Aldi's Dubai-Style Chocolate Spread Creates Shopping Frenzy and Regional Frustration
Shoppers across the UK are flocking to Aldi supermarkets in a determined quest to secure the retailer's latest budget-friendly indulgence: a Dubai-style pistachio chocolate spread. This new product from Aldi's in-house brand, Dairyfine, has ignited significant excitement among consumers, with many reporting they are "eating it all" in a single sitting. However, this fervent demand is juxtaposed with notable disappointment from customers who find the item unavailable in their local stores, particularly sparking complaints from international shoppers.
The Viral Dessert Reimagined as a Spreadable Treat
The product represents a novel, spreadable interpretation of the phenomenally popular Dubai-style chocolate bar, which first captured global attention online in 2023. The original confection is renowned for its unique combination of a pistachio-tahini cream and kadayif filling, all enveloped in milk chocolate. While the precise origins of the dessert are debated—with claims from Fix Dessert Chocolatier, Filipino chef Nouel Catis Omamalin, and British-Egyptian engineer Sarah Hamouda—its popularity is undeniable. This has led to a wave of similar products from major brands like Lindt, Marks and Spencer, and Lidl.
Aldi's entry into this market, priced at £3.99, offers consumers an affordable way to experience the luxurious flavours that gained fame on social media. The Dairyfine range, already celebrated for its value-driven chocolate bars and snacks such as Giant Buttons and Titan bars, has expanded with this creamy, crunchy spread.
Social Media Buzz and Consumer Reactions
The launch was significantly amplified by TikTok, where user Ell shared a video from her local Aldi showcasing "countless jars" of the new spread. Her post rapidly accumulated over 842,000 views and hundreds of enthusiastic comments. In the caption, she noted, "New Dubai chocolate spread in Aldi.. sounds so good". The official Aldi TikTok account engaged with the post, humorously confirming, "Before anyone asks, yes you can just eat it with a spoon", to which Ell replied, "The best way".
Shopper feedback in the comments section has been overwhelmingly positive, yet revealing of the product's addictive nature:
- One user exclaimed, "It's so good and it's £3.99".
- Another inquired about texture, asking, "Does it have the crunchy bits?" receiving confirmation from Ell.
- A third candidly admitted, "I have eaten a whole jar of that lol it's so good".
- Others shared similar experiences, with comments like "Currently eating this with a spoon" and "It's SO good".
Availability Issues Spark Cross-Atlantic Disappointment
Despite the excitement, the launch has not been without its critics. A significant point of contention is the product's limited availability, which has particularly dismayed shoppers in the United States. Numerous comments on social media platforms highlight a sense of missing out on Aldi's Dubai-chocolate inspired range, which also includes items like a £1.99 ice cream.
American customers have voiced their frustration clearly:
- One person pleaded, "America needs to get with [it] already".
- Another questioned, "Why is the Aldi in the UK always better than the US. PLS BRING THIS TO THE US".
- A third demanded, "The US NEEDS this asap! Please Aldi".
- Others lamented the absence, with one stating, "Never in the US [shaking my head]" and another noting, "We don't have the Dubai chocolate ice cream either".
Conversely, one commenter offered a lighter perspective, joking that its absence in the USA might prevent a nationwide sell-out. Nevertheless, the regional disparity underscores the challenges of product distribution and the intense consumer demand for viral food trends. As Aldi continues to innovate with budget-friendly treats like this Dubai-style spread, balancing supply with global shopper expectations remains a key consideration.
