Dubai Chocolate Craze Fuels Smuggling and Quality Concerns in Germany

A social media-driven hype around the luxurious pistachio-filled treat has led to smuggling incidents and regulatory scrutiny over labeling and safety.

German customs officials seized 460 bars of Dubai chocolate, weighing 90 kilograms, from a traveler at Hamburg Airport, citing improper labeling and potential tax evasion.
The confiscated chocolate, purchased in Istanbul for €4.60 per bar, is sold in Germany at an average price of €25 per bar, highlighting its lucrative resale market.
The hype around Dubai chocolate, fueled by social media, has led to long lines at stores and a significant increase in demand, with some consumers resorting to making their own versions at home.
Regulators in Germany, including the Hessian State Laboratory, have found no health risks in most samples but flagged one product for inadequate labeling of ingredients and allergens.
The chocolate, filled with pistachio cream and fine pastry threads known as 'angel hair,' has become a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, adding to its appeal and scarcity.