Trader Joe’s Adds Wildly Popular Viral Chocolate Dupe to Its Shelves

Trader Joe’s is reportedly bringing its version of a wildly popular viral chocolate treat to stores. But due to limited availability, it’s expected to fly off the shelves fast.

In a Reddit post, a Trader Joe’s employee revealed that Dubai Chocolate will be added to the supermarket’s candy section. It will reportedly hit shelves on May 28 at the low price of $3.99 in a dark chocolate version. Its ingredients are reportedly similar to the original FIX Dessert Chocolatier version from Dubai.

This is a significant savings for the candy treat that has become a 2025 sensation. Taste of Home reported that Dubai chocolate went viral after a TikTok video showing a young woman eating the candy took the internet by storm. The original treat is called Pistachio Kataifi Chocolate Bar and is inspired by a traditional Middle Eastern dessert. The candy contains a shredded phyllo pastry called Kataifi, pistachio, and chocolate.

Authentic Dubai Chocolate comes with steep overseas shipping costs, making the sweet treat a luxury indulgence for most consumers. Other chocolate bars inspired by the original are historically more expensive than standard candy, largely due to the craftsmanship and labor involved in replicating the intricate, layered design. Therefore, Trader Joe’s version of this confection, clocking in at $3.99, is a significant savings as some bars retail for $15 and up. Walmart has the original imported bar from Dubai for sale on its website, retailing for $35.90.

Reddit users shared their thoughts on the news. One person wrote, “Omg I can finally try it without spending a fortune?” A second commented, “Gonna try this for sure!” A third penned, “I am THERE!”

What Are Some of Trader Joe’s Most Memorable Dupes?

Trader Joe’s is well known for its cult-favorite “dupe” products. These are affordable alternatives to popular name brands that often go viral. Here are a few standout examples:

• Joe-Joe’s: These chocolate vanilla creme sandwich cookies are Trader Joe’s take on OREOs.
• Chili & Lime Rolled Tortilla Chips: A spicy, crunchy snack often compared to Takis.
• Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream: Frequently dubbed a budget-friendly alternative to L’Occitane’s hand cream.
• Daily Facial Sunscreen: Widely considered a dupe for Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen, offering similar lightweight protection.
• Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: A rich, creamy rival to the classic Reese’s version.
• Cake Pops: Reminiscent of Starbucks’ popular treats.
• Island Soyaki: A sweet and savory teriyaki-style marinade.

RetailWire previously reported on May 12 that Trader Joe’s recently stocked store shelves with a product similar to a discontinued Starbucks drink: Iced Matcha Lemonade. The supermarket sells the beverage for $1.99 per can, while the Starbucks version was priced at $4.50 per cup. In February 2025, Starbucks announced it would be removing 13 drinks from its menu to streamline operations and simplify the ordering process for baristas. Among the discontinued items was the Iced Matcha Lemonade.

Trader Joe’s creates dupes of popular products to offer customers high-quality, affordable alternatives to name brands, often with a unique twist. By reimagining familiar favorites, the retailer taps into consumer trends while maintaining its reputation for value, creativity, and a fun, accessible shopping experience.