Dubai chocolate a sweet delicacy under the scrutiny of the dietitian

1. Dubai's chocolate is how the dessert that conquered the world came to be

2. Assessment of composition and nutritional value of Dubai chocolate

3. Is chocolate from Dubai healthy?

4. Ingredients that have a beneficial effect on the body

5. The remaining components of Dubai chocolate

6. What to consider when selecting Dubai chocolate

1. Dubai's chocolate is how the dessert that conquered the world came to be

Dubai Chocolate was created in 2021 by Sarah Hamouda, a British-Egyptian entrepreneur who started her brand of chocolate manufacturing in Dubai. Her goal was to develop unique spreadsheets that would stand out for their exceptional flavor and structure. The inspiration for the creation of this product was the author's personal experiences in particular her pregnancy desires, which led her to experiment with new textures and flavours. Initially, the product was launched under the name Can't Get to Know of It (English: I Can't Grow from It), which remains in the company's offerings today.

2. Assessment of composition and nutritional value of Dubai chocolate

Dubai chocolates stand out among other sweets due to their carefully selected ingredients that combine luxurious flavors and unique texture:
- chocolate
originally bitter, containing a minimum of 50–70% cocoa, which affects its intense flavor and health benefits;
- pistachio paste
to add a distinct, nutty flavor;
- chocolate cake
thin, delicate cake derived from Middle Eastern cuisine and composed mainly of flour, water, and oil.
In some versions, including the original quality, additional ingredients can be found, such as edible gold, which emphasizes the exclusive character of the dessert.
The nutritional value of Dubai chocolates may vary depending on the manufacturer.
100 g provides approximately:
- 550 kcal,
- 30–40 g fat,
- 50 g carbohydrates (mostly simple carbohydrates),
- 10 g protein.
It is worth noting that most Dubai chocolate bars weigh 150–200 g, and some can even reach 300 g.
Due to the exceptional flavor intensity of this product, it is easy to consume an entire bar at once, which significantly increases the total amount of calories and sugar consumed.

3. Is chocolate from Dubai healthy?

The impact of chocolate from Dubai on the body, much like other such products, depends primarily on the frequency of consumption and overall nutritional balance.

4. Ingredients that have a beneficial effect on the body

Some of the ingredients in Dubai chocolate, such as pistachios and cocoa, exhibit a number of beneficial health properties that can support the body's functioning on many levels. Pistachios, the key ingredient of Dubai chocolate are a source of unsaturated fatty acids, protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals, including potassium and magnesium. They also contain lutein, antioxidants and flavours, which also exhibit strong antioxidant activity and support the protection of the body from oxidative stress. Regular intake of these ingredients can also benefit the health of the heart by improving blood pressure and blood production, and by reducing blood glucose levels.

5. The remaining components of Dubai chocolate

Although the components of Dubai chocolate, such as pistachios and cocoa, possess numerous health benefits, the whole is not necessarily beneficial to the body. For it is a high-calorie product that contains significant amounts of simple carbohydrates and saturated fatty acids. Regular consumption of this type of dessert in large quantities can lead to excessive calorie intake, which in turn contributes to an increased risk of weight gain, obesity and metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes (K. D. Hall and D. Warhol, 2019). It is also important to note that Dubai chocolate often contains additional ingredients, such as glucose-fructose syrup, artificial coatings or trans fats, which can have negative effects on heart health – raising the level of LDL cholesterol („bad“ cholesterol) and lowering the level of HDL cholesterol („good“ cholesterol) (K. R. Feingold et al., 2024). Although pistachios and cocoa provide beneficial compounds, their health benefits can be neutralized by an excess of sugar and saturated fatty acids in the product. Dubai chocolate can be an entertaining part of a balanced diet, but it is important to exercise moderation. Long-term, excessive consumption of this type of sweets can lead to health problems such as heart disease, hypertension or metabolic disorders. In order to fully utilize the health benefits of cocoa and pistachios, it is advisable to limit the consumption of Dubai chocolate and opt for other forms, such as dark chocolate with a high cocoa content or natural pistachios.

6. What to consider when selecting Dubai chocolate

When choosing top-quality Dubai chocolate, it is essential to take the product composition into account. Chocolates containing dyes, preservatives, or excessive sugar and sweeteners should be avoided. The ideal chocolate should be based on real cocoa and natural ingredients that not only enhance its flavor but also its nutritional value. A high cocoa content makes chocolate tastier and healthier. If we want full control over the ingredients, it is worth considering making Dubai chocolate ourselves, which allows us to tailor the product to our individual taste and health preferences.