With so many date varieties on sale, comparing them can feel like guesswork. It becomes simple once you use the same few questions for every variety. This article gives you a five point method and a side by side table you can use before your next order.
The five points to compare
1. Origin. Where is the variety grown? Origin shapes character and is also a check on authenticity. Ajwa, Safawi, Mabroom and Amber are associated with Madinah, and Sukkari with Al Qassim. Medjool originated in Morocco and is grown in several countries.
2. Appearance. Note the size, shape and color. These help you recognize the variety and confirm that what arrives matches what you ordered.
3. Texture. Is it soft, chewy or firm? See our guide to date textures.
4. Sweetness and flavor. Is it intensely sweet or mild? Does it lean toward caramel, honey or dried fruit? See how to choose dates for your taste.
5. Best use. Snacking, stuffing, baking, serving to guests or gifting.
Side by side comparison
| Variety | Origin | Appearance | Texture | Sweetness | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajwa | Madinah, Saudi Arabia | Small to medium, rounded, very dark | Soft with a light chew | Mild | Everyday eating, serving guests |
| Safawi | Madinah, Saudi Arabia | Elongated, dark reddish brown to black | Soft and chewy | Moderate | Everyday eating |
| Mabroom | Madinah, Saudi Arabia | Long, slender, reddish brown | Firm and chewy | Mild | Serving guests, gifting |
| Sukkari | Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia | Golden, conical | Soft or dry and crunchy | Very sweet | Sweet snack, with coffee |
| Amber (Anbara) | Madinah, Saudi Arabia | Large, brown | Soft and fleshy | Mild | Serving guests, gifting |
| Medjool | Several countries | Large, plump, amber to brown | Soft and moist | Sweet, caramel-like | Stuffing, baking, snacking |
These descriptions are general. Individual harvests vary, and personal taste varies even more.
Compare price the right way
Always convert to a price per kilogram or pound, and compare the same pack type. Prices between varieties differ for reasons of supply and demand, so a cheaper variety is not a lower quality one. We explain this in are expensive dates always better quality.
Do not compare nutrition by guesswork
Nutritional figures published for one variety should not be assumed for another. The USDA values many websites quote are for Medjool, and other varieties can differ. In general, all dates are a source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber and contain naturally occurring sugars. If exact numbers matter to you, rely on the nutrition information for the specific product.
The best comparison is a tasting
Reading only goes so far. Order small packs of two or three varieties that differ clearly, such as Ajwa, Sukkari and Mabroom, and taste them together. Try each plain, at room temperature, and note the texture, the sweetness and the aftertaste. Most people find a clear favorite within one sitting.
Related comparisons
For detailed head to head articles, see Ajwa vs Medjool, Sukkari vs Ajwa, Mabroom vs Ajwa and Safawi vs Ajwa.
Compare varieties at Tamooriya
Tamooriya stocks all six varieties in the table, in packs from 250 g. The date combos bundle several varieties in one order, which makes a home tasting easy. You can also browse each variety in the Saudi dates collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between date varieties?
Texture and sweetness. Size, color and origin also differ, but texture and sweetness are what you notice most when eating.
Which Saudi date variety should I try first?
Ajwa and Sukkari make a good first pair because they are very different, one mild and dark, the other golden and very sweet.
Are all date varieties equally nutritious?
They are broadly similar as a food, but exact values differ by variety. Do not apply one variety's figures to another.
Is Medjool a Saudi date?
Medjool originated in Morocco and is grown in several countries, including Saudi Arabia and Palestine. Check the origin on each product.
