October 22, 2024, 10:58 am | Read time: 3 minutes
It’s hard to avoid videos on social media at the moment of influencers breaking open luscious chocolate bars filled with pistachio cream in the middle, holding them up to the camera, and then biting into them with relish. We’re talking about Dubai chocolate. Does it also have health benefits compared to classic milk chocolate thanks to its green center? FITBOOK nutrition expert Sophie Brünke makes the comparison.
A new culinary trend is sweeping across social media: Dubai Chocolate. These hefty 200-gram bars boast a filling of delicate dough strands (also called kadayif or angel hair) and a rich pistachio cream. Delicious! Given that the green stone fruit is renowned for its health benefits, could Dubai Chocolate be a sensible alternative to traditional milk chocolate?
Overview
Where does the hype about Dubai chocolate come from?
As one might expect, the original ‘Dubai Chocolate’ hails directly from Dubai. Its manufacturer, Fix Dessert Chocolatier, was founded back in 2021. Yet, it was only this year that their sweet creation captured the hearts of this country’s social media users. Influencer videos on TikTok and Instagram are primarily responsible for this. For example, a video of an influencer eating the chocolate in her car has a whopping 87 million views. Those eager to sample this delicacy can find the pistachio-laden chocolate creation from various other vendors. Additionally, numerous food blogs now offer a plethora of do-it-yourself recipes for the adventurous home chef.
Dubai chocolate and milk chocolate – what’s inside?
The recipe for Dubai Chocolate may differ based on the manufacturer or the particular food blog you consult. Essential ingredients (besides chocolate, of course) are angel hair fried in oil, pistachio cream or paste and tahini (sesame paste). A common characteristic among these three ingredients is their richness in fats. However, unlike the cocoa butter used in milk chocolate and often clarified butter, they contain more unsaturated fats. Moreover, these have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Elevated cholesterol levels can heighten the risk of cardiovascular conditions, including arteriosclerosis.
Nutritional values in comparison
The nutritional values presented below pertain to a popular brand of milk chocolate and a Dubai Chocolate that is available for domestic purchase.
As it turns out, neither option is particularly conducive to weight loss. However, as expected, the Dubai chocolate scores with more unsaturated fats. On the downside, it contains more fat and calories overall – but also less sugar.
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Conclusion
To give Dubai chocolate the label “healthy” would be too much. Just like milk chocolate, it is high in calories, fat and sugar. However, when indulging in sweets, one can opt for the ‘lesser of two evils’ – ideally without sacrificing flavor. Thus, pistachio aficionados can take solace in the fact that this trendy treat offers healthier fats compared to its whole milk counterpart. Nonetheless, the generous size of the Dubai Chocolate bar raises some questions. Despite the filling, it comes in a large 200 gram bar. This might tempt individuals to snack more than they typically would. Particularly since the Dubai Chocolate’s shelf life diminishes rapidly once the bar is opened and the pistachio cream is exposed to air. It’s therefore wiser to share it with loved ones! Alternatively, for those who enjoy culinary adventures: why not try making it yourself? Then, you also have the choice of how much sugar you add. You can also use pistachio puree instead of cream (which saves sugar and unhealthy fats) and dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content. The benefit of dark chocolate lies in its higher concentration of beneficial phytochemicals.