National California Date Month kicks off October 1, celebrating the fresh date harvest season in the Coachella Valley. To celebrate, we’re inviting home cooks, wellness enthusiasts, and food lovers nationwide to show off their creativity in our

"Build a Better Bite" recipe contest.  

Whether you're looking to make every bite count on your road to optimal health, fueling an active day, powering up for a workout, or satisfying a craving for something naturally sweet, fresh California Medjool Dates are the ultimate starting point.  

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Contest Details: 

Contest starts October 1 at 12:00 Noon (PT) and ends November 29, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (PT).

Show us your culinary creativity by creating and submitting two original, healthy stuffed date bite recipes—one sweet and one savory for your chance to win! 

The California Dates panel of judges will choose one lucky winner from all eligible entries received. 

Grand prize: The grand prize winner will receive a California Dates VIP package to the Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival in March 2027. Prize includes a two-night hotel stay, tickets to the James Beard Luncheon (March 19) and two tickets to the Saturday Grand Tastings event (March 20).

Enter your recipe creations using the entry form below. 

Terms & conditions apply. See contest rules below. 

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How to Build Your California Date Bites:

Use the 3-step framework below as your creative guide for your sweet & savory California Date Bites. 

Step 1: The Base (*Required) 

Start with fresh California Medjool Dates (pitted and split lengthwise). Their plump texture, rich caramel sweetness, and soft bite make them the perfect natural, fiber-rich vessel for healthy fillings.

Step 2: Choose A Lean Protein or Healthy Fat Filling 

Sample ideas to spark your imagination: Natural nut/seed butters, light or cultured cheeses (whipped ricotta, feta, goat, cottage cheese), Greek yogurt, hummus, or fresh avocado mash, or any lean protein or healthy fat that sounds good to you. 

Step 3: Top with Any Healthy Texture & Flavor (Sweet, Savory, or Spicy)  

Finish with whatever nutritious, crunchy, or fresh toppings you dream up! Sample ideas to spark your imagination may include raw or roasted nuts (California walnuts, pistachios, almonds), seeds (hemp, chia, pumpkin), cacao nibs, dark chocolate, fresh berries, diced apples, citrus zest, leafy herbs (dill, mint, parsley), diced cucumber, roasted red peppers, or flavorful spices (cinnamon, za'atar, sumac, Everything Bagel seasoning).

Need inspiration to get started? Visit CaliforniaDates.com/National-California-Date-Month to see chef-created combinations, nutrition tips, and everything happening this October to celebrate National California Date Month!

What the Judges Are Looking For

Originality & Culinary Creativity: Unique, inventive flavor combinations—don't be afraid to think outside the box!

Nutrient Density & Wholesome Ingredients: Smart pairings using lean proteins, healthy fats, and nutritious toppings to make every bite count.

Taste & Balance: A delicious harmony of natural sweetness, texture, and flavor.

Visual Presentation: A vibrant, appetizing photo of your finished date bite creations.

Enter Here

1. Craft your 2 healthy California Date Bite recipes

2. Snap a Photo: Take a clear, appetizing photo of each finished creation.

3. Submit Below: Fill out the entry form with your ingredients, assembly steps, and photos. 

4. Follow @DatesAreGreat for updates.  

*All entries must be received by November 29, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (PT)

Please complete all required fields below and upload photos of your sweet and savory stuffed date creations.