Author: Chocolate Covered Weekly

Charles M. Schulz, the American cartoonist behind Charlie Brown and Snoopy, once said, “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” I agree with Schulz, and I’m sure plenty of you do too. A little (or a lot) of chocolate is a very good thing, especially when it comes to gifting. Kate Kassin has eaten enough chocolate in her lifetime that she says she feels overqualified to write this guide. Here are some of her absolute favorite chocolate gifts, from artist-designed sets of bars to a bundle fit for the best of bakers, for the ultimate Willy Wonkas in your life. Click HERE.

Ghirardelli has joined the Dubai chocolate trend with new milk chocolate–covered truffles filled with pistachio cream and crunchy kataifi, offering a bite-sized spin on the viral dessert. The launch reflects how major brands are adapting the once-exclusive Dubai chocolate into an accessible, everyday indulgence — backed by Ghirardelli’s 170 years of chocolate-making expertise. Arriving just in time for the holidays, the new truffles mark Ghirardelli’s first national foray into the trend, following a limited pistachio sundae test earlier this year.

UNREAL Snacks specializes in the classic candy bars you likely grew up eating, but with a slightly different list of ingredients. (The brand also sells chocolate-covered almonds and pretzels.)  Unlike most candy bars on shelves, UNREALs candies are made with simple ingredients, colored with natural vegetable dyes, and contain no additives, artificial sugars, or sugar alcohols. All ingredients are also fair trade, certified non-GMO, vegan, and gluten free. The UNREAL Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars, contain just three ingredients: organic coconut, organic cassava syrup, and dark chocolate. Each bar has 3 grams of sugar (51% less than the leading brand on equal weight basis) and is individually wrapped so you can easily throw one in your bag for a moment of bliss on the go. The bar isn’t sickeningly sweet, either. Plus, the shredded coconut adds a chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the dark chocolate for a rich, indulgent bite. As per the name, they’re unreal. You can find them at Amazon, Costco, Publix, Sprouts, Whole Foods, and more (or grab them directly on the brand’s website). Read more, HERE.

It’s too soon to tell for sure, but the Dubai chocolate movement seems to have put down roots and is spreading at a brisk clip. The sweet flavors and thick texture that have made Dubai chocolate bars a hit are morphing into other kinds of confections too. Let’s back up for a minute. The original and now-classic Dubai chocolate bar was created by Fix Chocolatier in the United Arab Emirates in 2021, and by 2023 had exploded on social media. Rich and indulgent, it features a thick, milk chocolate shell usually encasing a creamy pistachio (and often tahini) filling mixed with crispy, shredded, phyllo-like pastry called kadayif. Global brands and small bakers alike are riffing on the concept, translating it to croissants, milkshakes and more. Fillings range from peanut butter and jelly to s’mores to matcha. The craze has even contributed to a pistachio shortage this year, the Iranian nut producer Keinia has reported. It said the primary reason for the shortage is “the explosive surge in demand fueled by the viral ’Dubai chocolate’ TikTok trend, compounded by underlying supply constraint.” Globally, Google searches for “Dubai chocolate” shot up quickly at the start of the year before peaking in March. They’ve remained elevated since then, according to Google Trends. Allall carries 12 flavors of Dubai chocolate bar, as well as chocolate- and pistachio-covered Dubai dates, Dubai-coated roasted nuts, a layered Dubai chocolate strawberry parfait, and a Dubai Golden Chocolate bar infused with edible 24-karat gold for $79.99 (their regular 6.5-ounce bars sell for $18.99). Big retailers and restaurants have gotten on board. Trader Joe’s carries a Dubai chocolate bar made by Patislove. IHOP introduced a limited-time Dubai pancake stack in some locations in August. Baskin-Robbins has some Dubai-inspired ice cream products on its menu, while Costco sells a range of Dubai chocolate confections, including a Dubai chocolate cake. Walmart and QVC also sell Dubai chocolate. Swiss chocolate giant Lindt has a bar, and drew crowds when it debuted a limited number of them in Europe last fall. Read more, HERE.

