Even in packages of pitted dates, you will occasionally come across a pit. Watch out for this to protect your teeth!

If you are adding chopped dates to salads or oatmeal there is usually no need to soak them.

Date-sweetened apple pie oatmeal[5] X Research source Espresso overnight oats with salted date caramel[6] X Research source

Roasted cauliflower salad with chopped dried dates. [7] X Research source Butternut squash and quinoa salad with dates[8] X Research source

Peanut butter and jelly date smoothie[10] X Research source Banana date smoothie[11] X Research source

Almond butter date balls[12] X Research source Coconut date balls[13] X Research source