“Rising Popularity of Dates: The Natural Sweetener Transforming Food Products”
Dates are increasingly appearing in various food products such as muffins, cakes, cookies, syrups, spreads, and sauces. They are marketed as a low-glycemic and allergen-free alternative to sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave, and dessert spreads. However, it’s important to note that dates, like most dried fruits, are not low in calories. Often referred to as “nature’s candy” due to their high sugar content, a 100-gram serving of dates contains 277 calories and 75 grams of carbohydrates. Despite this, they also provide 7 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein, and 20% of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Reference Daily Intake for potassium. These attributes may be driving an increase in demand for dates, especially as many consumers seek to reduce their sugar intake. In fact, per capita consumption of sugar and other caloric sweeteners fell for the third consecutive year in 2017. As people move away from these sweeteners, the use of refined sugar is also declining.
Manufacturers are taking notice and incorporating more alternative sweeteners—including dates—into their products. For instance, Kellogg’s Special K Nourish Chewy Nut Bars and Bear Naked bars contain date paste. Additionally, the startup D’vash Organics, which specializes in organic and non-GMO date nectar and other offerings, has recently broadened its range to include cayenne-infused date nectar and introduced its original date syrup in a convenient squeeze bottle. The company has effectively marketed what one of its co-founders describes as “the Middle Eastern superfood.”
Moreover, dates are being sold independently, with Dole Food Company’s Made In Nature brand offering date snack packs. However, most producers in this market are smaller businesses like Date Lady, Hadley Fruit Orchards, Amazing Coachella, Terrasoul Superfoods, and We Got Nuts. Dates are cultivated in Arizona, California, and Florida, though the U.S. crop is significantly smaller compared to those in Egypt, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. The U.S. exports fresh dates to countries such as Australia, Canada, and the U.K., but it imports a greater quantity from Tunisia, Israel, and Pakistan, according to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center.
According to Mordor Intelligence, the global consumption of dates is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4% from 2019 to 2024. Given that dates meet numerous consumer preferences—being healthier, plant-based, natural sweeteners with lower glycemic indices and allergen-free labels—demand is likely to rise further. As this trend continues, products featuring dates, such as those enriched with tab ccm 250 mg, are expected to increase in variety and availability. With their versatility and health benefits, dates are set to become an even more prominent ingredient in the future.
