What Fruit is Similar to Dates? A Guide to Delicious Alternatives

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

Dating back to 4000 BC in ancient Mesopotamia, dates have long been a valuable and sweet food source. When looking for a comparable option, many people ask: what fruit is similar to dates in terms of flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits?

Quick Summary

Compare the best alternatives to dates, including figs, prunes, raisins, and jujubes. Evaluate their similarities in flavor and texture to find the perfect replacement for your recipes or snacking needs.

Key Points

Figs: Figs offer a similar sweetness and are fibrous, but their tiny seeds give them a distinctly crunchy texture not found in dates.
Prunes: Prunes, or dried plums, are moist and chewy with a slightly tangier, less sweet flavor, making them great for baking and pastes.
Raisins: As dried grapes, raisins provide a milder, fruitier sweetness and a soft, chewy texture, making them a common and affordable date substitute.
Jujube: Also known as red or Chinese dates, dried jujubes have a chewy texture and sweet flavor reminiscent of dates, often used in desserts.
Nutritional Differences: While all are energy-dense and high in fiber, prunes and figs generally contain less sugar than dates, while figs offer more calcium.
Substitutions: To replace dates, consider your recipe's needs for sweetness, moisture, and texture; prunes work best for smooth pastes, while figs add a seedier crunch.

Fruits with Similar Chewy Texture and Sweet Flavor

While dates are unique in their distinct caramel-like flavor and chewy, sticky texture, several other fruits offer a comparable experience, especially when dried. The best substitute depends on whether you prioritize sweetness, texture, or a specific nutritional profile.

Prunes (Dried Plums)

Prunes, which are dried plums, are a fantastic substitute for dates, especially in baking, and are widely available.

Flavor: They offer a sweeter, deeper, and slightly tangier flavor profile than dates, which can add complexity to recipes.
Texture: They are moist and chewy, making them easy to purée into a paste without soaking, unlike some other dried fruits.
Nutritional Benefits: While still a good source of fiber, they are slightly lower in sugar and calories than dates, with a lower glycemic index, which can be a key consideration for some dietary needs.

Figs (Dried Figs)

Dried figs are another excellent option, offering a sweet, honey-like flavor that can be a pleasant variation on the standard caramel notes of a date.

Flavor: Dried figs are intensely sweet, with a flavor profile often compared to honey.
Texture: The hundreds of tiny, edible seeds inside give dried figs a distinct, crunchy texture that is a major differentiator from the smooth flesh of dates.
Nutritional Benefits: Figs are particularly high in dietary fiber, aiding digestion. They also offer higher levels of certain minerals like calcium compared to dates.

Raisins (Dried Grapes)

Raisins, dried grapes, are one of the most accessible and budget-friendly alternatives to dates.

Flavor: Their sweetness is milder and fruitier than dates, making them a good option when you want a less intense sweetening agent.
Texture: The texture of raisins is soft and chewy, though smaller than dates. They can be soaked in warm water to soften them further for use in pastes or moist baked goods.
Nutritional Benefits: Raisins are a good source of antioxidants and offer a slightly different mineral profile compared to dates.

Jujube (Chinese Dates)

Known as red or Chinese dates, jujube fruit is native to Southern Asia but has gained global recognition. When dried, they closely resemble the taste and texture of dates.

Flavor: Dried jujubes have a pleasantly sweet, apple-like flavor and a chewy texture reminiscent of dates.
Uses: They are commonly used in desserts and candies in Asian cuisine but can also be eaten raw as a snack.
Nutritional Benefits: Jujube is rich in fiber and antioxidants and is a source of Vitamin C.

Comparison of Date Alternatives


Feature	Dates	Prunes	Figs	Raisins	Jujube
Sweetness	Very sweet, caramel-like	Sweet, slightly tangy	Intensely sweet, honey-like	Milder, fruity	Sweet, apple-like
Texture	Chewy, sticky, smooth flesh	Chewy, moist, soft	Chewy, crunchy (due to seeds)	Soft, chewy	Chewy
Flavor Profile	Rich, caramel	Deeper, slightly acidic	Berry-like, honey	Fruity	Apple, sweet
Primary Use	Snacks, baking, energy balls	Baking, smoothies, marinades	Snacks, desserts, salads	Snacks, baking, granola	Snacks, desserts, candied
Fiber Content	High	High	High (often higher)	Moderate	High

Tips for Substituting Dates in Recipes

Adjust Moisture: Prunes and figs are moister than dates and may require you to reduce the liquid slightly in your recipe. Conversely, if using drier raisins, you may need to soak them beforehand.
Flavor Considerations: Keep in mind the flavor nuances. For a deep, rich flavor, use prunes. For a honey-like taste, use figs. For a milder sweetness, opt for raisins.
Texture is Key: For a smooth consistency in pastes or purées, prunes are the easiest to blend. If you don't mind the crunch, figs can add an interesting texture to baked goods or snacks.
Balance Sweetness: Dates are very sweet. When using prunes or raisins, you might need to adjust the amount slightly to achieve the same level of sweetness. For a less sweet result, figs and prunes can be used to naturally lower the overall sugar content.

Conclusion

While no single fruit is a perfect 1:1 match for dates in every aspect, several provide excellent alternatives depending on your specific needs. For a moist, sweet substitute in baking, prunes are a reliable choice. If a crunchy texture and honeyed sweetness are desired, dried figs are ideal. For a more common, fruit-forward alternative, raisins work well. The dried jujube, or Chinese date, offers a unique alternative with a similar chewy texture and distinct flavor. Understanding the subtle differences in flavor, texture, and nutrition allows you to confidently choose the best replacement, ensuring your recipes and snacks are just as delicious and satisfying. For more on the health benefits of dates, see the Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, prunes are an excellent substitute for dates in baking. They offer a moist, chewy texture and rich, slightly tangy sweetness. You can often substitute them in a 1:1 ratio by volume, but be mindful of their slightly less intense sweetness.

Dried figs are sweeter with a honey-like flavor compared to dates' caramel notes. Their small, crunchy seeds provide a different texture. They work well as a date replacement in baked goods, energy balls, and raw desserts when you want a distinct textural difference.

Yes, raisins can substitute for dates, offering a milder, fruitier sweetness and soft, chewy texture. For a moister result similar to dates, you may need to soak the raisins in warm water for a short time before use.

A Chinese date, or jujube fruit, is a small fruit that, when dried, has a similar chewy texture and sweet taste to regular dates. They offer a sweet, apple-like flavor and are commonly used in desserts.

The 'healthier' option depends on your dietary goals. Both prunes and figs generally contain less sugar and fewer calories than dates. Figs are notably higher in calcium and total dietary fiber.

For most baking applications, prunes are moist enough that soaking isn't necessary. However, for a smoother paste or to add moisture to a drier baked good, soaking raisins or drier figs in warm water for 10-15 minutes can be beneficial.

Dates have a distinct, rich, caramel-like sweetness. Prunes, while also sweet, possess a deeper, more complex, and slightly tangy flavor profile.