Recipes
Costco's New Dubai-Inspired Ice Cream Takes Center Stage
2025-04-23

This spring, Costco is set to introduce an exciting new dessert inspired by the Middle Eastern delicacy, Dubai Chocolate. This latest addition to their frozen section features a pistachio ice cream core enveloped in a crispy milk chocolate shell, echoing the global trend sparked by Fix Dessert Chocolatier's original creation. The treat’s unique blend of textures and flavors has captured international attention, leading to various adaptations across brands. While some consumers may find the price steep, the buzz surrounding this novelty continues to draw interest, reflecting broader trends toward exotic flavor profiles in the culinary world.

According to food blogger Markie Devo, the much-anticipated Dubai Chocolate ice cream bars are now hitting Costco shelves. These treats represent Costco's take on the viral sensation that originated from Dubai. The concept was pioneered by Sarah Hamouda and Yezen Alani, whose innovative knafeh-infused chocolate bar became a social media hit thanks to content creator Maria Vehera's viral video last year. The original product gained immense popularity due to its combination of rich pistachio cream and crunchy kataifi wrapped in a thick chocolate casing.

The Costco rendition, crafted exclusively by Southern California-based Afters Ice Cream, made its debut earlier this month at the Coachella music festival. Known for experimenting with unconventional flavors such as Ube and Saigon, Afters has once again pushed boundaries with this pistachio-inspired delight. Each box contains ten bars and retails for $18, a cost that some online commentators consider high for trying something new. Nevertheless, many enthusiasts remain undeterred, eagerly snapping up the dessert during their warehouse visits.

In parallel, other major chains like Shake Shack and Dunkin' have also embraced the pistachio craze this season, introducing limited-time offerings that cater to the growing demand for these flavors. Although the authentic Dubai Chocolate Bar remains exclusive to the region or specific importers in the U.S., its influence extends far beyond geographical borders. Product developers worldwide continue refining their versions of this viral dessert, making it more accessible while preserving its distinctive appeal.

As the season progresses, the prominence of pistachio-infused sweets shows no signs of waning. From gourmet establishments to mass-market retailers, the incorporation of these flavors signifies a shift towards exploring richer, nuttier taste experiences. For those curious about diving into this trend, the only remaining question is not if, but when they will indulge in this delectable innovation.

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