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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
You want a bag of dates that’s soft, moist, and sweet — not a box of sugary gravel. The difference depends on variety, moisture, and packing. This guide helps you spot plump, candy-like options and skip dry ones, so you pick the right bag for snacking or baking.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
You’ll see how Medjool dates compare to Deglet Noor, and which bulk bags hold up best. The date fruits here are ranked on moisture, taste, and value for your kitchen.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Date Fruits
Before you buy, you need to know the two main types of dates. Medjool dates are large, soft, and almost caramel-like in sweetness. Deglet Noor dates are smaller, firmer, and less sweet — which some people prefer for baking.
Check the Moisture, Not Just the Brand
The biggest complaint across every bag on the market is dryness. A date that sits too long in a warehouse turns hard and grainy. Look for bags that mention “plump” or “soft” in recent reviews, and consider how quickly you will eat through the bag.
Pitted vs. Whole
Pitted dates save you time, but they can sometimes leave a small piece of pit behind. Whole dates last longer but require work. For snacking, pitted is usually worth it; for cooking, whole dates are fine.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Type | Size | Rating | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Delights Medjool★ Best Overall | Soft, sweet snacking | Medjool | 32 oz | 4.6/5 | Amazon |
| Kartago Deglet NoorBest for Baking | Baking & cooking | Deglet Noor | 28 oz | 4.2/5 | Amazon |
| Sun-Maid Deglet NoorBest Snack Packs | Lunchbox snacks | Deglet Noor | 4 x 8 oz | 4.4/5 | Amazon |
| Sunny Fruit Deglet Nour | Bulk value & quality | Deglet Noor | 3 lbs | 4.5/5 | Amazon |
| Sincerely Nuts Dates | Budget bulk buying | Deglet Noor | 3 lbs | 4.1/5 | Amazon |
| Double Date Medjool | Jumbo Medjool lovers | Medjool | 5 lbs | 4.2/5 | Amazon |
| Premium Medjool Dates | Soft, creamy texture | Medjool | 5 lbs | 4.3/5 | Amazon |
| NUTS U.S. Organic Medjool | Organic & uniformly sized | Medjool (Organic) | 5 lbs | 4.2/5 | Amazon |
| Traina Home Grown Deglet | Family-sized bulk | Deglet Noor | 5 lbs | 4.2/5 | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Natural Delights Organic Medjool Dates, 32 OZ
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 350+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The crowd favorite for soft, plump Medjool dates that taste like a treat.
This is the bag people repurchase again and again, and it’s easy to see why. The dates arrive plump, soft, and fresh, with a natural sweetness that makes them disappear fast. As buyers put it: “Delicious! Plump! Soft! Have already repurchased and will do again.”
Taste is what wins people over here — it’s the thing everyone raves about, and quality is a close second. The texture is consistently moist, not dry and not gooey, which makes them perfect for snacking straight from the bag or stuffing with peanut butter for a quick dessert.
One note: these are whole dates with pits, so you’ll need to remove them yourself. That’s a small price to pay for the freshness, and many find the pitted version from the same brand even better.
What wins people over
- Soft, plump, and consistently fresh
- Rich, natural Medjool sweetness
- Great for snacking or recipes
Worth knowing
- Dates come with pits
- Only 32 oz — smaller than bulk bags
Reach for this if: you want the most reliable soft, sweet Medjool experience without buying a huge bulk bag.
Look elsewhere if: you need pitted dates or plan to bake in large quantities.
2. Kartago Deglet Noor Pitted Tunisian Dates, 28 Ounce
A firm, less-sweet Deglet Noor that shines in recipes and energy bars.
If you want a date that’s less sugary than Medjool, this Tunisian Deglet Noor is a solid pick. It has firm flesh and a delicate flavor, and it’s Kosher certified and vegan friendly — a clean ingredient list for anyone cooking for specific diets.
Deglet Noor dates pack iron, potassium, magnesium, and fiber, making them a go-to for smoothies, oatmeal, and baking.
The honest trade-off: moisture can be inconsistent. Most buyers get soft, sweet dates, but a few report dry ones, and one unlucky bag had gritty sand. Keep them in the fridge after opening to protect against mold, which a couple of owners mentioned.
Best in the kitchen: firm texture holds up well in baked goods and homemade bars without turning to mush.
The catch: moisture varies bag to bag, so refrigeration after opening is a must.
3. Sun-Maid Deglet Noor Pitted Dried Dates, 4 Pack
Four resealable 8-ounce bags that keep portions tidy for lunches and recipes.