Any big fan of Costco can tell you that the company has a lot of legendary “lost” products that you can’t find on store shelves anymore. Among the many secrets of the Costco bakery, the fudgy All-American Chocolate Cake vanished from the warehouse’s stock sometime in 2020. However, the lost cake — or perhaps something very close to it — appears to be back in the Costco bakery section, much to the delight of chocolate lovers everywhere. The Instagram account @costcohotfinds, run by Laura Jayne Lamb with 3.2 million followers, recently posted an alert that the customer-favorite cake had returned to Costco, with a few slight changes. The dessert is now labeled as “Chocolate Fudge Cake,” instead of mentioning that it’s specifically All-American, and the chocolate shavings that were once standard exterior decoration are now nowhere to be seen. Still, all things considered, Lamb insists that the cake tastes exactly like its previous iteration, and is likely the same recipe. Costco’s Chocolate Fudge Cake goes for about $25 a pop, which might sound slightly pricy. To be fair, it is a nearly six-pound, solid chunk of four layers of fudge filling and fudge icing. So you’re getting quite a bit of chocolate for the money. It’s not the only chocolate cake available at Costco; the warehouse retailer offers a number of fairly sizable chocolate cakes. The Kirkland Signature All-American Chocolate Cake specifically seemed to have a bit of a cult following until pandemic-era supply chain issues put it on ice, so it’s a nice sign that it seems to have reappeared in almost the same form. Read more, HERE.

When it comes to good chocolate, high-quality ingredients matter and true chocolate lovers know the difference in taste. From ethically sourced cocoa to real ingredients and minimal additives, excellent chocolate stands out in both flavor and texture. “Pastry chefs like myself will often opt for couverture chocolate when given the choice,” says Trina DeKett, Pastry Chef for 12+ years and Operations and Creative Specialist @ BaKIT Box “Couverture chocolate contains a high percentage of cocoa butter – at least 31%,” she explains. “The more cocoa butter, the easier the melting process, the smoother the texture, and you can use couverture for anything from chocolate showpieces to ganache’s, to extremely good brownies!” Whether you’re indulging in your favorite bar or gifting a luxurious box of truffles, choosing brands that prioritize premium ingredients makes every bite better. Here are the top seven chocolate brands known for using the highest quality ingredients, according to Chef Trina (click HERE).

Costco was quick to jump on the train and started selling a Dubai chocolate cake — and it’s delicious. Evidently, plenty of other Costco shoppers loved it just as much, because people are posting on social media that Costco just dropped a mini version of the delectable treat. Costco’s Dubai Chocolate Mini Cakes are individual-size desserts, and they come in a pack of four for just $13. Who needs a whole cake when you can bring home these visually beautiful and tasty confections? Based on the packaging, it seems like these cakes come from a different company than the bigger version but shoppers still seem excited. It features layers of chocolate cake, chocolate frosting, and a layer of dense pistachio filling that delivers the flavor combination we’ve all come to know and love. Plus, it’s topped with chopped-up pistachios. The one thing you should know before adding these adorable little cakes to your cart is that they are rich — like, super rich. “These are really good but SUPER chocolately!!!” one Costco shopper commented. But if you’re a big chocolate fan, you’re going to love them. “I tried them, too! So freaking GOOD!! Worth every cent!!” another commenter said. “My lady at Costco said you gotta microwave for 15 seconds, and it’s next level 🤌,” a third added. There’s no telling how long Costco will keep the Dubai Chocolate Mini Cakes in stock, but if they’re as popular as the original cake, they might be sticking around for a while. Either way, you’ll want to get your hands on some ASAP to try them out for yourself — but only if you really love chocolate.

If you have yet to hop on the Dubai chocolate train, don’t worry, as the trend is still firmly in its heyday — and you don’t even have to make your own pistachio cream to try it. In fact, earlier in 2025 Shake Shack released a Dubai chocolate shake, and the same summer saw Crumbl dropping a stellar Dubai chocolate brownie, much to the delight of doting fans. Several craft chocolate makers have understandably thrown their hats in the ring, and the result was one of the best taste-tests  done to date. Surprisingly, though the same basic ingredients go into making every variation of Dubai chocolate, all the bars tasted starkly different from one another. Some were more subtle, while others boasted a thick and creamy center. A few let the kadayif take center stage, and some brands brought ample salt into the equation. Emily Hunt, posted on TastingTable.com., ranked 6 bars. The bars at the bottom represent the most basic iterations of the treat that are suitable for those new to the flavor profile, while those toward the top are for consumers familiar with the profile and ready for a treat that really packs a punch. Click HERE to see the winners.

