TikTok Craze Drains Pistachio Supply: Get the Sweet Truth

Picture this: A delicious dessert goes viral. Sounds good, right? But what if that dessert is so popular, it causes a global shortage of a key ingredient? That’s exactly what’s happening with the Dubai chocolate bar craze taking over TikTok.

What’s the Deal with Dubai Chocolate?

Since last summer, TikTok has been flooded with videos of this decadent candy bar. It’s basically milk chocolate stuffed with a creamy pistachio filling and crispy, shredded pastry called knafeh (or kunafa). Think of it like a super-charged Kit Kat with a Middle Eastern twist.

The Creator’s Story

Sarah Hamouda, the founder of Fix Dessert Chocolatier, is the mastermind behind this treat. According to CNN, she started the brand as a side project in 2021, inspired by her pregnancy cravings. Pretty cool, huh?

The Viral Moment

The real explosion happened in December 2023. An ASMR TikTok video showcasing the Dubai chocolate got over 60 million views! Talk about going viral!

Where Do Pistachios Come In?

Here’s the kicker. The star of the show, the pistachio kernels, are mostly grown in Iran and the U. S. And with everyone and their mother suddenly craving pistachio-filled chocolate, demand has gone through the roof.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Giles Hacking, a nut trader at CG Hacking, told the Financial Times that pistachio prices have jumped from $7. 65 to $10. 30 a pound in just one year. Ouch!

Iranian pistachio producers have reportedly shipped 40% more nuts to the UAE in the last six months compared to the entire previous year. Meanwhile, pistachio supplies in the U. S. dropped 20% from February 2024 to February 2025, according to data from the Administrative Committee for Pistachios.

What’s Next?

Pistachio processors are reportedly almost completely sold out. Fix Dessert Chocolatier bars aren’t even sold in the U. S. yet! But don’t worry, plenty of spinoffs are popping up. Even big names like Lindt are getting in on the action, and local ice cream shops are creating their own pistachio-inspired sundaes.

The Takeaway?

TikTok trends can have some serious real-world consequences. Who knew a simple chocolate bar could cause a global pistachio shortage? It just goes to show the power of social media!