Unlike a single bulk bag you have to ration, this 4-pack splits into separate 8-ounce resealable bags — a format buyers love for portion control and for recipes that call for exactly 8 ounces. At 110 calories per 1/4 cup, they’re a straightforward lunchbox snack.
Quality is the strongest point here, with taste right behind it. The dates are Non-GMO Project Verified, have zero grams of fat, and no added sugar. Most arrive plump and moist, though a few per bag can run dry or hard.
They stay fresh a long time in the fridge, which makes the multi-pack format even more practical. If you like pre-portioned snacks you can grab and go, this is the easiest way to buy dates.
The upsides
- Resealable 8 oz bags, not one big pouch
- Non-GMO, no added sugar, zero fat
- Portion-friendly for lunches
The trade-off
- Some dry or hard dates in each bag
- Smaller total quantity than bulk
Best for: parents packing lunches or bakers who use exactly 8 ounces per recipe.
skip it if: you want one large bag to snack from all week.
4. Sunny Fruit Organic Pitted Deglet Nour Dates, 3 Pound Bulk Bag
The 3-pound bulk bag that beats other brands on taste and moisture.
This is the bulk bag buyers compare everything else to. At 3 pounds (48 ounces), it’s a serious quantity, and the quality holds up — owners consistently say these are better than other brands, with a great taste, no dry pieces, and no gooey ones. They’re also pre-pitted, so they’re ready to eat.
Quality is the top thing people praise, with taste a very close second. The dates are sun-dried with no added sulfurs, sugars, or syrups, and they’re a true one-ingredient snack. Fans use them in chia pudding, mix them with nuts and coconut flakes, or just eat them by the handful.
Moisture gets mixed feedback — most bags are soft and moist, but some arrive dry and hard. It’s a 3-pound commitment, so if you don’t eat dates fast, portion some into the fridge or freezer.
Why it stands out: repeat buyers who’ve tried many brands report consistent quality and taste in this 3-pound bulk size, making it a reliable pick for stocking up.
The honest note: moisture varies — refrigerate or freeze part of the bag to keep it soft.
5. Sincerely Nuts No Sugar Added Pitted Dates, 3lb
A value-sized 3-pound bag with a mapley-sweet flavor fans love.
At 3 pounds, this bag gives you among the most economical ways to keep dates stocked. Buyers describe a naturally sweet, mapley flavor, and many call it the best value for money they’ve found. The dates are pitted, vegan, Kosher, and gluten-free, so they fit most diets.
Taste is the clear highlight — it’s the #1 thing people praise — and value for money is a strong second. Owners use them as cycling fuel, in smoothies, or frozen for a chewy snack. The resealable bag makes it easy to keep them fresh on the go.
The honest concern: quality control is inconsistent. Some bags are moist and tender, while others arrive hard as rocks or with an occasional pit. A few buyers reported bugs, though others checked thoroughly and found none. It’s a gamble at this price, but a rewarding one when you get a good bag.
What you get
- 3 lbs for serious value
- Sweet, mapley flavor praised by fans
- Pitted, vegan, Kosher, gluten-free
What to watch
- Moisture and freshness vary by bag
- Quality control can be inconsistent
Grab it if: you want maximum quantity for the money and are okay checking your bag.
Think twice if: consistency matters more to you than saving a few dollars.
6. Double Date 5lb Bulk Medjool Dates, Coachella California
Big, plump, jumbo-grade Medjool dates that taste like candy.
These are the dates that make people say “wow.” Grown and packed in Coachella Valley, California, they arrive as big, plump, juicy Medjool dates that taste almost like candy. The 5-pound box is a serious investment in sweetness — owners describe them as the softest, juiciest dates they’ve ever eaten.
The texture is the story here: “like I got 5lbs of hand picked premium dates” is how one happy buyer described it. They’re free of saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, and cholesterol, and they meet the American Heart Association’s heart-healthy criteria.
The catch is inconsistency. While most boxes are spectacular, a rare one arrives dry and flaky, and the packaging isn’t always sealed, which has led to a few bug complaints. With a jumbo 5-pound box, you’re betting on getting a fresh batch — and most of the time, you will.
The highlight: jumbo-grade size and moisture that rivals fresh-picked dates, at a 5-pound value.
The risk: an occasional box arrives dry or unsealed — check the packaging when it lands.
7. Premium Medjool Dates (5 lbs), Soft and Sweet
Exceptionally soft, creamy Medjool dates with tiny seeds and big flavor.
