TikTok food trends come and go, but the Dubai Chocolate bar has really made a name for itself. It quickly caught global attention for its rich taste and satisfying crunch. This success sparked many companies to try and create their own versions, but few have matched its popularity. Will any future TikTok food trends achieve this level of fame?
The origin story of Dubai Chocolate is pretty fascinating. Sarah Hamouda, an entrepreneur from Dubai, turned her pregnancy craving into a hit dessert. Inspired by knafeh, a Middle Eastern treat made with thin pastry and melted cheese, she worked with pastry chef Nouel Catis Omamlin to develop the recipe. She started selling it through her brand, Fix Dessert Chocolatier.
In December 2023, a TikTok ASMR video featuring the bar called “Can’t Get Knafeh Of It” went viral, showcasing its delightful crunch and pistachio center. Influencers and mukbangers jumped on the trend, spreading the word even further.
As food trends catch on, many restaurants seize the moment by incorporating viral items into their menus. Google searches for “Dubai chocolate” surged earlier this year and have maintained high interest, according to AP News.
Now, you can find Dubai Chocolate in places like Crumbl Cookies, which offers brownies and cheesecakes, and Starbucks, which features products like the iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha. This trend has helped restaurants gain new customers and stay relevant.
User feedback has been mixed but interesting. “I tried the Starbucks iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha; it was good, but I liked the Crumbl cookie collaboration way better,” said Jaylene Aguirre, a college student. This shows how users are quickly forming opinions and sharing them online.
Interestingly, while pizza and burgers have been staple fast-food items, dessert trends like this are gaining traction and reshaping menus. According to a recent survey by YouGov, 46% of younger adults have tried food based on social media trends.
As with most viral trends, Dubai Chocolate’s popularity comes with a price tag. Each bar costs around $20, likely due to high demand and quality ingredients. “I was surprised by the price,” admitted Avril Acosta Garcia, another student, after trying it for the first time.
While some TikTok food trends fade away, others stick around long enough to see their recipes hit mainstream menus. So what will the next popular food be in 2026? Time will tell, but the TikTok platform continues to inspire food lovers everywhere.
