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 RESTBy 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 QUIZAs 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 pro...