Is Dubai Chocolate a Healthier Dessert Option?

The mouthwatering treat, Dubai chocolate, has become the latest social media hit. But how does it compare to mainstream chocolate bars when it comes to healthy eating? Our analysis revealed some surprising findings.

There's barely anyone who hasn't seen videos where a chocolate bar is split into two, and a crunchy green pistachio paste appears. The taste is usually followed by a pleasantly surprised face, often concluding that paying as much as $29 for one bar is worth it.

Originally created at Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, this type of chocolate is now being sold around the world, and home chefs are trying to replicate it in their kitchens.

Consumers can choose between milk and dark chocolate combined with creamy pistachio spread with crispy knafeh, which is shredded phyllo dough and sometimes includes tahini in the filling mix.

However, before you succumb to the temptation of the viral chocolate bar, look at how it compares to other types of chocolate, according to an analysis by Sandra Vigelienė, a health content researcher at Wellnesspulse who holds a degree in Global Nutrition and Health.

For the analysis, Vigelienė picked four commonly found chocolates. Two of them contain fillings, Ferrero Rosher Dark hazelnut filling chocolate and Ferrero Rosher Milk hazelnut and almond filling chocolate, and two don't have any filling, Lindt excellence 85% cocoa dark chocolate, and Hershey's Milk chocolate.

Eastanbul Dubai Chocolate was chosen because it has nutritional information available online, contrary to many other product alternatives and interpretations.

Surprising calorie content

Dubai chocolate was found to have the fewest calories — 124 kcal per serving size (25 grams). Only Hershey's milk chocolate has a comparably similar calorie content per serving, 130 kcal.

Meanwhile, both dark and milk Ferrero Rosher chocolates with fillings contain around 170-180 kcal per similar serving (30 grams). Even Lindt's Excellence 85% cocoa dark chocolate seems to have a higher calorie content of 170 kcal per similar serving size.

"Thus potentially doubling the calorie intake and macronutrient content per serving," Vigelienė adds.

* per serving size of 25 to 30 g

A good option for limiting saturated fat

Saturated fat is a type of unhealthy fat that can cause cholesterol to build up in the arteries. According to the dietary guidelines, no more than 10% of the daily calories should come from saturated fats.

The saturated fat content in milk and dark Ferrero Rosher chocolates with filling and Lindt dark (85% cocoa) chocolate varies between 7 and 8 grams per serving, and Hershey's milk chocolate without filling contains around 4.5 grams per serving. Meanwhile, the reviewed Dubai chocolate provides only 3.6 g of saturated fats per serving.

"This creates an interesting phenomenon, as one may assume that pistachio filling could potentially provide more saturated fatty acids," Vigelienė adds.

Avoiding added sugar? Pick dark chocolate

The high consumption of added sugar may play a role in health problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. However, mainstream chocolate bars are rarely free of added sugar, and the reviewed products are no exception.

Only Lindt dark chocolate contains less added sugar, 4 grams per serving. According to Vigelienė, this is no surprise because most dark chocolates usually have lower added sugar content.

More fiber in Dubai chocolate, please

Dietary fiber is a plant-based nutrient that helps avoid constipation and lower cholesterol, among other essential functions. Vigelienė says most chocolates have some levels of naturally occurring dietary fiber due to ingredients added to make them.

However, all the chocolates reviewed, including the Dubai chocolate, have minimal dietary fiber content, varying between 0.7 and 4 grams per serving.

Sandra Vigelienė, BSc

Health content researcher

Most of the reviewed chocolates contain about 10-12 grams of added sugar, or about three teaspoons, per serving, compared to 9.4 grams in the reviewed Dubai chocolate.

Dubai chocolate is not your protein bar

Dubai chocolate's protein content per serving is similar to that of most of the reviewed common chocolate brands, around 2 grams per serving. Protein has many important functions, including helping the body repair and make new cells.

Lindt dark chocolate, with 85% cocoa, contains the highest protein content, 4 grams per serving.

"It is fair to state that none of the reviewed chocolates could be considered protein sources or would contribute tremendously to the overall daily protein intake, especially when considering the added sugar or saturated fats content," Vigelienė adds.

How much Dubai chocolate is okay to eat?

There are no good or bad foods, and occasionally indulging in Dubai chocolate shouldn’t be a problem either. But how much of it can you eat safely?

The American dietary guidelines suggest that the added sugar intake should be limited to less than 10% of daily calories, equating to about 50 grams (12 teaspoons) in a standard 2000 kcal diet.

A small piece of Dubai chocolate containing around 9.4 grams (2.5 teaspoons) of added sugar contributes significantly to its daily intake, especially considering that many foods eaten daily may also contain some levels of added sugar, Vigelienė says.

As with any other sweet treat, those who have to monitor their sugar intake due to health conditions such as insulin resistance or diabetes should be more mindful of the amount of Dubai chocolate they eat.

Vigelienė concludes, “However, treats, including Dubai chocolate, can generally be a part of a healthy and balanced dietary pattern when consumed occasionally and in moderation.”

Compared to other reviewed products, Dubai chocolate can be a healthier dessert option for those who want to consume fewer calories and limit their saturated fat intake. However, if you want to avoid added sugar and add more fiber to your diet, choose dark chocolate with at least 85% cocoa.