Why are dates used as a sweetener in place of sugar in “healthy” recipes?
Are dates a healthy replacement for sugar in recipes?
Are dates a healthy replacement for sugar? Known as one of the fruits of paradise in the Middle East, dates are high in natural sugar, thus they’re a powerhouse sweetener with caramel-like flavor. Dates are also naturally sticky, so they can be blended into some baked goods to sweeten as well as act as a binder. They’re high in fiber, too.
By using dates as a sweetener, you can reduce the amount (or in some cases all) of the added sugar in a dish. However, replacing sugar with dates is not an even swap, so be sure to follow your recipe.
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