If It's Real Kadaif, Use It
Related Products Scheduled for Release in the Second Half of the Year
Daiso has capitalized on the sensational popularity of Dubai chocolate. They are offering authentic Dubai chocolate made with real kadaif noodles for 2,000 won.
Dubai chocolate is a product of the UAE chocolate brand ‘Fix Dessert Chocolatier,’ filled with a mixture of kadaif (thin Middle Eastern noodles) and pistachio cream inside the chocolate. It is characterized by its vibrant colors and crispy texture. At the end of last year, a mukbang video by a local influencer surpassed hundreds of millions of views, gaining worldwide popularity. Even when purchased locally, the price is around 25,000 won, making it quite expensive.
In response, various cafes and convenience stores in Korea have rushed to release copycat versions of Dubai chocolate that they produced themselves. These products sold out immediately after launch or ranked high in search terms on their own apps, reflecting their popularity. Prices range from 4,000 to 10,000 won depending on weight and importer. Some use somyeon (thin wheat noodles) instead of the original kadaif noodles.
The Dubai Kadaif Pistachio Choco sold at Daiso weighs about 30g and is a semi-chocolate product without cocoa or cocoa butter. Unlike some other products that use somyeon, it contains 3.4% real kadaif noodles and 1.26% pistachio, giving it a crunchy texture. The relatively affordable price of 2,000 won per piece is also attractive.
Although the popularity of Dubai chocolate, which was a hit in the first half of this year, is not as strong as before, the food industry continues to release related products. On the 25th, GS25 launched Caramel Pretzel Chocolate, which adds caramel and pretzels to the kadaif noodles used in Dubai chocolate.
Yonsei Dairy completed the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approval for ‘Pistachio Choco Milk’ last month and plans to release it in the second half of this year. Namyang Dairy also received approval for ‘Dubai-style Pistachio Choco Milk’ in August.
Dunkin, operated by SPC B&R Korea, will significantly expand sales of its ‘Dubai Style Chocolate Donut’ launched earlier this month. Initially available at six directly managed stores in the metropolitan area, this donut will be offered at 196 stores nationwide, including franchise locations, starting from the 28th.
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