Sweet dates – an actual alternative to standard sugar

In recent years, chocolate sweetened with either date powder or paste has established itself as one of the most popular alternatives to standard sweetened chocolate. Date-based chocolate is highly rated, particularly amongst health-conscious consumers, vegans and anyone wanting natural sweeteners. So what makes date-based chocolate so special?

Natural sweetness offers culinary experience

Date powder is produced directly from dried and ground dates and can be used instead of sugar in chocolate. However, date powder is not simply a refined sugar but is a complete wholefood product. In chocolate it adds sweetness along with a delicate and subtle caramel taste that blends perfectly with the bitter taste of cacao. In contrast to household or cane sugar, the chocolate has a more complex taste profile and a finely subtle and satisfying level of sweetness.

More than just sugar

The main benefit of date powder is its nutritional value. Dates are a real super food that do not elevate blood glucose levels in the same way as standard sugar. Date chocolate contains a lot of natural mineral nutrients including magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, iron, phosphor and zinc. They are also high in fibre, thus playing an important role in digestion and maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Fibre slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This ensures energy is distributed more evenly and prevents typical food carvings that often occur after eating sugary products.

Mildly fruity through to fine bitter flavours

Date powder is an excellent match for dark chocolate (75% cocoa content or higher). The sweet dates complement the bitter taste of the fine chocolate. While standard chocolate can often be very sweet, date chocolate accentuates the taste of the cacao. The fine particles generated during production provide a more rustic and melt-in-the-mouth texture with a full-bodied flavour, which many people find very pleasant.

Date chocolate is therefore an excellent choice for anyone who wants to consume less refined sugar, while not wanting to compromise on taste. We would be happy to help you to develop your dream chocolate.

Author: 
Michael Daspersgruber
Head of R&D