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Choosing a bag of dried dates sounds simple, but one bite can make the difference between a chewy, caramel-like treat and a dry, disappointing snack. The real challenge is finding dates that stay soft and fresh from the first handful to the last, without added sugars or preservatives. Whether you are a longtime fan or a first-time buyer, the right pick depends on variety, size, and moisture — and these nine contenders cover the full range.
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.
Here are the best dried dates worth stocking in your pantry, ranked by freshness, value, and the honest feedback of thousands of owners.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Dried Dates
Dried dates are a simple fruit, but not every bag delivers the same experience. Knowing the key differences helps you pick a batch that stays plump, sweet, and ready to eat — whether straight from the bag or baked into your favorite recipe.
Medjool vs Deglet Noor — The Two Main Varieties
Medjool dates are larger, softer, and have a rich, caramel-like flavor. They are often called the “king of dates” and are ideal for snacking. Deglet Noor dates are smaller, firmer, and less sweet, making them a popular choice for baking and cooking because they hold their shape well.
Freshness and Moisture Content
Fresh dates should feel plump and slightly sticky, not rock-hard or overly dry. Look for “moist” or “soft” in the product descriptions and reviews, as this is the single biggest factor separating a great experience from a disappointing one. A resealable bag or proper packaging helps lock that freshness in.
Pitted vs Unpitted
Pitted dates save you the hassle of removing the pit before eating or cooking. Unpitted dates can stay fresher a bit longer since the pit protects the inside, but you will need to cut them open. Most buyers prefer pitted for convenience, especially when adding them to smoothies or baking.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Size | Variety | Pitted | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Medjool Dates 32oz★ Best Overall | Best Overall | 32 oz | Medjool | Undisclosed | Amazon |
| California Chopped DatesBaking Champion | Best for Baking | 16 oz | Undisclosed | Yes (chopped) | Amazon |
| Harveast Organic Medjool DatesOrganic Pick | Premium Organic | 16 oz | Medjool | Undisclosed | Amazon |
| Sun-Maid Deglet Noor Dates | Portable Snack | 32 oz (4 packs) | Deglet Noor | Yes | Amazon |
| Sunny Fruit Deglet Nour | Bulk Value | 48 oz | Deglet Noor | Yes | Amazon |
| Sincerely Nuts Dried Dates | Budget Bulk | 80 oz | Undisclosed | Yes | Amazon |
| Sunny Fruit Organic Packs | Portion Control | 52.8 oz (30 packs) | Deglet Noor | Yes | Amazon |
| Double Date Medjool | Jumbo Medjool | 80 oz | Medjool | Undisclosed | Amazon |
| Traina Home Grown Pitted | Classic Deglet Noor | 80 oz | Deglet Noor | Yes | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Organic Medjool Dates, 32 OZ
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 450+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The freshest, plumpest Medjool dates that keep owners coming back for more.
These are the dates that taste like candy without any of the guilt. Buyers report that each date is “plump and delicious and fresh,” with a soft texture that never turns dry. The taste is the standout feature — 32 people praise it specifically — and the overall rating reflects that consistency. At 32 ounces, the container is large enough for days of snacking, and the freshness holds up well after opening.
The texture here is what wins people over. These dates are consistently soft and moist, not dried out like some other brands you might find. Many owners use them to make date caramel for dipping apples or simply eat them plain. The resealable packaging keeps the rest fresh while you work through the bag.
What fans love
- Consistently plump and soft texture — never dry
- Rich, natural sweetness perfect for snacking or recipes
- Large 32-ounce container offers great daily value
Who should look elsewhere
- Not explicitly labeled as pitted, so check before buying
- May be too sweet if you prefer a firmer, less sugary date
Our call: The crowd-pleasing choice for anyone who wants reliably fresh, soft Medjool dates straight from the bag.
Watch for: The listing does not specify pitted or unpitted, so read the fine print before you order if that matters for your recipe.
2. California Chopped Dates (Pack of 2)
Pre-chopped convenience that skips the knife work for holiday bakers.
If you bake, you already know the pain of pitting and chopping dates one by one. This pack of Dole California Chopped Dates solves that completely — they arrive already chopped and ready to fold into batters. Buyers specifically praise their freshness for Christmas baking, and the double-wrap packaging helps them stay soft until you are ready.
The taste and quality earn top marks, with 39 owners calling out the flavor. These are sun-ripened and picked at peak sweetness, and the 100% natural label means no added sugars or preservatives. The texture gets mixed notes — some find them fairly soft while others expected more moisture — but for baking, the firmer consistency actually works well, holding up in muffins and scones without turning to mush.
The honest trade-off: A few owners note the sugar content feels higher than expected, though the label says no sugar added. The bag is also on the smaller side at 16 ounces compared to bulk options — fine for a few recipes, less ideal for daily snacking.
Reach for this if: You bake often and want ready-to-use chopped dates that stay fresh in the pantry.
Hold off if: You need a large bag for everyday snacking — the 16-ounce pack runs out fast.
