Date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) syrup utilisation in various food systems and interaction with other ingredients

Abstract

• Date syrup is a potential functional sweetener in different food systems. • Date syrup could be diversified and applied in different food applications. • The interaction of date syrup with other food ingredients is discussed. • This review advance of the processing approach in date syrup extraction. Date syrup ( Phoenix dactylifera L.), a natural sweetener rich in glucose, fructose, and bioactive compounds, is gaining prominence as a functional alternative to refined sugars. This review aims to explore the physicochemical properties, the present utilisation and techno-functional roles in different food systems, uncovering the mechanisms behind its functionality. Besides being a sweetener, date syrup functions as a viscosity enhancer, humectant, colourant, and nutrient booster, enabling i