People often say they do not like dates after trying only one kind. In reality, date varieties differ as much as apple varieties do. Some are intensely sweet, some are mild, some taste of caramel and others are closer to dried fruit with a gentle chew. The simplest way to choose is to start from what you already enjoy eating.
Three things that shape how a date tastes
Sweetness. All dates contain naturally occurring sugars, but the impression of sweetness varies widely between varieties.
Flavor. Beyond sweetness, dates can carry notes that people describe as caramel, honey, toffee or dried fruit.
Texture. A soft, moist date and a firm, chewy date give very different eating experiences even when the flavor is similar. Our guide to date textures covers this in more detail.
If you like very sweet foods
Sukkari is the natural choice. This golden date from Al Qassim in Saudi Arabia is known above all for its sweetness, and its name is linked to the Arabic word for sugar. It comes in a soft form and a drier, crunchier form, so you can pick the texture you prefer. Read more in soft vs crunchy Sukkari dates.
If you like rich, caramel-like flavors
Medjool is large, soft and often described as tasting of caramel. It is the variety most Americans already know, and it works well on its own, stuffed with nuts or blended into recipes. Medjool originated in Morocco and is now grown in several countries, so check the origin on the listing.
If you prefer something less sweet
Ajwa from Madinah is a good match. It is a dark, soft date with a milder sweetness than Medjool or Sukkari, which is why people who find other dates too sugary often enjoy it. Mabroom, also from Madinah, is another mild option with a firmer, chewier bite.
If you want a balance
Safawi sits between the extremes. It is a dark, soft and chewy date from Madinah with moderate sweetness, which makes it an easy everyday choice. Amber, also called Anbara, is a large Madinah date with soft, fleshy fruit and a mild flavor.
A quick matching guide
- You like candy and desserts: try Sukkari.
- You like caramel and toffee: try Medjool.
- You like dark chocolate and less sugar: try Ajwa.
- You like chewy dried fruit: try Mabroom.
- You are not sure yet: try Safawi, then compare.
These are starting points, not rules. Taste is personal, and the same variety can vary a little from harvest to harvest.
How to test your preference without overspending
Order small packs of two or three contrasting varieties and taste them side by side. Try each one plain first, then with unsweetened coffee or tea, which makes differences in sweetness easier to notice. Keep a note of what you liked, because it is easy to forget which was which a week later.
Dates are a sweet food, so portion size still matters whichever variety you choose.
Explore the varieties at Tamooriya
Tamooriya offers Ajwa, Mabroom, Safawi and Amber dates from Madinah, Sukkari from Al Qassim and Medjool from Jericho. Packs start at 250 g, and the date combos let you taste several varieties in one order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which date is the sweetest?
Among the varieties covered here, Sukkari is generally considered the sweetest tasting.
Which dates are the least sweet?
Ajwa and Mabroom are usually described as milder than Medjool or Sukkari. They still contain natural sugars.
What is the best date for someone who has never tried dates?
Medjool is a comfortable first choice because of its soft texture and familiar caramel-like flavor. Safawi is a good second variety to try.
Do all dates of one variety taste the same?
Not exactly. Ripeness, moisture, storage and harvest conditions all affect flavor, so there is some natural variation.