3. Harveast Organic Medjool Dates – California Grown Jumbo Dates, 1 lb
Jumbo, organic Medjool dates with USDA certification and a loyal following.
These California-grown Medjool dates come from the Coachella Valley and carry USDA organic, kosher, and halal certifications, with no glyphosate residue. Reviewers describe them as “delicious, soft, moist, large Medjool dates” that work perfectly as a sugar craving snack. The taste is the most-praised aspect by a wide margin — 57 owners single it out.
The texture is where opinions split. Many love the “lovely squishy insides,” but others find the dates too tough or dry, with 25 people noting a moisture content issue. Freshness varies from batch to batch, so your experience may depend on how long the bag sat in transit. The 1-pound resealable bag is a good starter size, but serious date lovers will finish it quickly.
Why it stands out
- Multiple certifications (USDA Organic, Kosher, Halal)
- Jumbo size delivers a satisfying, meaty bite
- Popular for pairing with dark chocolate and nuts
The real issue
- Moisture inconsistency — some bags arrive dried out
- Not explicitly pitted, which some owners discover late
Our take: A solid organic Medjool choice if you get a fresh batch, but the moisture lotto makes it a slight gamble.
skip it if: Consistent softness is your top priority — consider the top-rated pick instead for reliable plumpness.
4. Sun-Maid Deglet Noor Pitted Dried Dates (4 Pack)
Four separate bags of pitted Deglet Noor dates, perfect for keeping one at work, home, and on the go.
Sun-Maid is a trusted name in dried fruit, and these Deglet Noor dates deliver the same consistent quality. They are pitted, so you can eat them straight from the bag without any prep. The 8-ounce bags are individually sealed, which helps lock in freshness — and many owners say they stay soft in the fridge for a long time. The taste is the top praised feature, with 75 people calling it out.
The value here is strong: 4 bags for the price of a single larger container. But the texture is a split decision. Some owners describe the dates as moist and sweet, while others find them too dry or even mushy in spots. The sugar content is clean — zero grams of fat and no added sugar — so they work well as a natural sweetener for recipes. Just know that a few owners warn about glucose spikes for diabetics.
The nutshell: Convenient, pitted, and well-priced for the multipack format. The moisture inconsistency means you might get a perfect batch or a slightly dry one.
Best for: Portion control and on-the-go snacking, especially if you want the ease of pitted dates.
Not for: Anyone who demands peak moisture every single time — the texture is a roll of the dice.
5. ORGANIC Pitted Dates (Deglet Nour) – Sunny Fruit 48oz Bulk Bag
A 3-pound bulk bag of organic Deglet Noor dates that loyalists have trusted for years.
Sunny Fruit packs its Deglet Noor dates at the source in Turkey and ships them with a “Turquality” pledge for freshness. The 48-ounce bulk bag is a serious value for date lovers who go through them fast. The taste is the overwhelming highlight — 124 owners praise it, far more than any other aspect. Regular owners mention they have not found a better brand, calling them “moist and flavor able.”
The texture gets more divided reviews. Some describe the dates as luscious, while others find them too hard or dry. The moisture content is the biggest split, with 47 people offering mixed opinions. They are excellent for soaking and blending into a natural sweetener, or for keeping your sweet tooth in check without processed sugar. Just be aware that if you are used to Medjool-level softness, these Deglet Noors will feel firmer.
What works
- Massive 48-ounce bag at a solid per-ounce cost
- Organic, Non-GMO, Vegan, Halal, and Kosher certified
- Versatile for snacking, blending, and baking
The catch
- Moisture varies — some bags arrive noticeably drier
- Firmer than Medjool; not for those seeking a soft, gooey date
Our verdict: A fantastic value if you want organic Deglet Noor dates in bulk and can handle the occasional dry batch.
Think twice if: You prioritize soft, almost creamy texture — that is Medjool territory, not Deglet Noor.
6. Sincerely Nuts No Sugar Added Pitted Dried Dates, 5lb
A 5-pound bag of pitted dates that gives you the most fruit for your money — if you are lucky with freshness.
Sincerely Nuts aims for the budget-conscious buyer who needs a big stash for smoothies, baking, or daily snacking. The dates are pitted, no sugar added, and come in a resealable bag. Taste is the top praised feature by a huge margin, with 187 owners calling them sweet and delicious. Some report they are “plump, sweet, and yummy,” using them as cycling fuel or a healthy candy alternative.
The downside is a real consistency problem. The moisture content and texture get divided opinions — 86 and 81 owners respectively. Some bags arrive tender and moist, while others are described as “very dry and hard to eat.” A disappointed buyer noted that a previous 3lb bag was delicious, but the next 2lb bag was dried out and crusty. If you get a good batch, the value is unbeatable. If not, you are stuck with 5 pounds of dry dates.
The honest read: Incredible value on paper, but the batch-to-batch moisture lottery makes it a gamble. Freeze your haul if you get a good one.
Reach for this if: You are on a tight budget and willing to risk a dry batch for the price.
Look elsewhere if: Consistency is everything — you are better off with the top-rated pick for reliable quality.
