Regular Dates Substitutes for Medjool Dates: Complete Guide
Learn how to substitute regular dates for medjool dates in any recipe. Get exact ratios, cooking tips, and when this swap works best.
Quick Answer
Yes, regular dates are an excellent substitute for medjool dates using a 1:1 ratio. They have similar flavor and sweetness, just slightly smaller size and firmer texture.
Best Substitutes
Regular Dates
1:1Standard dates with similar sweet flavor and chewy texture, just smaller than medjool dates
Best for:
Perfect substitute with similar flavor profile. May need to use 2-3 regular dates for every 1 medjool date in whole applications.
Deglet Dates
1:1 (by weight) or 1.5:1 (by count)Smaller, firmer dates with similar sweetness
Best for:
Good substitute but smaller size means using more pieces
Prunes
1:1Dried plums with similar sweetness and chewy texture
Best for:
Different flavor but similar sweetness and moisture content
Dried Figs
1:1Sweet dried fruit with natural sweetness
Best for:
Different flavor profile but similar sweetness and texture
Cooking Tips
- 💡Regular dates work perfectly in any recipe that calls for medjool dates
- 💡For whole date applications, use 2-3 regular dates for every 1 medjool date
- 💡Regular dates may need a few extra minutes of soaking time compared to medjool dates
- 💡When making date paste, regular dates work just as well as medjool dates
- 💡Regular dates are often more affordable than medjool dates, making them a budget-friendly choice
- 💡For energy bars, regular dates provide the same binding and sweetness as medjool dates
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
Learn how to substitute regular dates for medjool dates in any recipe. Get exact ratios, cooking tips, and when this perfect swap works best for baking and cooking.