Starbucks Joins the Dubai Chocolate Party
The chain announced its Winter 2026 menu, featuring the trend we’ve seen in just about every format.
Image Courtesy of Starbucks
It was only a matter of time: Starbucks is getting in on the Dubai Chocolate trend.
We’ve seen the pistachio-and-chocolate candy-bar creation, which first went viral in late 2023, translated into shake, brownie and mochi forms. Now, Starbucks has announced its forthcoming Winter 2026 menu, and it’s bringing the irresistible flavor combo to two new beverages on January 6.
What is Starbucks’ take on the Dubai Chocolate trend?
The chain is introducing two new drinks it says were inspired by “viral customer creations:” Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha and Iced Dubai Chocolate Mocha.
While Starbucks hasn’t released details about the drinks, and customers’ recipes posted on Reddit have varied (see here, here and here), the fan-created drinks that inspired them have generally featured Starbucks pistachio syrup and chocolate cold foam.
And these fan creations have been a hit.
“I just got it and it’s sooooo good,” one Redditor wrote, nearly a year ago.
“so yummy and i don’t even like matcha,” another chimed in.
Starbucks’ official version arrives at locations nationwide next month.
Image Courtesy of Starbucks
What other new drinks are on Starbucks’ Winter 2026 menu?
Starbucks is leaning even further into its embrace of protein-packed drinks, debuting two new drinks that blend protein and the comforting flavor of caramel: Caramel Protein Matcha and Caramel Protein Latte.
These drinks can be ordered with regular caramel syrup or a new sugar-free caramel syrup option. The latter new offering “will join Starbucks lineup of flavors available all year long,” the brand says.
The chain is also offering pistachio drinks with fewer frills. A new Pistachio Cortado is joining the lineup, along with two returning favorites: the Pistachio Latte and Pistachio Cream Cold Brew.
Image Courtesy of Starbucks
Is Starbucks introducing new food items on its Winter 2026 menu?
Yes, along with the new beverages, Starbucks is adding several new “seasonal bites and treats” to its menus on January 6.
New Truffle, Mushroom & Brie Egg Bites will be featured on Starbucks breakfast menus for a limited time.
And Starbucks’ Turkey Bacon, Cheddar & Egg White Sandwich, which is available year-round, will get an upgrade with a new Cherrywood-smoked turkey bacon and sharp white cheddar cheese that the brand says is “more flavorful.”
Also returning to the winter menu are Starbucks’ Valentine Cake Pops, which the chain calls a “heartwarming seasonal treat.”
Try This Recipe
Dubai Chocolate Tart
Inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate bar trend, this tart transforms the flavors and textures of the beloved confection into a stunning, sliceable dessert. At the heart of it is a rich filling of sweet pistachio cream, nutty tahini and buttery, toasted kataifi—the crisp shredded pastry that brings irresistible texture to every bite. Instead of encasing the mixture in chocolate as the original bar does, we’ve layered it into a delicate cocoa tart shell, giving the dessert structure and an elegant edge. A glossy milk chocolate ganache seals it all in, with a ring of chopped pistachios to hint at what’s inside. It's the kind of showstopper dessert that's surprisingly doable at home.
Related Content:
