As we navigate the ever-changing tides of food trends and global supply chains, it’s not uncommon for certain items to suddenly become the talk of the town, or in this case, the flavour of the month.
But what happens when a viral sensation leads to a worldwide shortage of a beloved snack? That’s exactly what’s happening with pistachios, and Australian supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths are right in the thick of it.
The pistachio predicament began with a viral food craze that has seen the nut’s popularity—and price—skyrocket. The catalyst for this nutty surge was the ‘Dubai chocolate’ trend, which started simmering on social media platforms. The chocolate, a creation by Fix Dessert Chocolatier in the UAE, is a thick bar filled with pistachio cream and kataifi, a shredded pastry that adds a delightful crunch. Though it was first introduced in 2021, it wasn’t until social media influencers began singing its praises that the pistachio-filled treat went viral.
This sudden fame has turned pistachios into the ‘hottest flavour’ of recent months, with supermarkets around the world scrambling to stock pistachio-flavoured products ranging from sandwich spreads to ice creams. The demand has been so intense that it’s put a significant strain on pistachio producers. According to Giles Hacking of global nut trader CG Hacking, pistachio kernel prices have surged from $12 to around $16 a pound in just one year, and the ‘pistachio world is basically tapped out at the moment’.
The shortage is partly due to a disappointing harvest in the United States, which is the leading exporter of pistachios. California, a major pistachio producer, saw its supply drop by up to 20 per cent in the year leading up to February 2025. Meanwhile, Iran, which ranks as the world’s second-largest producer, has been exporting significantly more pistachios to the UAE, further tightening global supplies.
Despite these challenges, Coles and Woolworths have reassured Australian consumers that they’re well-prepared to handle the increased appetite for pistachios. Coles has reported a ‘great supply of pistachios available’, while Woolworths has also confirmed that its supply remains unaffected. Both supermarkets are committed to meeting customer demand for pistachio-flavoured items, ensuring that Australians can continue to enjoy this trendy taste.
Internationally, some retailers have had to take drastic measures, such as limiting the number of pistachio products customers can purchase. High-end chocolatier Lindt is one such example, indicating just how serious the situation has become.
The pistachio crisis highlights the impact that viral trends can have on global food supplies. It also serves as a reminder of the complexities of our interconnected world, where a social media post can lead to a cascade of consequences for farmers, retailers, and consumers alike.
As we watch how Coles and Woolworths navigate this crunch, it’s worth considering the broader implications of our collective cravings. How do we balance the desire for the latest food fad with the sustainability of our resources? And what can we, as consumers, do to support a more resilient food system?
For now, Australian pistachio lovers can breathe a sigh of relief, thanks to the proactive measures taken by Coles and Woolworths. But the next time a viral food trend takes off, who knows which snack might be next on the endangered list?
Have you noticed the pistachio craze in your local supermarkets? Have you tried the infamous Dubai chocolate, or are you sticking with classic pistachio treats? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let’s crack open the conversation on this nutty situation!
Also read: Local cake shop goes viral after trending video on Chinese social media
