshop or Al Nassma's boutique for hands-on experiences. These moments, shared online, create a feedback loop of hype and demand, cementing Dubai's status as a confectionery destination. Challenges and Growth Potential Building an artisanal chocolate business in Dubai isn't easy. High startup costs like imported equipment, premium ingredients, and prime retail space create significant barriers. Competition is fierce, with global brands like Godiva and Patchi vying for market share alongside local artisans. The niche nature of artisanal chocolate limits the customer base to affluent consumers and tourists, requiring brands to balance exclusivity with accessibility. Despite these challenges, growth opportunities abound. Collaborations with luxury hotels, cafes, and airlines have helped brands like Mirzam and VOCCA expand their reach. E-commerce has been a game-changer, with platforms like Noon and making premium chocolates accessible beyond Dubai. Export markets are also opening up, with Dubai-based chocolatiers shipping to Europe, Asia, and North America, capitalizing on the global appetite for luxury confections. Emerging trends are shaping the future. Vegan and sugar-free chocolates are gaining traction, with brands like Nestlé launching plant-based options like KitKat V to meet demand. Sustainable packaging is another focus, as consumers prioritize eco-friendly brands. The UAE's chocolate market is projected to grow at a 5.56% CAGR through 2030, driven by tourism and retail expansion. However, maintaining quality while scaling remains a delicate balance for artisanal makers. Will this sweet success last? The signs are promising. As long as Dubai continues to embrace innovation, whether through new flavors, sustainable practices, or digital marketing, the artisanal dessert scene will thrive. Challenges like high costs and competition persist, but the city's unique position as a cultural and commercial hub ensures its chocolatiers have room to grow. For now, every bite of a Dubai chocolate bar tells a story of craftsmanship, ambition, and a city that never settles for ordinary. Here's to savoring the sweetness and the business behind it. Also Read: Where to Find the Viral Dubai Chocolate! The Dubai Chocolate is a perfect blend of Middle Eastern sweets with a globally-loved treat. Snap & Savor: The Most Instagrammable Desserts in Dubai! Dubai has some of the most Instagram-worthy and delicious desserts that will leave you craving for more. Check them out! 10 Unique Desserts in Dubai to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth! Here are 10 places that serve desserts that are fun and extravagant and are sure to make you go back for a second, third, and even fourth bite! The Best Bakeries in Dubai to Satisfy your Sugar Cravings Specially curated for the sweet lovers, our list reveals the best bakeries across Dubai specialising in everything from cakes to pastries, to Arabic sweets.
Arabian Post
09-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Dubai Chocolate Maker Gears Up For Secret Flavour Reveal
Dubai's FIX Dessert Chocolatier confirmed it will unveil a new chocolate bar at Mall of the Emirates this Friday, June 13, launching a three‑day pop-up from 10 AM until midnight through Sunday, June 15. The brand, already famed for its pistachio‑and‑knafeh‑filled 'Dubai Chocolate' bars, has withheld details on the new variant, teasing only that it draws from 'childhood memories'. Shoppers will also encounter interactive games, prize giveaways and brand‑curated surprises during the activation. FIX burst into public consciousness in 2024 with its flagship 'Can't Get Knafeh Of It' offering—a milk‑chocolate bar stuffed with pistachio cream, tahini and Kataifi pastry—that fans broke open on camera, generating global virality. Its founders, Sarah Hamouda and Yezen Alani, launched the venture in 2021 after Hamouda's confectionery cravings inspired an experimental treat combining knafeh and chocolate. The snack quickly gained popularity online, particularly via TikTok, where influencers showcased its crunchy‑creamy texture. The Mall of the Emirates event marks the first public debut of the new flavour and further solidifies FIX's position as a trend‑setter. The company has recently expanded its presence, reopening at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 to capture travellers seeking last‑minute indulgences. Earlier this year, the novelty of its viral bar paved the way for imitator products in global markets: Costco's frozen pistachio‑cream‑filled chocolate bar debuted in the US in April, while Knipschildt Chocolatier in Connecticut released a supersized 1.2‑pound chocolate bar based on FIX's creation. ADVERTISEMENT FIX's signature bars feature a thick milk‑chocolate shell encasing a vibrant green pistachio‑cream and kataifi filling—a combination of creamy, nutty and crunchy textures that perfectly fits the 'crackle and pull' videos dominating social media. The brand also offers niche flavours such as 'Can't Get Knafeh Of It – Midnight Edition' and playful variants like Karak Latte‑ and Pretzel‑inspired bars. The new flavour launch arrives against a backdrop of intensifying demand for pistachio and Middle Eastern‑inspired desserts. Apart from FIX's dominance, mainstream food brands have embraced the flavour: Starbucks experimented with a Dubai Chocolate‑style drink in the US, featuring iced matcha or coffee with pistachio sauce and chocolate cream cold foam, though reviewers found it fell short of the bar's distinctive crunchy essence. Meanwhile, Costco's exclusive frozen pistachio bar from Afters Ice Cream has reportedly sold well, gaining attention from influencers and shoppers. Knipschildt's luxury 1.2‑pound version, priced at $50, demonstrates how premium chocolatiers are tapping into the trend, emphasising high‑quality chocolate and home‑made pistachio cream to echo FIX's flavour profile. Consumer interest in Middle Eastern flavours is rising, with pistachio‑based desserts appearing in menus across Shake Shack, Dunkin', Aldi and Lidl as of this spring. Market analysts point to a supply chain bottleneck following the surge in cocoa and pistachio prices, which paradoxically benefits FIX's formulation—it reduces reliance on expensive ingredients by incorporating kataifi and pistachio paste into chocolate bars. That cost‑management tactic, combined with viral marketing on social media, allowed FIX to ride the wave of influencer‑driven phenomenons without a large promotional budget. Factory production has scaled up, yet FIX still limits online deliveries to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, warning customers about counterfeit products and inflated secondary‑market prices. That strategy has only fed the desirability of the original, prompting collectors and fans to visit in person or purchase through authorised Dubai channels. ADVERTISEMENT During the June 13‑15 launch, FIX's pop‑up will sit alongside other summer activations at Mall of the Emirates, a hub for both premium shopping and experiential events. The brand anticipates strong demand as foot traffic amplifies the hype around the mysterious new flavour, especially in light of its vague promotional language and scarcity strategy. Local food‑industry commentators have described FIX's influence as a case study in the fast evolution of viral gastronomy. The emergence of Dubai Chocolate in global mainstream retail signals the capacity for hyper‑specific products—rooted in local culinary tradition—to scale globally through social media dynamics. Analysts note that imitation follows swiftly, with brands racing to replicate the texture‑first experience that initially defined FIX's bar. Hamouda, in a March interview, revealed that demand spiked overnight: orders in 2024 jumped from sporadic to hundreds per second after the bar went viral online. That scale pressured the company to balance artisanal quality with commercial viability, prompting factory expansion and tighter quality controls to preserve the brand's visual and taste signature.
