Types of Dates Fruit

Dates are one of the most commercially significant dried fruits in the global food industry, valued for their natural sweetness, extended shelf life, and versatility in food manufacturing. As demand for dates continues to grow across food production sectors—including confectionery, baking, and health foods—B2B buyers need to understand the different types of edible dates available in the market. This guide provides insights into the key commercial varieties of dates, their characteristics, and sourcing considerations for bulk procurement through platforms like Nutrada

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Understanding Date Varieties in Commercial Trade

Dates are classified into three main categories based on their moisture content and texture: soft, semi-soft, and dry (or hard) dates. Each type serves different applications in the food industry, from snack foods to industrial ingredient processing.

1. Medjool Dates

Medjool dates are among the most sought-after varieties due to their large size, soft texture, and rich caramel-like flavor. They are often marketed as a premium variety and are widely used in luxury food products, energy bars, and gourmet confectionery.

Features:

• Moisture content: High (Soft date)
• Color: Dark brown
• Size: Large
• Common Applications: Retail snack foods, natural sweeteners, date pastes, and bakery ingredients

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2. Deglet Noor Dates

Deglet Noor dates are considered a semi-soft variety and are widely used in industrial processing and bulk ingredient supply. Their firm texture and less intense sweetness make them ideal for date-based syrups, chopped date inclusions, and bakery fillings.

Features:

• Moisture content: Medium (Semi-soft date)
• Color: Amber to golden brown
• Size: Medium
• Common Applications: Industrial food manufacturing, cereal bars, pastes, and date syrups.

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3. Barhi Dates

Barhi dates are unique because they are often sold in both fresh and dried forms. When fresh, they have a crisp, apple-like texture, while dried Barhi dates develop a soft, creamy consistency with intense sweetness. Though not as common in bulk processing as Medjool or Deglet Noor, they are valued in high-end confectionery and specialty markets.

Features

• Moisture content: Varies (Fresh and soft dry date)
• Color: Golden yellow to brown
• Size: Small to medium
• Common Applications: Specialty desserts, direct consumption, and premium dried fruit blends.

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4. Zahidi Dates

Zahidi dates are semi-dry and have a chewy texture with a mild sweetness. Their lower moisture content enhances their shelf stability, making them a cost-effective option for bulk ingredient supply, date powders, and commercial processing.

Features:

• Moisture content: Low to medium (Semi-dry date)
• Color: Golden brown
• Size: Medium
• Common Applications: Date powders, diced dates, bakery ingredients, and snacks.

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5. Ajwa Dates

Ajwa dates are premium black dates known for their unique texture and cultural significance, particularly in Middle Eastern markets. They are primarily used in ethnic food markets, premium retail, and health-focused food products.

Features:

• Moisture content: Medium (Semi-soft date)
• Color: Dark brown to black
• Size: Small to medium
• Common Applications: Specialty food markets, health products, and date-based supplements.

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6. Sukkari Dates

Sukkari dates are a soft variety with a high natural sugar content, making them ideal for natural sweeteners and premium date products. They are commonly sourced for luxury confectionery and specialty health food applications.

Features

• Moisture content: High (Soft date)
• Color: Light golden brown
• Size: Medium
• Common Applications: Date-based syrups, gourmet retail packaging, and high-end food manufacturing.

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Other Commercial Date Varieties

In addition to the widely traded varieties, other dates play a role in the global market. Aseel dates, grown primarily in Pakistan, are a semi-dry variety known for their extended shelf life and suitability for industrial applications, including date paste and sugar production. Other varieties, such as Khudri, Mabroom, and Halawy, are used in different markets based on regional preferences and product formulations.

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Sourcing & Bulk Procurement of Dates for B2B Buyers

Selecting the right date variety depends on the intended application, processing requirements, and price considerations. Buyers should assess factors such as moisture content, texture, sugar levels, and shelf stability when choosing bulk dates suppliers. The global dates market was valued at USD 31.03 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 49.14 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.99% during the forecast period. In the United States, California is the leading date-growing state, producing a majority of the nation's total.

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For B2B procurement, Nutrada provides access to verified date suppliers offering bulk options for industrial manufacturing and wholesale trade. The platform allows buyers to filter by variety, origin, processing method (pitted, diced, paste), and certifications (organic, fair trade, etc.), ensuring they meet specific industry needs.

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FAQ

How many types of dates fruit are there?

There are over 200 types of dates worldwide, but only a select number of varieties are commercially traded for food production and retail markets.

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Which is better, Medjool or Deglet Noor dates?

Medjool dates are considered a premium soft date with a rich flavor, ideal for direct consumption and high-end products. Deglet Noor dates are semi-soft, making them more suitable for industrial processing and bulk ingredient use.

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What is the best dates variety in the world?

This depends on the application. Medjool is considered the finest for premium retail, Deglet Noor is best for industrial processing, and Ajwa holds religious and cultural significance in certain markets.

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