Contamination and Nutritional Quality in Date-Derived Natural Sweeteners from Algeria and Tunisia

Natural sweeteners from dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) have gained interest as alternatives to refined sugar due to their technological functionality, nutritional value, and richness in bioactive micronutrients. However, organic contamination, including plasticizers and bisphenols (BPs), may affect product safety. This study aimed to provide an evaluation of the contamination profile and nutritional quality of commercial date-derived sweeteners from Algeria and Tunisia. Thirty-two samples, including syrups, pastes, and powders, were analyzed for physicochemical properties, nutritional sweetening index (NSI), proximate composition, vitamin E, minerals and total phenolic content (TPC). In parallel, product contamination from plasticizers and BPs was assessed. Date syrups exhibited the highest soluble solids content (70.8–81.4 °Brix) and NSI, whereas powders showed greater TPC, dietary fiber, proteins, and minerals. Moisture content decreased from syrups to powders, while TPC and fiber increased, likely due to dehydration-induced concentration effects. Plasticizers such as dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were detected in all samples at concentrations ranges of 25.43–63.54 µg/kg and 18.76–61.28 µg/kg. Whereas bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT) was found in 97% of products at concentrations from 33.28 to 94.36 µg/kg. Among BPs, BPA and BPS were detected in 78% and 66% of samples and exhibited concentration ranges of 3.18–13.06 µg/kg and 1.54–6.12 µg/kg, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that product type was the main factor affecting compositional variability, while geographical origin had a limited influence. This evidence suggests that contamination patterns may be due to product processing, although environmental sources at multiple stages along the agri-food chain may also play a role. Overall, date-derived sweeteners represent promising alternatives to refined sugar. However, improved monitoring strategies, stricter control on food contact materials, and harmonized safety regulations are needed particularly in Algeria and Tunisia, where regulatory frameworks governing endocrine-active chemicals remain less stringent than those established in the European Union.