In 2024, getting what’s now known as a Dubai chocolate bar was nearly impossible. But now, other companies are capitalizing on the treat’s success. They were originally called, “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” bars, and up until recently, they were exclusively made in Dubai. Then, they went viral and in the process they become much less exclusive as chocolate makers worked to meet the new demand. So, where can you get Dubai chocolate in the U.S. these days? Here’s what to know. Click, HERE.

The Cookie Dough Ice Cream Connoisseurs:
Ashia Aubourg: Freelance food editor and writer
Stephen Ingber: Denver-based private chef
Rena Awada: Recipe developer and food blogger for Healthy Fitness Meals
Shawna Clark: Recipe developer, cookbook author, and creator of Healthy Foodie Girl
Ashley D’Acunto: Owner of Phat Ash Bakes, a bakery in Orlando, FL
Shelbie Todd: Blogger and foodie at sincerely.shelbie

Click, HERE, for their response.

To the eight states that don’t have a Trader Joe’s: We’re sorry for your loss. You’re not only missing out on hidden gems in the freezer aisle and high-protein meals and snacks, but you’re deprived of the store’s plethora of both classic and unique desserts. That includes a multi-tier stand of store-brand chocolate bars. Granted, many of these candies are similar to each other with some only having slight variations. However, Trader Joe’s can still be applauded for offering more options than you can count on both hands. White chocolate lovers are unfortunately out of luck when shopping at TJ’s, but for those who reach for milk chocolate or dark chocolate, you’re sure to find a candy bar that suits your preferences. Megin Lim sampled every one of Trader Joe’s chocolate bars and can point fellow sweets lovers in the right direction. Click, HERE, for  the ones worth trying out from among the store’s vast selection.

AWAKE Chocolate, the maker of delicious and functional caffeinated chocolate bites and bars, today announced its exciting entry into Costco warehouses throughout the Southeast United States. Beginning August 8 and running through October 31, Costco members will be able to purchase the exclusive 32-count Dark Chocolate Variety Pack, featuring fan-favorite Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel and Dark Chocolate Salted Almond bites. Each AWAKE Caffeinated Chocolate bite delivers 50 mg of caffeine, providing a convenient pick-me-up equivalent to approximately half a cup of coffee. Additionally, AWAKE is crafted with Fairtrade chocolate and contains only 60-70 calories per serving. This expansion into Costco marks a significant milestone for AWAKE, making its innovative products more accessible to consumers seeking an effective and sweet way to stay energized.

It is hard to imagine that, in the span of a year, the phrase “Dubai chocolate” went from sparking confusion to being a fixture of everyday conversation and maybe even your regular coffeehouse order. With the rise of Dubai chocolate’s popularity, you may also ask yourself: just what is this stuff, exactly? And how did it become so famous? In the earliest days of this dessert trend, “Dubai chocolate” originally referred to just one chocolate bar in particular: Fix Dessert Chocolatier’s “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” chocolate bar (knafeh is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with crispy pastry). Instead of being an item that bolsters the Fix Dessert Chocolatier menu, this luxury chocolate bar was a craving that inspired Fix Dessert’s founder, Sarah Hamouda, to start the dessert business. Read more, HERE.

You don’t need to be the most online person to have seen Dubai-style chocolate pop up on your feed at least once a day. The growing chocolate trend refers to the luxury or premium chocolates associated with Dubai—often created by high-end brands and sold in elaborate, gift-style packaging. The latest Dubai chocolate trend? It’s all about pistachio. This rich, creamy flavor combo usually features white or milk chocolate stuffed with velvety pistachio filling, sometimes topped with crushed nuts for extra flair. The result feels elegant, elevated and perfectly tailored for a bit of high-end indulgence. And now, just in time to capitalize on the growing trend, Costco is stuffing its freezers with an iconic 15-count box of La Menorquina Mini Dubai Chocolate Style Sandwiches. Perfect for a quick indulgence on the go or an elevated dessert with loved ones, this exciting summer find retails for a cool $16.99 and is guaranteed to sell out fast.

