Beware of Dubai chocolate knock-offs: Here’s how to spot the signs before you eat

Love it or hate it, you really can’t escape the Dubai chocolate buzz. It’s everywhere, in artisanal truffles, European brands and more. Yet, not all is well and chocolatey, a rather bitter confusion is emerging: Counterfeit chocolates flooding the market could pose serious health risks.

Recent reports, including an urgent warning highlighted in some sections of the media, have raised alarms over trendy but fake chocolates circulating in the bustling markets. These knockoffs often mimic the packaging and branding of popular chocolates, fooling unsuspecting consumers hungry for a taste of indulgence. But as Rahaf Altowairqi, Clinical Dietician and nutrition specialist at Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital Al Qusais, explains, the risks go far beyond a disappointing flavour. “While not all copies are necessarily toxic, there is a risk involved with consuming products that do not adhere to safety regulations or quality standards,” Altowairqi says. “Fake chocolates may contain harmful substances due to inferior manufacturing processes or unsafe ingredients that do not meet health regulations.”

Counterfeit chocolates are often made using shortcuts and that can mean serious health concerns. Here are some of the common red flags hidden in these fake treats:

Substitutes for cocoa: Instead of the prized cocoa butter that gives real chocolate its creamy texture and health benefits, counterfeit versions may contain low-quality fats and oils. These substitutes not only affect taste but can also have negative effects on your health.

Excessive sugar and artificial sweeteners: To mask poor quality, these fake chocolates often pack in more sugar or artificial sweeteners than their genuine counterparts. This excess contributes to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease — problems already on the rise in the UAE.

Contaminants: Unsafe manufacturing can introduce harmful bacteria or even heavy metals into the chocolates. Without strict oversight, these products become a risky gamble for consumers.

Allergenic ingredients: The absence of proper labeling means counterfeit chocolates might contain ingredients that trigger allergies, which could be dangerous, especially for children or those with known sensitivities.

Sweet tooth safety: What you should know

Moral of the story? Stay vigilant.

Altowairqi advises, “It is essential for consumers to purchase chocolate products from reputable sources to ensure their safety.” Checking for official certification marks, buying from authorised retailers, and being wary of deals that seem too good to be true are simple but effective ways to avoid counterfeit traps.

Malls and souks with tempting displays of chocolates. But as the market for gourmet sweets grows, so too does the shadowy trade in counterfeit confections.  For the health-conscious and the chocolate lovers alike, this serves as a timely reminder: sometimes, what looks delicious on the outside can be downright dangerous on the inside.

 So next time you’re craving that luxurious bite, think twice, and choose wisely. Your sweet indulgence should be a treat, not a threat.