If texture is your priority, this 5-pound bag of Medjool dates is tough to top. Buyers describe them as wonderfully soft and creamy, with an extremely small seed that leaves more date to enjoy. They’re large, naturally sweet without being sugary, and consistently delicious — a standout for fresh eating.
Taste is the #1 thing people praise here, followed closely by value for money. The dates come in a resealable ZipLoc bag, so you can keep them fresh without transferring them to another container. Fans stuff them with peanut butter or chocolate for a quick dessert.
Moisture gets mixed feedback — most bags are fairly moist, but some arrive drier than other brands. At 5 pounds, it’s worth eating through them steadily or freezing a portion to keep them soft.
The strengths
- Large, soft, creamy texture
- Extremely small seeds
- Resealable bag for storage
The trade-off
- Some bags drier than expected
- Large quantity needs proper storage
Choose this if: you want the softest, creamiest Medjool texture in a family-sized bag.
Pass if: you prefer firmer dates or only need a small quantity.
8. NUTS U.S. Organic California Medjool Dates, 5 LBS
Organic California Medjool dates with uniform size and a sweet, juicy bite.
For organic shoppers, this 5-pound box is a standout. The dates are grown and packed in the USA, with no preservatives, no artificial color, and no oil. Buyers consistently praise the uniform sizing — none arrive crushed — and the fresh, sweet flavor that “hits the spot.”
Quality is the #1 thing people mention, with flavor a close second. They’re big and super soft, not hard or old, and the airtight plastic wrap keeps them fresh. One thrilled buyer called them “far better than commercial confections.”
The packaging is the main weakness. While most boxes arrive vacuum-sealed, a rare one comes with an unsealed bag that can lead to mushy, fermented dates over time. Check the seal when it arrives, and you’re likely to be very happy.
Why it stands out: uniform, organic, super-soft Medjool dates in a 5-pound box — quality and flavor are the consistent themes.
The watch-out: inspect the vacuum seal on arrival, since an occasional box isn’t sealed properly.
9. Traina Home Grown Whole Pitted Deglet Dates, 5lbs
A 5-pound case of soft, moist Deglet dates that taste like nature’s candy.
This 5-pound case is the bulk option for families, and the flavor is the hook. Buyers describe these as “nature’s candy” — soft, moist, and sweet with a Snickers-like quality. They’re great in smoothies, salads, or eaten plain, and they keep well in the fridge.
Quality is the #1 thing people praise, with flavor close behind. The dates are no sugar added, non-GMO, and gluten-free, and they’re a good source of fiber. Most arrive soft and moist, unlike competitors that run dry.
Two honest caveats: a few dates still have pits despite being labeled pitted, so bite carefully. And the packaging is a simple plastic bag with a twist tie — not resealable — so transfer them to a jar or container after opening.
The strengths
- Soft, moist, “nature’s candy” flavor
- 5 lbs of value for families
- No sugar added, non-GMO, gluten-free
The trade-offs
- Occasional pit left behind
- Basic packaging, not resealable
Best for: households that go through dates fast and want a big, soft, tasty bulk case.
Consider something else if: you need guaranteed no-pit dates or a resealable bag.
Understanding the Specs
Medjool vs. Deglet Noor
Medjool dates are large, soft, and intensely sweet — the “candy” of the date world. Deglet Noor dates are smaller, firmer, and less sweet, with a delicate flavor that works well in baking. If you want a snack, go Medjool; if you want a cooking ingredient, Deglet Noor is often the better fit.
Pitted vs. Whole
Pitted dates save prep time but can occasionally leave a pit fragment behind. Whole dates stay fresher longer but need manual pitting. For snacking, pitted is the convenience winner; for long-term storage, whole dates are more forgiving.
FAQ
What is the difference between Medjool and Deglet Noor dates?
How should I store bulk dates to keep them soft?
Why do some pitted dates still have pits?
Are dates healthy as a daily snack?
How long do dates last after opening?
Why do some dates arrive dry and hard?
Can I use dates as a sugar substitute in baking?
What does “organic” mean for dates?
Why are some Medjool dates so much more expensive?
How many dates should I eat per day?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For the majority of shoppers, the date fruits winner is the Natural Delights Organic Medjool because it delivers the soft, plump, sweet experience people crave with consistent quality. If you want a 3-pound bulk bag that beats other brands on taste, grab the Sunny Fruit Deglet Nour. And if you want the biggest bang for your buck with a name you know, the Sun-Maid 4-Pack is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.