Lindt’s Dubai-style chocolate bar is now available across the U.S. at major retailers including Walmart, Target, Walgreens, and Kroger, after being sold only in Lindt stores and online. Online, the bar received mixed reviews, praising its presentation and texture but criticizing it for lacking a robust pistachio flavor compared to other versions on the market. The bar’s release follows the viral popularity of Dubai-style chocolate on TikTok, with Lindt’s limited-edition batch selling out in less than 24 hours last December. Since then, the brand has reformulated the recipe.

Earlier this year, Shake Shack became the first fast food chain to introduce a Dubai Chocolate item to its menus. And, of course, it was in the form of Shake Shack’s famous custard shake. However, the Dubai chocolate-inspired shake was only available at select restaurants, and it sold out incredibly quickly. After seeing the success, the chain has decided to bring the shake back to Shacks—and this time, nationwide. Shake Shack’s Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Shake is made with pistachio custard mixed with toasted kataifi shredded phyllo, all in a cup with the chain’s first-ever magic shell. The crackable dark chocolate shell is prepared and frozen in place, so when customers get the shake, they can squeeze the cup and get the same satisfying crunch as they would from the bar. The shake is also topped with chopped pistachios and crunchy kataifi. Beginning June 24, the shake will be sold at all Shake Shack locations for a limited time.

Ali Domrongchai, Associate Editor, Groceries, of thekitchn.com reviews these scrumptious treats: Each day I have a sweet little something. I keep frozen cookie dough in my freezer at all times for freshly baked chocolate chip cookies whenever I want. I consider a tray of fudgy brownies to be my love language, and I have a designated candy bowl in my living room with all sorts of bites. Chocolate is definitely one of my life’s greatest joys, and among my all-time favorite chocolate bars are the Chocolate Hazelnut ones from Hu Kitchen. They’re decadent, rich, and full of creamy hazelnut filling, which makes it hard for me to finish in one sitting. So when I heard that the brand released bite-size versions of my favorite chocolate bar, I obviously had to try it out for myself. Spoiler alert: Despite its miniature size, it’s somehow even better than the original. The Hu Kitchen Hazelnut Dark Chocolate Bites first hit stores nationwide in early May and contain 70% dark chocolate and a creamy, hazelnut filling. In fact, there are just four ingredients: all-organic cacao, unrefined coconut sugar, hazelnut butter, and cocoa butter. There are six individually wrapped chocolates in a bag, which retail for around $7.99 to $8.99 depending on the retailers. You can find them at Amazon and Instacart, as well as Whole Foods Market and Kroger. My favorite part about Hu’s chocolate bites is that they are made with such simple ingredients — no additives, fillers, or preservatives. I really taste the chocolate, without any odd aftertaste or residue on my tongue (which happens a lot with other chocolate bars I’ve tried). I expected nothing less; these bites are made with the exact same ingredients as the OG bars, and I was delightfully right. The chocolate is sweet, but more decadent than anything. It is dark chocolate so I wouldn’t describe it as creamy, but the hazelnut filling is, so it balances out and makes it all taste so wonderful. The hazelnut is nutty and sweet and together. The bites remind me of a firm spoonful of Nutella. These bites are also THICK — nearly double the height of a square of a Hu Kitchen Chocolate Hazelnut Bar (which I love). I can’t tell if it’s because I just like miniature things, but I find them to be superior to the bar, too. Buy Hu Kitchen Hazelnut Butter Dark Chocolate Bites, $8.99 for 2.75 ounces at Amazon.

The Hershey Company’s One brand is releasing a new Hershey’s Double Chocolate-flavored bar. The new protein bar is made with real Hershey’s cocoa and chocolate chips, but with only one gram of sugar. So, you’ll still get the indulgent chocolaty flavor, but in a better-for-you package. The One x Hershey’s Double Chocolate bars boast 18 grams of protein per serving, making them the perfect mid-day snack to keep you going until meal time. One’s new Hershey’s-flavored bars are currently available in select markets, with nationwide availability coming soon. They join One’s other popular flavors, like Cinnamon Roll, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and S’mores, which all pack in 20 grams of protein. Now, whether you’re looking for a pick-me-up protein snack with Hershey’s One or a new way to make s’mores with Hershey’s recently released Milk Chocolate With Caramel Bar, you can turn to your favorite candy bar at any time of day.

