Embracing Diabetes-Friendly Eating with California Dates

Living with diabetes doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment in your meals. With mindful choices and balanced nutrition, you can enjoy delicious meals and snacks while supporting your health goals.

The following recipes are approved by the American Diabetes Association® Diabetes Food Hub. 

California Dates proudly supports Diabetes Food Hub® of the American Diabetes Association® and its goal to empower individuals with diabetes to live healthier lives.

Always consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.

Why Choose California Dates?

  • Natural Sweetness: California Dates are naturally sweet with no added sugar, making them a healthier alternative to refined sugar in recipes.
  • High in Fiber: Dates are high in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps regulate blood glucose (blood sugar[SP1] ) levels by slowing carbohydrate absorption. A 40g [TS2] (1.4 oz) serving of California Dates has 3g of dietary fiber.
  • Nutrient-Rich: In addition to fiber, California Dates contain essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants, which support overall health.
  • Versatile Ingredient: From breakfast to dessert, California Dates enhance a variety of dishes.

Delicious Diabetes-Friendly California Date Recipes

Apple, Cranberry, and California Dates Oatmeal Bake

This Apple, Cranberry, and Date Oat Bake is a hearty recipe perfect for any time of year. Made with old-fashioned oats, apples, and the natural sweetness of California Dates, this bake delivers a nutrient-rich dish that has no added sugar. This can be breakfast, a side dish, a snack, or dessert. Plus, this oat bake is packed with fiber to keep you full and energized.

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California Date and Nut Bars

These bars are perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack. Chock full of nutrient-dense ingredients like California Dates, oats, and chia seeds, they are sure to be a crowd pleaser. And better yet, the bars can be individually wrapped, stacked in an airtight container, and placed in the freezer for up to six months. Just remove each bar and allow to thaw at room temperature before eating. 

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California Date and Acorn Squash Salad

The sweetness of the California Dates pairs beautifully with the spiciness of the arugula, and the Indian spice blend, garam masala, adds depth of flavor to this enticing side dish. Keeping the skin on the acorn squash adds texture and fiber to the dish as well. Feel free to swap out the acorn squash with other winter varieties, such as delicata squash. 

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California Date, Pear, and Mozzarella Pizza

This California Date, Pear, and Mozzarella Pizza is a unique and delicious entree with no added sugar. Using a cauliflower pizza crust, this recipe keeps things light while delivering indulgent flavors. Topped with mozzarella, caramelized California Dates, and sweet sliced pears, it’s a perfect blend of savory and sweet, making it ideal for entertaining or a quick weeknight meal. Plus, it’s a vegetarian-friendly entree too.

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California Date Cashew Chicken Stir Fry

This easy chicken stir fry pairs well with the sweetness from California Dates and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. For a spicier dish, chop up a fresh chili pepper and add it with the scallions. Pair with a whole grain and you’ve got a complete meal full of lean protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. 

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California Date Harissa Salmon

The natural sweetness of California Dates balances the smoky heat of harissa in this flavorful salmon dish while adding fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients.  Harissa is a North African chili paste made with roasted red peppers and spices. If you can’t find it, you can substitute chipotles in adobo for a similar smoky kick. Herbs and spices are an excellent way to enhance the flavor of your dishes without adding extra fat, sodium, or sugar. This very-low-carb recipe is also heart-healthy.

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California Date Chocolate Truffles

These California Date chocolate truffles are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a healthier way. The dates provide natural sweetness and fiber, while the cocoa powder adds a rich, chocolatey flavor. With no added sugars and heart-healthy fats from the almond butter, they’re a treat that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced, diabetes-friendly meal.

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