A Comprehensive Review on Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Syrup: Functional Properties, Innovative Extraction Approaches, and Main Applications in the Food Industry.

Date syrup is a product processed from date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) flesh through a multi-unit operation process. This nutritious liquid is rich in carbohydrates, dietary fibres, polyphenols, minerals, and vitamins, and may provide functional and bioactive compounds with potential health-promoting properties. In this review, a summary of current literature related to the technological aspects of date syrup production was given with a focus on traditional, conventional, and novel extraction methods. Further, a systematic analysis of available data describing the compositional quality of date syrup based on biochemical, functional, antioxidant, and pro-healthy properties was highlighted. Finally, the potential applications of date-based syrup in several fields of food industry were discussed by highlighting the importance of using date syrup as an emerging alternative for sugar substitution in numerous food products and formulations.