Or is it still better, even when the dates are pressed?
In that blended form, the insoluble fiber is crushed, so it’s glycaemic index is essentially the same as regular sugar.
But beyond that, you are still getting that fiber fermenting in your large intestine, as well as the vitamins, minerals and plant compounds. So definitely preferable to pure sugar.
Opt for fruit in natural form. But to your question, in terms of blood sugar spikes it’s almost the same as pure sugar.