7. Sunny Fruit Organic Dried Pitted Deglet Nour Dates – 30 Portion Packs
Single-serving pouches that make it easy to grab a healthy snack without overdoing it.
Portion control is the whole story here. Instead of a bulk bag, you get 30 individual packets — 6 bags of 5 pouches each — which makes them perfect for lunchboxes, desk drawers, or hiking packs. The dates are organic Deglet Noor, pitted, and contain no added sugars or preservatives. The taste earns consistent praise, with 46 owners calling them delicious.
The freshness and texture are more of a mixed bag, both literally and figuratively. Some owners find the dates plump and perfectly moist, while others describe them as dry and hard. The price is higher per ounce than bulk options, but the convenience is the trade-off. If you struggle with portion control or need a shelf-stable snack for travel, the pouches are worth the premium.
Best features
- 30 individual portion packs — no measuring or guessing
- Organic and free from sulfites, syrups, and preservatives
- Great for school lunches and on-the-go snacking
Trade-offs
- Cost per ounce is higher than buying bulk
- Moisture inconsistency — some pouches arrive dry
Our call: The smartest pick for portion-conscious snackers who value convenience over bulk savings.
pass on it if: You plow through dates by the handful — a bulk bag will serve you better.
8. Double Date 5lb Bulk Medjool Dates
A 5-pound box of jumbo Medjool dates that fans call the most flavorful they have ever had.
Double Date packs its Medjool dates from the Coachella Valley in a no-frills 5-pound box. The flavor is the undeniable star — 182 owners rave about it, and the freshness gets 110 mentions. Many describe them as “big, plump, sweet, candy-like” and use them with peanut butter and walnuts for a satisfying snack. The size is another highlight, with 72 people noting the jumbo grade.
The texture is where this pick divides the room. While many find the dates soft, moist, and fresh, others report batches that are “hard like rocks” or very dry. The moisture content gets 73 mixed mentions. Owners who have ordered 10 times or more say recent boxes are not as fresh as they used to be. When you hit a good batch, this is one of the best date deals on Amazon. But that “when” is doing a lot of work.
The real story: Incredible flavor and size when fresh, but recent consistency issues mean you might be rolling the dice on moisture.
Best for: Medjool lovers who buy in bulk and can freeze a good batch.
Not for: First-time buyers who want guaranteed softness — the inconsistency is well-documented.
9. Traina Home Grown CA Deglet Pitted Dates – Bulk (5lbs)
A 5-pound case of California pitted Deglet Noor dates that delivers soft, tender texture consistently.
Traina Home Grown keeps it simple: pitted California Deglet Noor dates in a bulk 5-pound case. The taste is the top praised feature with 146 mentions, and 83 people highlight the quality. The texture earns notably positive marks for this variety — 26 owners use words like “soft” and “tender.” One review calls the dates “soft and chewy” with no pits found so far, and another says they are “very moist — unlike others that are dry.”
The size is where opinions split. Some find the dates large and satisfying, while others consider them very small. The packaging is also a sticking point: the dates arrive in a simple open-top plastic bag with a twist tie, and several owners point out that a ziplock seal would prevent potential ant issues. If you plan to transfer them to a better container, these are a solid value for the price. If you want a resealable bag, look elsewhere.
Pros
- Consistently soft and moist for a Deglet Noor variety
- Excellent value for 5 pounds of pitted dates
- No added sugar, non-GMO, gluten-free
Cons
- Packaging is a simple twist-tie bag — not resealable
- Some dates are small; size is inconsistent
Our verdict: A reliable bulk option for Deglet Noor fans who prioritize soft texture and don’t mind basic packaging.
it’s not for you if: You need resealable storage or jumbo-sized dates — this one is straightforward and no-frills.
Understanding the Specs
Medjool vs Deglet Noor
Medjool dates are larger, softer, and have a rich caramel flavor — ideal for eating out of hand. Deglet Noor dates are smaller, firmer, and less sweet, making them better for baking and cooking because they hold their shape. Think of Medjool as the dessert date and Deglet Noor as the all-purpose kitchen date.
Pitted vs Unpitted
Pitted dates have the pit removed, saving you prep time. Unpitted dates can stay fresher longer since the pit protects the interior, but you must cut them open before eating. Most buyers prefer pitted for convenience, especially for adding to smoothies or baking.
FAQ
What is the difference between Medjool and Deglet Noor dates?
Should I buy pitted or unpitted dates?
How can I tell if dried dates are still fresh?
Do dried dates have added sugar?
How should I store dried dates at home?
Can dried dates go bad?
Which date variety is best for baking?
Are dried dates a healthy snack?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
If you want one dependable pick, the best dried dates winner is the Organic Medjool Dates, 32 OZ because it consistently delivers the plump, soft texture that date lovers crave, backed by strong reviews on taste and freshness. If you bake often and want ready-to-use chopped fruit, the California Chopped Dates (Pack of 2) are a lifesaver. And for those who need portion control for lunchboxes or travel, the Sunny Fruit Organic 30 Packs are a smart, grab-and-go solution.
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 July 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.