Dove, the brand behind the popular creamy chocolate squares called Promises, is teaming up with Snack Pack to entice dark chocolate lovers everywhere. The new Dove Dark Chocolate Pudding Cups feature three types of cocoa to produce a super-rich, chocolaty dessert that gives regular milk chocolate pudding a run for its money. Additionally, the pudding contains twice as much milk as other Snack Pack products, providing extra creamy, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. If it’s anything like Dove’s fan-favorite Dark Chocolate Promises, we know this one will be a hit. It’s unclear when these will be rolling out to stores, but according to a press release, they will be sold in packs of six for around $3.19.

The trendy grocer is finally bringing the trendiest chocolate treat, the Dubai chocolate bar, to its shelves. The rich, dark chocolate-coated squares, filled with pistachio cream and crispy golden kataifi, are produced by Patislove, a food group brand specializing in handcrafted chocolates, which also confirmed the news on May 19, 2025, with a post on its own Instagram page. While the exact timing of when the bars will appear at your local store is still up in the air, a TikTok video shows they’ll be available for stores to order on May 26. Priced at just $3.99, TJ’s Dubai-inspired chocolates are sure to be one of — if not the — most affordable of the limited Dubai chocolate options in the U.S.

The rich taste of chocolate (as a food) has been gracing our taste buds since the 1800s, and this decadent treat isn’t likely to go out of style any time soon. Whether milk, white, or dark is your go-to, chocolate comes in a wide range of varieties, from bite-sized truffles to hearty slabs. And, whilst the basic formula for making chocolate has remained fairly constant over time, we’ve seen several chocolate-related trends come and go. In 2025, chocolate’s place in the foodie scene is unwavering, and there are many trends on the rise, some of which you might already be familiar with. These trendy takes on classic chocolate are transforming the flavor, texture, and appearance of products on the market today. Consumers are more conscious of where their chocolate comes from and are seeking products that can cater to different dietary requirements. Modern technology is also making it far quicker and easier to craft chocolates with eye-catching colors and intricate designs. Click HERE to find out which chocolate trends are booming this year and beyond.

We love the convenience of boxed cake mix, but at times, it seems like nothing can beat a homemade treat. Store-bought desserts lack the taste and quality of a made-from-scratch cake … or so we thought. Duncan Hines’ Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix completely raised our expectations of what we’ve come to anticipate from a store-bought mix. Ready-made mixes have a reputation for being artificial tasting, overly sweet, coarse, and generally of poor quality.  Read more, HERE.

The best breakfast cereals don’t always have to taste like breakfast food. Sometimes, it can taste like dessert — especially when you choose a chocolate cereal. Whether you elect to eat it first thing in the morning or save it for your after-dinner snack, chocolate cereal can be a delicious way to add more sweetness to your life. And while there were only a few chocolate cereal options back in the day, they’re seemingly everywhere in the 2020s, with seemingly every mainstream cereal brand having released a chocolate-flavored version of its best-known cereals. Here are 13 chocolate breakfast cereals ranked from worst to best (click, HERE)

Costco is jumping on the Dubai chocolate bandwagon this spring, and the beloved bulk retailer is introducing a new ice cream inspired by the highly sought-after Middle Eastern treat. Dubai Chocolate ice cream bars are making their way to Costco’s frozen section, food blogger Markie Devo announced this week. This “hand-dipped frozen dessert” — filled with pistachio ice cream and topped with a crunchy milk chocolate coating — is inspired by the wildly Instagrammable chocolate bar, which has been trending online over the past few months. It’s easy to see why the treat has become a worldwide obsession: It takes a thick chocolate bar and fills it with pistachio cream and kataifi (shredded bits of toasted phyllo dough), adding a crunchy texture to the smooth filling. The dessert’s popularity is attributed to Fix Dessert Chocolatier, a local Dubai producer led by married couple Sarah Hamouda and Yezen Alani, whose knafeh-filled “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” chocolate bar initially sparked the trend after content creator Maria Vehera posted about it in a now-viral video.

