Pistachio Ice cream – love it? Hate it? Impartial? No matter how you feel about one thing is clear it is a trend that doesn’t look like it is going anywhere and has been taking over. In late 2023, a TikTok video featuring the indulgent “Dubai chocolate” a luxurious blend of milk chocolate, pistachio cream, and kataifi pastry went viral, amassing over 120 million views but did you know Dubai chocolate actually first launched in 2021! However it didn’t take off until creators on TikTok started sharing it – reminding us of the power that social media can have. This surge in popularity for this viral treat ignited a global fascination with pistachio-flavored treats, including an increase in demand for pistachio ice cream (have you noticed this?).
Why should I care?
The ripple effect of this trend has been significant in the ice cream world that we live in. Major brands like Häagen-Dazs reintroduced their pistachio ice cream to the supermarket shelves, while we have also seen retailers such as Costco launching a Dubai chocolate-inspired ice cream bar. We are yet to try it and give our verdict! In the UK, supermarkets including Aldi have introduced their own versions of Dubai-style ice cream, reflecting the flavour’s growing appeal.
This was only just launched by Aldi on 14th March 2025 and clearly reflects the growing influence of Middle Eastern-inspired flavours in the UK dessert market, with pistachio emerging as a key trend and has driven significant consumer interest, leading to high demand and rapid sell-outs for various retailers.
Do we have enough pistachio in the world?
However, this pistachio boom has also led to challenges. The heightened demand contributed to pistachio shortage (mainly in the US), with prices increasing from $7.65 to $10.30 per pound. Despite this, the pistachio flavor trend shows no signs of slowing down, with the market projected to grow from $324.5 million in 2024 to $752.3 million by 2032.
This is why at Machinery World, we recognise the importance of staying ahead of such trends. We have the machinery to support you if you choose to join the pistachio trend. Our state-of-the-art ice cream machinery is designed to help producers like you to innovate and meet the evolving tastes of consumers. Whether you’re looking to capitalise on the pistachio craze or explore new flavour horizons, we’re here to support your journey.
If you’re looking to get on the pistachio wave and craft your own version of this trending flavour, Machinery World recommends using a ROKK ingredients feeder, ripple pump, and chocolate tank -ideal for incorporating pistachio paste, ripples, and textured inclusions with precision and consistency. These machines are trusted by artisan and industrial producers alike, and we currently have a wide range available on our website.
So our question is have you tried the viral dubai chocolate and what are your thoughts?
References:
- https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/eat/coles-woolies-respond-to-global-supermarket-pistachio-shortage/news-story/8579b06b87bbbd1bffc8e2f4c5139ccf
- https://www.foodandwine.com/afters-dubai-chocolate-ice-cream-bar-costco-11719719
- https://www.ctinsider.com/food/article/ghirardelli-nyc-dubai-chocolate-sundae-20288555.php
- https://www.foodandwine.com/pistachio-flavor-of-2025-11703296
- https://www.specialityfoodmagazine.com/food-and-drink/dubai-chocolate-bar-pistachio-flavour-trend
- https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/apr/19/tiktok-trend-for-dubai-chocolate-causes-international-shortage-of-pistachios
- https://www.fastcompany.com/91320386/viral-dubai-chocolate-pistachio-shortage
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