Dates Nutrition Facts

Complete dates nutrition breakdown with 277 kcal per 100g, glycemic index, and diet compatibility.

Written by Victura Nutrition TeamReviewed by Victura Editorial ReviewLast updated Aug 11, 2026

277

Calories

1.8g

Protein

75.0g

Carbs

Use caution

Is it healthy?

per 100g · per panel values

Track this food in Victura

Quick answer

A 100g serving of dates provides about 277 kcal. Per 100g you get about 74.97g carbs and 1.81g protein. Glycemic index is around 42.

Dates is a whole food with approximately 277 calories per 100g, tracked in Victura for macro-aware meal logging.

Calories (100g serving)
277 kcal
Carbs (100g)
74.97g
Protein (100g)
1.81g
Serving reference
100g · 100g serving
Glycemic index
42
Dates food photo
Dates — real food photo
Dates portion size visual
Portion size
Dates calories and macros infographic
Calories & macros

Serving calculator

How much did you eat or drinkDates?

277

Calories

1.8g

Protein

75.0g

Carbs

0.1g

Fat

Nutrition facts

per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central (seeded Phase 0)

277 kcal

Calories

Protein1.8g
Carbohydrates75.0g
Fat0.1g
Fiber6.7g
Sugar66.5g
Glycemic index42low

Minerals

  • Potassium: 696mg
  • Magnesium: 54mg

Scientific explanation

Research-backed

Dates provides approximately 277 kcal per 100g with 1.81g protein, 74.97g carbohydrates, and 0.15g fat. Dietary fiber is 6.7g per 100g, which helps modulate the absorption of its 66.47g of natural sugars. The glycemic index is estimated at 42, placing it in the low-GI category. This low glycemic response is primarily due to the complex matrix of fiber and polyphenols that slows down carbohydrate digestion. Additionally, dates are an exceptional source of essential minerals, delivering 696mg of potassium (15% of the Daily Value) and 54mg of magnesium (13% of the Daily Value) per 100g. These electrolytes play critical roles in maintaining fluid balance, regulating blood pressure, and supporting muscle contraction and nerve transmission. The values are sourced directly from USDA FoodData Central and have been meticulously verified for clinical and editorial accuracy.

Community insights

Community insight

Among Victura meal logs, dates appears frequently as a portable snack, natural sweetener, and pre-workout fuel. Users pairing it with Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or raw almonds report significantly steadier energy levels and prolonged satiety compared to eating dates alone on an empty stomach. In culinary applications, the Victura community frequently utilizes blended dates as a binder and sweetener in homemade energy bars, oatmeals, and green smoothies. This real-world usage highlights the fruit's versatility as a whole-food replacement for processed sugars, though experienced users emphasize the importance of tracking portions due to their high caloric density. Many fitness enthusiasts log dates approximately 30 to 45 minutes prior to endurance training, noting a sustained release of energy without gastrointestinal discomfort.

Pros

  • Dates is a whole food with measurable macro nutrients
  • Rich in essential minerals like potassium and magnesium
  • Low glycemic index despite high sweetness

Cons

  • Portion size still matters for calorie goals
  • High natural sugar content requires moderation for metabolic health

Best time to eat

Pair with protein and fiber for balanced meals.

Good windows

  • With main meals
  • 30-45 minutes pre-workout
  • Post-workout for glycogen recovery

Consider avoiding

  • Very large portions without activity
  • Late at night if sedentary

Diet compatibility

Weight loss

Use caution

At 277 kcal and 6.7g fiber per 100g, this food is energy-dense - watch portions.

Keto

Use caution

Net carbs ~68.3g per 100g - too high-carb for standard keto.

Diabetic friendly

Use caution

GI 42 with 66.5g sugar - may spike glucose - pair with protein/fat.

Frequently asked questions

Yes — a dates is a whole food with measurable nutrients. Healthiness depends on overall diet, portions, and your goals. Estimated GI is 42.

People also ask

  • Is a dates healthy?

    Yes — a dates is a whole food with measurable nutrients. Healthiness depends on overall diet, portions, and your goals. Estimated GI is 42.

  • Can I eat a dates every day?

    Most people can include a dates daily as part of a balanced diet, as long as total calories and carbs fit their plan.

  • Are Dateses good for weight loss?

    At 277 kcal and 6.7g fiber per 100g, this food is energy-dense - watch portions.

  • How many calories are in a dates?

    A typical medium serving of dates has about 277 calories, while 100g contains about 277 calories (USDA reference).

  • Are Dateses good before a workout?

    Dateses can work before activity when you want easy carbs; pair a dates with protein if your session is long.

  • Are Dateses high in sugar?

    Dateses contain about 66.5g sugar per 100g — mostly natural sugars when whole.

  • Is dates good for weight loss?

    At 277 kcal and 6.7g fiber per 100g, this food is energy-dense - watch portions. Incorporating them mindfully can satisfy sweet cravings without resorting to processed junk food, but their high caloric density requires strict portion control to ensure you remain in a calorie deficit.

  • Is dates keto-friendly?

    Net carbs are approximately 68.3g per 100g, which is far too high-carb for a standard ketogenic diet. Even a single Medjool date contains about 15-18 grams of net carbohydrates, which could easily deplete a typical daily keto carb allowance of 20-50 grams. Therefore, dates are generally avoided on strict low-carb or keto protocols.

  • What is the glycemic index of dates?

    The estimated glycemic index of dates is 42, which is classified as low. This means they cause a relatively slow and steady rise in blood glucose levels compared to pure glucose. To further blunt any potential glycemic response, you can pair dates with healthy fats, fiber, or protein.

  • Is dates safe for people with diabetes?

    With a GI of 42 and 66.5g of sugar, dates can be safe for people with diabetes when consumed in strict moderation. Because they can still impact blood glucose if eaten in excess, it is highly recommended to pair them with a protein or fat source (like almonds or peanut butter) to slow down carbohydrate absorption and prevent spikes.

  • How many calories does dates have?

    Dates contain 277 calories (kcal) per 100g according to USDA reference data. Because they are naturally dehydrated, they are more energy-dense than fresh fruits, meaning a small portion provides a concentrated source of energy. A single Medjool date typically contains about 66 calories.

How we review this guide

Written by
Victura Nutrition Team
Reviewed by
Victura Editorial Review
Reference sources
4
Last updated
Aug 11, 2026

Revision & correction policy

References

  1. USDA FoodData Central(usda)
  2. International Tables of Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load Values(scientific)

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