New research reveals 72% of packaged foods in the U.S. are ultra-processed, made of cheap ingredients with little nutritional value.

One of human history's oldest-cultivated foods is having a moment as more people reach for healthier alternatives to ultra-processed foods.

Sales of dates in the U.S. were up 33% in 2025, a founding member of organic California-grown date company Joolies California Superfruit told Food52.com.

Those numbers are expected to grow significantly, Fortune Business Insights reported. 

NUTRITION EXPERTS RANK THE 5 HEALTHIEST NUTS AND THE ONE THAT STANDS ABOVE THE REST

By 2034, the market size for dates in America is projected to reach $1.6 billion.

In the U.K., sales of medjool dates have increased 100% at U.K. grocery retailer Ocado compared to last year, the Guardian reported.

Ancient civilizations have cultivated dates for thousands of years, and they hold a significant place in African and Middle Eastern cultures, in particular. (iStock)

Globally, the market size for dates is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%, going from $34.5 billion in 2026 to $55.58 billion in 2034, according to Fortune Business Insights.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

As consumers increasingly prioritize less-processed, whole foods, dates have surged in popularity on social media. 

Videos of people trying dates for the first time and recipes for "healthy desserts" featuring dates as a sugar alternative have gone viral.

Health benefits of dates, according to the Cleveland Clinic, include improved gut health, better brain function, healthier skin and a lowered risk of several diseases.

Date types are divided into three main categories: soft, semi-dry and dry.

"While dates might be a newer trend for consumers, they've been the go-to ingredient among dietitians to sweeten smoothies and lower-sugar dessert foods for years," Lisa Moskovitz, a registered dietitian, founder of the NY Nutrition Group and author of "The Core 3 Healthy Eating Plan," told Fox News Digital.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

"Not only are they super tasty and versatile, but they provide fiber, antioxidants and other essential nutrients like magnesium and potassium."

Dates come in many varieties, and social media users have been showing their experiences of trying them and preparing them with different recipes. (iStock)

The Middle East and Africa still dominate the demand for dates and accounted for 85.28% of the market share in 2025.

Historians believe ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia were cultivating dates as early as 6,000 to 8,000 years ago. The stone fruit remains culturally significant to the region, as Muslims typically break their Ramadan fasts with dates, according to Brandeis University.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

Date types are divided into three main categories: soft, semi-dry and dry. 

Less moist varieties are more commonly used for baking and cooking, while high-moisture dates, namely medjool, are popular for snacking.

Dates are surging in popularity as people prioritize whole foods that are less processed and more nutritious. (iStock)

Moskovitz cautioned that the sugar content in dates can add up quickly.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"The average date contains about 15 grams of natural sugar — so if you need to be careful of sugar intake, pair this delicious dried fruit with some nuts or seeds to balance blood glucose levels," she said.

Teresa Mull is a freelance writer with the Lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. 

A look at the top-trending stories in food, relationships, great outdoors and more.

By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News 
        Privacy Policy
       and 
        Terms of Use
      , and
      agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can
      opt-out at any time.

Subscribed

You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!