There’s a new chocolate craze sweeping the UK, and it’s taking over supermarket shelves faster than anyone could have expected.
British shoppers are in a frenzy over the launch of the Dubai-style chocolate bar, filling their baskets with the sought-after treat that has become a viral sensation.
The Dubai Chocolate Craze Hits UK Supermarkets
The chocolate bar, which combines milk chocolate with crispy khanafeh, pistachio cream, and tahini spread, is the latest in a series of sweet delights inspired by Middle Eastern desserts.
It was first created by Sarah Hamouda, a Dubai-based entrepreneur, and quickly went viral after influencers raved about it on social media.
The chocolate’s popularity has reached fever pitch, with multiple retailers, including Lidl and Waitrose, introducing their own versions across the UK.
Shoppers Queue Early for a Taste of the Trendy Chocolate
In the heart of west London, influencer Angelina Perello Javar gave her followers an inside look at the madness.
She revealed that she woke up at 7:30 am on a Saturday and rushed to her local Lidl to beat the crowds.
However, she wasn’t alone in her quest for the chocolate bar.
When she arrived, around 30 people were already waiting outside the store for its 8 am opening.
“It seems like everyone had the same idea,” she said, laughing.
Once inside, she had to ask a worker for the coveted item, which was being kept behind the counter.
Prices and Limited Quantities Fuel the Frenzy
The chocolate bars retail for £4.99, but with a Lidl Plus card, shoppers can grab them for £3.99.
Despite the relatively affordable price, there’s a catch: customers are limited to buying only two bars per person.
This restriction has caused some tension in the stores, as people scramble to get their hands on the limited supply.
“People were arguing with staff about the limits,” said influencer Bing Bing, who also visited her local Lidl. “We managed to get two each.”
Waitrose and Other Retailers Join the Chocolate Rush
As the demand for the Dubai-style chocolate soared, Waitrose quickly added Lindt’s version of the bar to selected stores.
It didn’t take long for the treat to become the store’s fastest-selling confectionery product.
The chocolate’s viral status, largely driven by TikTok videos, has retailers scrambling to keep up with demand.
Other major UK supermarkets like M&S, Morrisons, and Selfridges have also joined in, offering various versions of the chocolate in an attempt to meet the insatiable appetite of chocolate lovers.
The Origins of the Dubai-Style Chocolate Bar
So, what makes this chocolate so irresistible? The bar features a combination of pistachio cream and crispy kataifi—shredded phyllo dough—creating a texture and flavor inspired by the Middle Eastern dessert knafeh.
Sarah Hamouda, the mastermind behind the creation, originally came up with the idea during her pregnancy as a way to satisfy her sweet cravings.
“I never imagined it would become a global sensation,” she shared in an interview.
The bar, called “Can’t Get Knafeh of It,” has quickly become a symbol of how social media can turn a simple treat into an international phenomenon.
Shoppers Can’t Get Enough of the Sweet Treat
As the Dubai chocolate bar continues to fly off the shelves, people are taking to TikTok to document their chocolate hunting adventures.
From finding the bars in Sainsbury’s to tracking down different versions in Morrisons and Lidl, shoppers are eager to share their excitement.
One TikTok user, Kieran Slade, posted about finally finding the Lindt version in Sainsbury’s, urging his followers to grab it before it sold out.
Others have spotted the bar in different countries, including Switzerland, where Lidl’s version is also proving to be a hit.
Global Hype and International Demand
The Dubai-style chocolate bar has become so popular that people are now seeking it out worldwide.
Shoppers have taken to social media platforms like X to ask for help in sourcing the chocolate.
Fans in the UK, in particular, are desperate for friends and family to bring the bars from Dubai. “I need to go to Dubai and try Fix Dessert chocolates immediately,” one fan posted.
The Dubai Chocolate Bar’s Growing Legacy
As the Dubai chocolate trend continues to grow, Selfridges has even added four versions of the bar to its range, including one made by Bateel and priced at £5.
Meanwhile, luxury chocolate brands like Godiva and Laderach are offering their own high-end versions.
“Dubai Chocolate is the sweet treat must-have for 2025,” said Andrew Bird, Selfridges’ Head of Food.
The chocolate’s social media buzz is only expected to grow as more and more people get their hands on the delectable dessert.
The phenomenon has even made its way to Germany, where dedicated chocoholics camped outside a Lindt store in Aachen for hours, hoping to score one of the limited edition bars.
For some, the chocolate is more than just a treat—it’s an experience, a way to be part of a global trend.
With the hype showing no signs of slowing down, it’s safe to say that the Dubai-style chocolate bar has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of chocolate lovers everywhere.