From early‑morning workouts to late‑night practices, your body needs clean, steady energy—without refined sugar or artificial sweeteners. California Dates deliver natural sweetness plus fiber, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins to help power muscles, support heart health, and keep you going longer, whether you’re a pro athlete, a dedicated weekend warrior, or simply loving your healthy, active lifestyle.

Photo courtesy of Michael Chang

Tennis Legend Michael Chang Teams Up With California Dates

Tennis legend Michael Chang has teamed up with California Dates to spotlight a clean, natural way to fuel training, matches, and recovery for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and active families.​​

Michael Chang built his career on speed, resilience, and smart strategy—and that’s exactly what California Dates brings to sports nutrition. As a heart‑healthy, natural way to fuel your body, California Dates deliver quick and sustained energy with balanced carbohydrates and fiber, six essential B vitamins, seven key minerals including potassium and magnesium, and antioxidants to support performance and recovery—without refined sugar or artificial ingredients.

Together, Michael and California Dates are inspiring athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and active families to choose simple, real‑food fuel that works for every workout, practice, match, or game—and even as your go‑to pick‑me‑up on your busiest days.

Why athletes choose California Dates

California Dates are the all-natural power fruit for peak performance. They provide: 

  • Immediate and sustained energy: Natural sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose) balanced with an equal amount of fiber provide a quick boost and a longer-lasting release—ideal before and during workouts, practices, and matches.​​
  • Low glycemic index: With a GI of about 42 per 100 g, California Dates help avoid sharp blood sugar spikes and crashes, making them a smart choice for athletes, kids, and busy adults.
  • Natural electrolytes: Potassium and magnesium support muscle function, help prevent cramps, and aid heart function during intense training and competition.​
  • Heart-healthy fuel: Certified by the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check program, California Dates support healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall cardiovascular health.​
  • Clean, simple ingredient: Naturally sweet with no added sugars, gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and free from caffeine and artificial ingredients—perfect for athletes who want to keep their fuel as clean as their game.​

Pre-workout / Pre-game

  • Eat 2–4 California Dates 30–60 minutes before a workout, practice, or match for a quick, easily digestible source of carbohydrates.
  • Pair with a handful of nuts or a spoonful of nut butter for added protein and healthy fats to support longer-lasting energy.​​​

During training or play

  • Keep a small bag of pitted dates courtside or in your gym bag to top up energy between drills, sets, or games.
  • Their balanced carbs and fiber help sustain endurance without the crash associated with many sports and energy drinks or refined sugar snacks.​

Recovery

  • After intense exercise, California Dates help replenish muscle glycogen, support electrolyte balance with potassium, and provide antioxidants that combat exercise-induced oxidative stress.​
  • Pair dates with protein (yogurt, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, nut butter, or a protein shake) to support muscle repair and recovery.​

For Active Families & Kids

Family-Friendly Fuel for Practice, Play & School

  • California Dates are a kid-approved way to sweeten snacks and lunchbox recipes without added refined sugars.
  • Use them in muffins, snack bites, and smoothies to keep energy steady between school, homework, and sports.
  • With fiber, essential minerals, and a low glycemic index, California Dates help support focus, play, and performance for the whole family.

Stay Connected

Follow California Dates (@DatesAreGreat) on  Instagram and Facebook 

Follow Michael Chang on Instagram for updates and behind‑the‑scenes content @ChangTennis

Find out more about the health benefits of California Dates HERE and for great California Date recipes visit our Recipe Center