Dates (Medjool) vs Raisins

The short answer

Two dried fruits, both concentrated and sugar-rich — a compact energy source. Dates are a little softer and higher in fibre; raisins carry a touch more protein and iron. Close either way — a small handful is the serving, since dried fruit packs the calories tight.

Dates (Medjool) and Raisins, per 100 g and per portion. A gap means USDA has no value for it — not zero.

Dates (Medjool) · per 100 gRaisins · per 100 g
Calories277299
Protein1.8 g3.3 g
Fat0.2 g0.3 g
Carbs75 g79.3 g
Fiber6.7 g4.5 g
Sugars66.5 g65.2 g
Sodium1 mg26 mg
Vitamins & minerals — where both carry data
Calcium64 mg62 mg
Folate15 µg5 µg
Iron0.9 mg1.8 mg
Magnesium54 mg36 mg
Niacin1.6 mg0.8 mg
Phosphorus62 mg98 mg
Potassium696 mg744 mg
Riboflavin0.1 mg0.1 mg
Thiamin0.1 mg0.1 mg
Vitamin A7 µg0 µg
Vitamin B12no data0 µg
Vitamin B60.2 mg0.2 mg
Vitamin C0 mg2.3 mg
Vitamin D0 µg0 µg
Vitamin Eno data0.1 mg
Vitamin K2.7 µg3.5 µg
Zinc0.4 mg0.4 mg
At equal calories (per 100 kcal)
ProteinDates (Medjool): 0.7 g, Raisins: 1.1 g · FiberDates (Medjool): 2.4 g, Raisins: 1.5 g · SodiumDates (Medjool): 0.4 mg, Raisins: 8.7 mg

Generic USDA foods (not brands), so both carry micronutrients. Numbers are per 100 g unless the portion toggle is on. USDA FoodData Central, as of 2026-08-12.

Common questions
Is Dates (Medjool) or Raisins better?

Neither is “better” on its own — it depends what you want from it. The table shows where each is higher; the short answer says when each one fits. Compare on the same basis (per 100 g) and pick for your dish and your goal.

How were these numbers worked out?

Straight from USDA FoodData Central for the generic form of each food, per 100 g. We show the portion view too, but portion sizes differ between foods, so per 100 g is the fair comparison.

Why does one column say “no data”?

Because USDA has no value for that nutrient in that food — so we leave it blank rather than print a 0 that would read as “none”. A real zero from USDA still shows as 0.

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