Date Paste
A dark brown, intensely sweet natural sweetener made by mashing pitted dates into a smooth paste. It is a popular alternative to sugar.
What Is Date Paste?
Date paste is a natural sweetener made by blending pitted dates with a little water until smooth. It is usually prepared from Medjool or similar soft date varieties.
It is dark brown, thick and sticky, and caramel-sweet; its fiber content gives it a “fuller” perception of sweetness than white sugar.
Nutritional Values of Date Paste
One hundred grams of date paste contains about 280 kcal of energy; it is high in natural sugars from dates and contains a moderate amount of fiber. Values vary by the date variety used and are approximate.
How Should Date Paste Be Consumed?
Date paste is used in moderate amounts as a sweetener and can be part of a balanced diet; being natural does not eliminate its high sugar content.
This information is general; date paste is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment. People monitoring their blood sugar are advised to consume it in moderation.
How to Choose Date Paste
Good date paste is dark brown, has a natural caramel-date aroma, and lists only dates (and water) as ingredients.
- The ingredient list should include only dates (and water)
- It should be uniformly dark brown
- It should have a natural caramel-date aroma, not a sour or fermented smell
How to Store Date Paste
Date paste can be stored for a few weeks in a sealed container in the refrigerator; it also keeps for a short time at room temperature, but a cool environment extends its shelf life.
Using Date Paste in the Kitchen
Date paste is used most often instead of white sugar in energy bites, homemade granola bars, cake and cookie doughs, and also as a sweetener in smoothies.
Can Date Paste Replace Sugar One-for-One?
Usually only partly; because date paste is wetter than sugar, it is recommended to reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can date paste be made at home?
Yes; soak pitted dates briefly in hot water to soften them, then blend until smooth.
Can date paste be eaten without limit because it is “natural”?
No; even though it is naturally derived, it contains a lot of sugar, so moderate consumption is recommended, as with other sweeteners.
Is date paste available in Türkiye?
It may be found in gourmet markets and stores that sell health-food products; it can also be easily made at home.