The quality and presentation of chocolate along with the rarity of the cacao beans used can make the chocolate terribly cheap or super expensive. Chocolate companies have gone as far as to partner with jewelry companies. They’ve festooned chocolates with edible gold to create uber-expensive, limited-edition chocolates with astounding price tags, such as “Le Chocolate Box.” This was a $1.5 million extravaganza from Lake Forest Confections and Simon Jewelers that had diamond, ruby, emerald, and sapphire jewelry tucked among several boxes of chocolates. Don’t forget the time that restaurant Serendipity 3 teamed with Euphoria New York to create “Frrrozen Haute Chocolate,” which cost a whopping $25,000 for a blend of cocoa mixed with edible gold — 23-karat gold — and a luxury chocolate truffle. If you need a moment to catch your breath after seeing those prices, you’re not alone. Check out 14 of the most expensive chocolates, HERE.

If you’re searching for the absolute best bar — either for your loved one or yourself — look no further than the treat that was declared the best dark chocolate in the world, according to the 2024 International Chocolate Awards: Norwegian chocolate maker Vigdis Rosenkilde’s 70% cacao Quellouno bar. Simplicity is the key to this winner’s success. Roskenkilde’s 70% Quellouno is made from just two ingredients — sugar and cacao. The latter is sourced from a single-family farm in the Quelloúno district of Cusco, Peru, a region that gives the chocolate both its name and distinct flavor. The result is a bar with a complex profile, including tasting notes of forest berries, pecans, cream, and port wine, along with hints of green apple, plums, vanilla, yellow melon, and banana. If you could give the gift of the best chocolate in the world, why wouldn’t you?

First spotted in select Lindt stores back in December, the limited run of £10 pistachio and crispy kataifi chocolate bars quickly sold out. But don’t worry if you missed out – they’re back in all Lindt UK shops and have now landed online and in supermarkets, too. Inspired by the viral TikTok treat – in which people were literally travelling across the world to get their hands on Dubai chocolate – Lindt’s luxurious interpretation of the flavor features creamy milk chocolate filled with pistachio paste and crispy kadayif pastry, creating a perfect blend of nutty, crunchy and smooth textures.

Did you know that before he became the godfather of American chocolate, Milton Hershey’s first successful business venture was a company that manufactured and sold caramel? Beyond the fact that it’s a match-made-in-heaven combo, chocolate and caramel both share a huge part in Hershey’s legacy—so why not put the two together? Thankfully, we can finally put our hopes and dreams to rest with word that the iconic Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar is getting the caramelly update it so rightfully deserves. According to @candyhunting on Instagram, new Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Caramel Bars are on their way to stores now, and shoppers are going wild. The new treat, likely an homage to the founder himself, takes the classic chocolate bar and stuffs ooey, gooey caramel in the middle. Similar to Rolo’s (IYKYK) or a Cadbury Caramello, this new iteration on a classic has chocolate lovers going berserk. “I must find,” said one shopper. “I’m not gonna not eat these,” hilariously quipped another fan. As a self-described caramel fanatic, I, too, agree that I definitely will not not devour an entire six-pack in one sitting.

Even if you’ve got an undeniable sweet tooth, there’s nothing wrong with being slightly picky about your chocolate. A good chocolate bar should be sweet but not too sweet and have enough bitterness to give the chocolate some character without tasting unpleasant. It should be velvety without being like that chalky dark chocolate in grocery stores. In short, it’s a game of balancing opposites together into something strong but also comforting. Chocolate bars are comfort food, after all. So what’s the best one out there? Chowhound did a full, comprehensive breakdown of chocolate bars, unwrapping and ranking the 20 best chocolate bars on the market. The competition was fierce and often overly sweet, but the winner is a familiar name for San Francisco locals: Ghirardelli’s Intense Dark Chocolate was the clear winner, just narrowly beating out Lindt’s Intense Orange Dark Chocolate in second place.