Pre-heat oven to 325°F / 160°C. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.

In a medium pot, combine chopped dates and one cup of cold water. Uncovered, bring to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda, stir, and remove from heat. The date mixture will foam up for a few min, this is normal. Stir a few times, and set aside to cool slightly.

In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut, and chopped almonds.

Combine cooled date mixture, coconut oil, cocoa, vanilla, and salt in a food processor. Purée until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides a couple of times.

Pour the chocolate sauce over the oat mixture, and stir well to combine. Turn granola mixture out onto the prepared baking sheet, and spread out evenly.

Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and using a spatula, carefully turn the granola over. Bake for another 20 minutes, stirring at the 10 minute mark.

Remove from oven and cool. Store in a glass jar.