One of the biggest influences of the trend is the “Dubai chocolate bar” which took social media feeds by storm in 2024. The luxury treat blends pistachios with tahini and crispy knafeh – finely shredded filo pastry - before being encased in milk chocolate. It carries a premium price tag (about £15.99) so TikTok users in their thousands have taken it upon themselves to recreate the chocolate bar at home, further rocketing pistachio sales.

Pistachio flavourings have also hit the drinks industry. Starbucks were one of the first high street coffee shops to jump on the craze, offering the likes of velvet and iced pistachio lattes. If you fancy a sweet treat alongside, pistachio cream-filled croissants are also everywhere…. namely the pastry-filled windows of bougie bakeries. Or pep up store-bought croissants with an easy DIY pistachio cream in our irresistible baklava croissants.

These nutrient-dense little nuts are packed with antioxidants, thanks to the pigments that give pistachios their characteristic purple-green colour. Pistachios also have a lower fat and calorie content compared to most other nuts and boast the highest levels of potassium. Plus, they have reduced metabolizable energy – in other words, we don’t digest and absorb all their calorific value – meaning pistachios may be useful in weight management.

Pistachios are delicious baked into a homemade granola or simply chopped and scattered over porridge or overnight oats for crunch at breakfast. They make a heart-healthy addition to grain salads, rice pilafs and couscous dishes, too. On the baking front, ground pistachios make a great substitute for almonds in cakes, cookies and frangipane tarts. Or add to the topping of a rhubarb or stone fruit crumble for extra flavour and texture. 

Pistachios also pair well with Italian flavours. Try them in a focaccia sandwich with whipped ricotta and mortadella. Or whiz pistachios into a herb and parmesan pesto, ready to toss through your favourite pasta.