Key Points
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Trader Joe’s Dubai-Style Chocolate Bar: Available for $3.99, this treat, imported from Turkey by Patislove, captures the essence of the viral pistachio-filled dessert popularized by Dubai-based chocolatiers.
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Unique Ingredients: The bar combines dark chocolate, pistachio cream, and crunchy kataifi (shredded phyllo dough). Its increasing popularity has led to strict purchasing limits in stores to manage demand.
- Availability Variances: Depending on location, some Trader Joe’s stores see regular restocking, while others face delays. The product is considered seasonal, but it may return if customer demand persists.
Ever since the food world became entranced by the “cronut” in 2013, new culinary trends have surfaced with dizzying speed. As a food writer, it’s clear to me that the Dubai Chocolate Bar is shaping up to be the viral sensation of 2025, sharing the limelight with other trendsetters like Starbucks’ "Pink Drink" and lavish unicorn desserts.
Social Media Buzz:
My social media feeds have been ablaze with images of this crunchy, nutty chocolate over the past few months. I’d wager your Instagram might look similar! The treat, crafted by Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, has inspired countless replicas, many with price tags exceeding $20. So, when word traveled about an affordable version at Trader Joe’s, I knew I had to seek it out.
The Treasure Hunt:
As is often the case with viral spectacles, these items tend to vanish quickly. Prowling around New York City seeking out the $3.99 chocolate bar seemed far more appealing than tackling emails—all in a day’s sweeter work. On Wednesday, I rang up 13 local Trader Joe’s, and every friendly crew member could tell me precisely when they’d receive their next shipment and how long it would take to fill the shelves. That level of insider knowledge felt like a victory!
Across the country, these imported chocolate bars began rolling out late last week. Some employees mentioned that until Wednesday, they couldn’t even order them in. Trader Joe’s representatives have confirmed varying arrival dates for different stores.
Tasting the Trader Joe’s Dubai-Style Bar
Let’s talk about what’s inside the beloved bar. Patislove, a brand under the Turkey-based Patis Food Group, imports its Dubai-style chocolate bars from Turkey. Approximately 50% dark chocolate makes this bar feel creamier than most dark chocolate options.
At my go-to Trader Joe’s in Brooklyn, stacks of bars adorned the treat section, accompanied by a five-bar purchase limit. Alert signs at every checkout reminded shoppers of this limit, making it clear that the store was taking the demand seriously.
As I stood in line, I watched another shopper juggle four Patislove bars, making me second-guess my decision to buy just three. Was I missing out on a small fortune in resale value?
Once I had my braces on the bars, I couldn’t wait to dive into the experience of chocolate and pistachio cream. This bar wasn’t just made for tasting; it was a feast for the eyes as well. The thin layer of dark chocolate revealed a vibrant green filling upon breaking it open, and the kataifi—a crunchy shredded phyllo dough—found its way on my fingers rather quickly.
Trader Joe’s claims that the creamy filling accounts for 30% of the bar, though I felt it had slightly less crunchy kataifi compared to other versions. This might be due to its thinner nature, but many food enthusiasts have noted that it still strikes a perfect balance between flavors and textures.
Trader Joe’s has cleverly refined their version compared to the thick bars often seen online. This approach makes indulging in this bar an easy weekly delight rather than a rare occasion.
Fair Warning: It’s a Sellout Risk
I managed to walk away with three bars, but many shoppers across the country found themselves unlucky. The secondary market is churning, with two packs of these delightful bars already listed for a staggering $26 on eBay.
After hearing whispers of empty shelves on Trader Joe’s subreddit, I checked in with a few locations. True enough, one Manhattan store confirmed they wouldn’t get another shipment until Sunday afternoon, while some Brooklyn stores still had stock. Limited availability has been noted in areas like Southern California and Phoenix, with reports confirming sellouts in San Francisco almost immediately.
Trader Joe’s is aware of the hype and is monitoring the demand closely. Although they state that the chocolate bars are currently available only through July, this timeframe may extend if customer response remains as enthusiastic.
As one Trader Joe’s representative put it, “We believe that customers ‘vote’ on what they love and what they want to see more of—with their dollars.” If the love for this product continues, it’s likely we’ll see more of it in the future.
Is the Trader Joe’s Dubai-Style Chocolate Bar worth your hard-earned $3.99? The taste and experience suggest it certainly is, but the real question is how long it’ll take to hunt down one in stores.
Top Dubai-Style Treats on the Market
For those exploring the world of Dubai-style desserts, several other options are available, ranging from artisanal boutiques to online retailers. Keep your eyes peeled, as who wouldn’t want to taste a piece of this viral sensation?
For more insights, you might want to check out Food & Wine’s article on the subject. Happy tasting!
