Okay, I've spent way too much money on chocolate this month. Like, embarrassingly too much. £45 last week alone on that viral Dubai chocolate everyone's been raving about on TikTok. My partner thinks I've lost teh plot, but listen... have you TRIED this stuff?
The Dubai chocolate craze has officially hit mainstream UK shops, and I'm both thrilled and terrified for my bank account. Both Marks & Spencer and Iceland have jumped into the fray with their own versions, and I dragged myself to both stores yesterday to investigate. For research purposes only, obviously.
The Big Daddy Is Back (With a Twist)
M&S is launching their "Pistachio Big Daddy" on April 23rd - a follow-up to their original Big Daddy bar that went viral last summer. Nine whole months of development went into this thing! They actually teased it on This Morning, which I happened to catch while working from home with a "migraine" (sorry, boss).
It's a chunky milk chocolate bar packed with pistachio filling that'll set you back £8.50 for 280g. Worth it? We'll see.
I still remember standing in a 20-minute queue last August to get my hands on the original Big Daddy. The woman behind me actually whispered, "This better change my life for this wait." Poor thing.
Wait... £2 for Dubai Chocolate?!
Meanwhile, Iceland has completely blindsided everyone by launching not one but TWO Dubai-style chocolate bars at prices that won't make you weep.
The Nelino Dubai-Style Chocolate costs just £2 for 62g. TWO POUNDS! Compare that to the Lindt version at Sainsbury's and Waitrose that's a whopping £10 for 145g.
Iceland's also stocking Bolci Dubai Chocolate (£5 for 100g). Both have that signature pistachio cream filling with the crispy kadayif pastry that makes you feel like you're eating something fancy enough to post on Instagram.
My Shameful Chocolate Hoarding Confession
I bought three of each. God. I'm that person now.
The cashier at Iceland gave me a knowing look and said, "Another Dubai chocolate hunter, eh?" I felt seen in the worst possible way.
But Are They Any Good?
I did a blind taste test with my friend Jen last night (after promising her half my stash). The Nelino one from Iceland was... surprisingly decent? Not quite the same luxurious mouthfeel as the expensive ones from actual Dubai, but for £2, it's a solid 7/10.
The Bolci version had a stronger pistachio flavor and better texture. Jen immediately ordered two more online while still eating the first one.
As for the M&S version? We'll have to wait until the 23rd, but based on their original Big Daddy, expectations are high. Their social media post was such a tease: "The best things come to those who wait, right?... Let us take you back to last summer, when our OG Big Daddy was hailed the UK version of THAT viral chocolate bar..."
The Weird Psychology Behind Food Trends
I find it fascinating how we all collectively lose our minds over these food trends. Remember when everyone was making that feta pasta in 2021? Or the cronut madness of 2013? I waited 2 hours in line for a cronut. In the rain. It was... fine.
There's something about exclusivity and FOMO that makes us act like complete lunatics. And I say this as someone who just spent £21 on Dubai-style chocolate in one day.
According to Harry Weston from ITEX Food (spotted his LinkedIn post while doom-scrolling at 1am), these Dubai chocolate tablets have been "already delivering impressive volumes" within just days of launching. Translation: we're all basic and predictable, adn they're making a killing.
The Bottom Line (For Your Waistline)
If you want to try this trend without remortgaging your house, the Iceland options are your best bet. The Nelino one in particular is ridiculously good value.
Will I be lining up for the M&S Pistachio Big Daddy on the 23rd? Absolutely. Will I feel slightly ashamed? Also yes.
But life's too short for chocolate regrets.
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Statistics
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How To
How To Create a Personal Budget That Works
Creating a personal budget involves several key steps. First, assess your income by totaling all sources of revenue, including salary, bonuses, and side hustles. Next, categorize your expenses into fixed (rent, utilities) and variable (groceries, entertainment). Track your spending for at least a month to gather accurate data. Once you have this information, allocate a specific amount for each category while ensuring your total expenses do not exceed your income. Remember to include savings as a line item in your budget. Review and adjust your budget regularly to reflect changes in income or expenses, which will help you stay on track financially.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://hellofaread.com/money/another-one-bites-the-dust-regatta-calls-it-quits-in-dundee-after-just-two-years
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