Dubai Chocolate Craze: Now Available at Starbucks... "Where Can You Get It?"

Premium Dessert Concept Combining Pistachio and Chocolate
Limited Winter Release... No Plans for Korea Yet

As the global popularity of "Dubai Chocolate" continues unabated, Starbucks USA has launched a new limited-time menu featuring "Dubai Chocolate."

New product unveiled by Starbucks USA. Starbucks USA website

Since January 6 (local time), Starbucks USA has been offering "Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha" and "Iced Dubai Chocolate Mocha" as winter season limited menu items at stores across the United States. Starbucks explained that these beverages were developed, inspired by the trend of premium chocolate desserts and drinks.

Dubai Chocolate is a chocolate treat that features a spread made from thin Middle Eastern-style dough called kharayef and pistachios, popular in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is known for its rich flavor and unique texture. In 2023, a Dubai-based influencer introduced it on social media, sparking global attention and a subsequent worldwide shortage.

From Viral Sensation to Official Menu... Launch of 'Dubai Chocolate'

In the United States, as Dubai Chocolate became increasingly difficult to find, "Dubai Chocolate-style" customized drinks began trending on social media. A notable example was the combination of Starbucks Iced Matcha Latte with pistachio sauce and chocolate cream cold foam. In response, Starbucks decided to officially add these drinks to its menu.

The officially launched "Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha" features unsweetened matcha combined with pistachio sauce, milk, and ice, topped with chocolate cream cold foam and salted brown butter. The "Iced Dubai Chocolate Mocha" blends espresso, chocolate mocha sauce, and milk, then adds pistachio cream cold foam and the same toppings.

New product unveiled by Starbucks USA. Starbucks USA website

Beyond Beverages: Food and Merchandise

In addition to beverages, Starbucks has released food and merchandise for the winter season. The menu now includes egg bites with truffle, brie cheese, and mushrooms; cake pops for Valentine's Day; protein popcorn; and new Greek yogurt products. Starbucks Reserve locations are also offering more experimental items such as tiramisu beverages and salted caramel cocktails. Seasonal merchandise, including tumblers and mugs themed around Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day, has also been launched.

However, contrary to the expectations of Korean consumers, there are currently no plans to introduce Dubai Chocolate-related menu items in Korea. A Starbucks Korea representative stated that there are "no special plans for sales of Dubai concept menu items in Korea at this time."