Dubai Chocolate - a Sweet Delicacy Under the Lens of Dietetics

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. Dubai Chocolate gained immense popularity on December 18, 2023, when an influencer posted a video on social media in which she sampled various products from the brand, including Dubai Chocolate. The video became hugely popular, leading to a sudden surge in orders - over 30,000 within a few days, causing a temporary block on the delivery platform. Over the course of a year, the video garnered over 100 million views, and other influencers began publishing their own reviews of this unique dessert. The increased demand, coupled with the high quality of ingredients and complex production process, resulted in a price increase for the product and the emergence of a secondary market where Dubai Chocolate was sold at significantly higher prices. What was originally a niche product inspired by traditional Middle Eastern sweets became a global phenomenon that continues to gain popularity and falls into the category of luxury sweets.

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;
- kataifi
thin, delicate pastry derived from Middle Eastern cuisine and composed mainly of flour, water, and oil.
In some versions, including the original one, 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.

The impact of chocolate from Dubai on the human body, much like other confectionery items, primarily depends on the frequency of consumption and overall dietary balance.

Many of the ingredients present in Dubai chocolate, such as pistachios and cocoa, have beneficial health properties that can support the body's functioning on many levels. Pistachios, a key ingredient in 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 flavonoids, which have strong antioxidant properties and can protect the body from oxidative stress. Regular consumption of pistachios can have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, lowering blood pressure, improving lipid profile, and regulating blood glucose levels. Thanks to its high content of vitamin E and resveratrol, it can also provide protection against certain types of cancer. Additionally, pistachios have prebiotic properties that can support gut health and overall well-being (P. Hernández-Alonso, M. Bulló, J. Salas-Salvadó 2016). Cocoa, another key ingredient in Dubai chocolate, is rich in flavonoids such as epicatechin, which have strong antioxidant properties and support the cardiovascular system. Cocoa can also increase the level of HDL cholesterol and improve mood, thanks to theobromine. It is also a source of minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium, which contribute to normal body function (Q. R. De Araujo 2016).

Although the ingredients of Dubai chocolate, such as pistachios and cocoa, possess numerous health benefits, the whole product does not necessarily have beneficial effects on the body. For it is a high-calorie product that contains significant amounts of simple carbohydrates and saturated fatty acids. Long-term and regular consumption of this type of dessert in large quantities can lead to an excess of calories, which in turn increases the 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.

When purchasing top-quality Dubai chocolate, it is crucial to consider the product composition. Chocolates containing dyes, preservatives, or excessive sugar and sweeteners should be avoided. The ideal chocolate should be based on genuine cocoa and natural ingredients that not only enhance its flavor but also its nutritional value. A high cocoa content makes chocolate more delicious and beneficial for health. If we desire full control over the ingredients, it is worth considering making Dubai chocolate ourselves, which enables us to customize the product to our individual taste and health preferences.