What's On
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
The viral Dubai chocolate has a pop-up in DXB Terminal 3
The viral Dubai chocolate is calling… If you thought the FIX craze had faded, you thought wrong, because the viral Dubai chocolate is now selling exclusively at the airport, and the people are all here for it. Social media reports are telling us that this cute and colourful whimsical pop-up is located across from Cartier and is impossible to miss. That's right – FIX Chocolate is hosting an exclusive pop-up in DXB Terminal 3 after capturing the hearts and and bank accounts of travellers scouring Duty Free. The wrapped up there this April, but the heartbreak was too loud, and now they're back. View this post on Instagram A post shared by FIX Dessert Chocolatier (@fixdessertchocolatier) You might also like 5 of the best restaurants in Dubai this week: May 26 to 29 While they have a whole host of delicious flavours, a limited number are available at the airport – Can't Get Knafeh Of It, both the milk and dark versions, Pick Up A Pretzel, also the milk and dark versions, and Mind Your Own Buiscoff, the luxurious biscoff flavour. And while one may fear being faced with sold out signs, they're restocking constantly so you won't miss out. After taking social media, Dubai and then the whole world by storm, the insanely indulgent bars are still in high demand. It's no surprise the viral chocolate is near impossible to get your hands on and everyone has jumped on the bandwagon – even the royals. Earlier last year, we saw the FIX Chocolate x Fazza collaboration, a uniquely crafted, specially created Halawat Dubai flavour. Besides this iconic flavour, some of our personal favourites are Can't Get Knafeh of it, Pick Up A Pretzel and Butter To Be Safe Than Salty, all decadent bombs of flavour and sugary goodness that will send you to Nirvana. There are loads more, but these are the best Pick up a bar or two on your way out of the country for a sweet holiday – and some serious flexing rights. @fixdesertchocolatier Images: Supplied/ Socials
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Home Bargains launches 'insane' new £1.25 Dubai-style treats
Shoppers were divided by the treat you can now get cheaper at Home Bargains than in other stores Home Bargains shoppers can get their hands on another tasty treat inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate bar. This new form could go perfectly alongside a cup of tea - and it costs just over £1. The discount shop posted on its official Instagram feed and urged fans of the viral treats to "run" as stores were stocking something else to satisfy sweet tooths. The clip showed the £1.25 Dubai Chocolate Cookies that should be available to buy in Home Bargains stores now (May 8). Home Bargains did hop on the Dubai-style trend with cake bars and bite-sized chocolates. Now, these milk chocolate biscuits with a creamy pistachio centre have become an option for shoppers. One said: "These look insane!" Another added: "Stop it now!" A third wrote: "Adding to shopping list!" Someone else posted: "[These are] 75p cheaper than Iceland!" The biscuits are also available at Iceland stores. The supermarket specialising in frozen foods started stocking the treats in April and are selling the biscuits for £2 a pack. However, not all shoppers were convinced by them. One claimed: "They're lovely but the pistachio taste is very weak!" Another added: "Iceland had these for weeks but unfortunately not nice!" A third wrote: "Doesn't taste of anything the chocolate isn't nice either!" What is 'Dubai Chocolate'? The original "Dubai Chocolate Bar" is actually called "Can't Get Knafeh Of It." This was created by Fix Dessert Chocolatier based in Dubai, UAE. Popularised on TikTok, this sweet treat is a blend of milk chocolate filled with a pistachio cream and crispy kataifi (shredded phyllo pastry) filling. It is said to be inspired by the Middle Eastern dessert knafeh, a traditional Arab dessert. The trend started in 2024 but exploded in populairty in recent momths and has led to a huge demand for recreations outside of the UAE. Some were quickly cleared from shop shelves - including Lindt, B&M and Lidl - as fans wanted to try a budget-friendly version of the viral chocolate. People have even tried making their own homemade versions. Lots of supermarkets like Asda, Tesco and Aldi have started stocking the all-important pistachio cream, which combines with readily available phyllo pastry for that crunchy texture.
