Dubai’s Famous Kunafa Chocolate Sparks Global Pistachio Shortage & Nut Price Surge

If you thought the frenzy around those thick, pistachio-flavoured and Kunafa-filled chocolates was over, then you couldn’t be more wrong. According to a report, the viral Dubai chocolate has triggered a global pistachio shortage! This shortage and rising demand for the viral chocolate has also caused the prices of the nuts to soar like never before. Scroll on to know more about this.

Dubai’s Kunafa Chocolate Triggers Pistachio Shortage Across The Globe

Back in 2021, boutique Emirati chocolatier FIX launched a chocolate named ‘Can’t Get Knafeh of It’. The chocolate came with a filling of the popular dessert of the Middle-Eastern region and was a mild hit. That was until a social media video, posted around December 2023, garnered over 120 million views and became a viral sensation. Post that, thousands of people have shared their videos trying to imitate the “viral” Dubai Kunafa chocolate bar.

Now, this has caused a major issue. According to a report by the Financial Times, the popularity of this viral chocolate has sparked a global shortage of pistachios. In fact, the Dubai chocolate garnered popularity at a time when the world was already facing a shortage of pistachio supply.

According to reports, the United States—the world’s largest exporter of pistachios—faced challenges last year due to a disappointing harvest. Iran, the second-largest exporter of pistachios, gained a lot from this growing demand. The country, reportedly, increased its pistachio exports to the UAE by 40% till March 2025, compared to the same period a year earlier.

Since FIX does not export chocolate outside the UAE, it has led many chocolatiers outside the region to imitate the chocolate. Not just chocolate bars, but many other desserts inspired by viral chocolate have taken over the world, and it has added to the demand for pistachio.

Also Read: Preferred By 5-Star Hotels, Mysore’s Chocolate Brand Naviluna Is Changing The Bean-To-Bar Game

Pistachio Prices Surge

The Financial Times report also revealed a steep rise in the prices of pistachio kernels, thanks to the rising global demand for viral Dubai chocolates. As per the report, the prices of pistachio kernels have gone up from $7.65/pound (₹653) a year ago to around $10.30/pound (₹879) now. One pound is approximately 0.45 kg.

Also Read: UAE: Pistachio Kunafa Croissant & Doughnuts Are Flying Off The Shelves; Here’s Where You Can Try Them

Have you tried the viral Dubai chocolate yet? Let us know your actual thoughts about it in the comments.

Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/fixdessertchocolatier & Canva