Advantages of Khalas Date Products (Phoenix dactylifera L.) as a Natural Substitute for Sugar and Sweeteners in Food Processing

Advances in food science have led to the development of high-value food products, enhancing nutritional value by incorporating nutrient-rich ingredients. Adding high-nutritional plant materials, like dates, supports this trend. Dates, one of the oldest fruit crops, hold cultural and economic significance in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia, the world’s second-largest producer with over 300 varieties and an annual yield of 1.6 million tons. Saudi Arabia has advanced date production, leading to top-ranking global exports since 2021, with food industries comprising 24% of the Kingdom's exports. Dates are rich in sugars, fibre, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, providing numerous health benefits, including protection against diseases. Date paste, containing natural sugars, fibre, phenolic compounds, and essential vitamins, enhances health by promoting digestive health, regulating blood sugar, and supporting heart health. Using date paste as a natural sweetener reduces refined sugar intake and offers a flavorful, nutritious alternative suitable for various recipes, enhancing both taste and health. Therefore, this study aims to support the using date paste as a natural sweetener and an alternative to sugar in different food products, to improve the nutritional value and sensory acceptability instead of those made of sugar and synthetic sweeteners.