Why Pistachio Cream Is Everywhere—and How to Use It

Pistachio cream is everywhere these days, fueled in part by viral food trends such as Dubai chocolate bars (which are filled with the tasty green ingredient) and Dubai chocolate strawberry cups. But what exactly is pistachio cream, and why is it taking the culinary world by storm? Here, we’ll give you the lowdown on this trendy ingredient, including what it tastes like, where you can buy it, and how you can use it to create a variety of delicious dishes at home.

What Is Pistachio Cream?

Pistachio cream, which originated in Italy where it’s made with Sicilian pistachios, combines the healthy green nut with added sugar, oils, milk powders or white chocolate, and flavorings such as vanilla. Due to its slightly sweet taste and smooth texture, pistachio cream is commonly used in desserts, but it can also shine on sandwiches or a piece of toast.

In addition to its delicious taste and variety of uses, pistachio cream is appealing from a production standpoint as well. Pistachios are sustainable and drought resistant, and don’t need as high quality of water as their rival almonds – or as much – so many US farmers are opting to grow this less fussy nut.  California’s Central Valley has become a popular spot for growing (pistachios now rank sixth in value over the 400 agricultural commodities grown there) and the state has recently become the world’s top exporter of pistachios, surpassing the nut’s native Iran. Turkey, Syria, Greece, and Italy are also known for their pistachio production.

Pistachio Butter vs. Pistachio Cream

There are two creamy jarred versions of the nut. Pistachio butter (aka “pistachio paste”) is similar to other nut butters; basically a blend of the nut with little to no added ingredients. Since pistachio butter is basically blended nuts with little else, it’s thicker and less sweet than pistachio cream, and has an earthier taste.

As noted above, pistachio cream combines blended pistachios with sugar and oils, resulting in a thinner and more luxurious spread with a sweeter taste. Pistachio cream may also include additional flavors, such as vanilla or white chocolate.

What Does Pistachio Cream Taste Like?

Pistachio cream is smooth and creamy, and tastes like a sweeter version of the nut with a luxurious mouthfeel. Even if you don’t like pistachios, it’s worth a try, as the texture and slight sweetness set pistachio cream apart from the nuts themselves.  

Where to Buy Pistachio Cream

Pistachio cream, which is typically sold in small glass jars, can be found in many specialty food stores, as well as high-end grocery stores like Whole Foods and Eataly. Since it’s often produced in Italy, the small jars tend to cost around $15. 

However, as pistachio cream continues to become more popular, it’s also becoming more affordable. Target recently started selling Turkish pistachio cream for $10.99, while Costco began carrying the “green gold” in March of 2025, and currently sells larger 21-ounce jars of the stuff for $12.99.

How to Use Pistachio Cream

The possibilities are endless with this versatile ingredient, which works well with both sweet and savory dishes. Pistachios and mortadella are a match made in heaven, so spread pistachio cream on a mortadella sandwich. Or, use it as you would Nutella: top toast, crackers, or croissants; use as a dip for fruits, vegetables, and even chocolate. Blend a scoop into your coffee for a pistachio latte, add into waffle and pancake batter, stir into oatmeal, or top your favorite ice cream, yogurt, or cheesecake. Swirl it into brownie batter, or create a creamy, nutty center in cookies by freezing small spoonfuls of pistachio cream, wrapping it in cookie dough, and baking. Or, do the lo-fi thing and simply eat it by the spoonful straight from the jar!