It’s a Date

My social media feeds are filled with sweet snacks made with dates. Many of these concoctions claim to mimic the taste of the store-bought candy bars we know and love – Snickers or Twix. All claim to be easy to make because they are “no-bake” and simply require assembling and putting the fridge to set up.

These viral date snacks are billed as healthy alternatives to the preservative-laden real things. And while they are super tasty and likely to satisfy your sweets cravings without the guilt, I’m here to add a bit of perspective before you make any of these.

I made the viral date bark, which is supposed to taste just like a Snickers bar. For me, it didn’t, but it was very, very good. It’s kind of like saying that a portobello mushroom burger is exactly like a hamburger. It’s not. Both are totally yummy in their own ways, but they are not the same.

That said, if you find yourself reaching for a sweet treat and want a healthy alternative that is so simple to make, you should absolutely make the viral date bark recipe.

If you need more reasons to incorporate dates into your snacking routine, there are many. Chewy with a sweet flavor, dates contain some important nutrients. However, because they’re dried, their calorie content is higher than most fresh fruit. Most of the calories in dates come from carbs. Despite their calories, dates contain antioxidants, some important vitamins and minerals, as well as a significant amount of fiber.

A 3.5-ounce serving of Medjool dates contains:

Calories 277
Carbs 75 grams
Sugar 30 grams
Fiber 7 grams
Protein 2 grams
Potassium 15% of the daily recommended value
Magnesium 13% of the daily recommended value
Copper 40% of the daily recommended value
Manganese 13% of the daily recommended value
Iron 5% of the daily recommended value
Vitamin B6 15% of the daily recommended value

Potential benefits of eating dates

May lower the risk of heart disease
Can help with digestive function
Offers nervous system support
Aids in weight management
Helps reduce the risk of diabetes

I got the urge to try the “viral data bark” recipe but only had a handful of dates, so it wasn’t a full sheet. If (more like when) I make this again, I would definitely make a bigger batch.

Recipe

30 Medjool dates, pitted
1 cup of peanut butter
A cup of dark chocolate chips or a chocolate bar chopped
2 pinches sea salt flakes

Steps

Slice the dates in half and remove the pits.
Arrange in a rectangular shape on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Layer another sheet of parchment paper on top of the dates and flatten them with a jar or the bottom of a glass.
Top the flattened dates with a thick layer of peanut butter.
Melt dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring each time until completely melted and smooth.
Layer the chocolate over the dates and peanut butter.
Top with sea salt.
Chill for 2 hours in the fridge or 1 hour in the freezer.
Remove and cut into pieces.

Happy snacking!