8 Best Dates to Buy in the UK – Shop Our Premium Range
If you’re looking for exceptional quality dates in the UK—whether for snacking, gifting, or cooking—this guide will help you navigate the many varieties available and select the top ones. Here, we showcase 8 Best Dates to Buy in the UK, with details on taste, texture, provenance, and buying tips. Along the way, I’ll also highlight the distinguishing features of each product. (By the way, one brand that offers many of these premium varieties is hibahealthfoods.
Table of Contents
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Why Premium Dates Matter
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What to Look for When Buying Dates in the UK
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The 8 Best Date Varieties / Products Available in the UK
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How to Use & Enjoy Premium Dates
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Storage, Shelf Life & Quality Preservation
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How to Compare & Choose Dates
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Final Thoughts
1. Why Premium Dates Matter
Dates are more than just naturally sweet dried fruit. Premium dates deliver superior texture, richer flavor, better nutrients, and elegance in presentation. Here’s why going for higher-grade dates is often worth it:
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Better texture & moisture: Premium dates are plump, moist (not too dry or leathery), and chew pleasantly.
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Flavor complexity: They often inherit floral, caramel, honey, or nutty notes based on soil, climate, and variety.
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Uniformity & fewer defects: Top-tier dates have fewer bruises, splits, or insects.
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Cultural and gifting significance: Varieties such as Ajwa carry high prestige; proper packaging enhances gift appeal.
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Nutritional integrity: Less processing, better handling, and careful storage help preserve vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
In the UK market, many importers and specialty shops stock premium dates from the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. Let’s explore standout options.
2. What to Look for When Buying Dates in the UK
Before reviewing the eight, here are key criteria you should use to evaluate and compare:
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Origin & Traceability: Knowing the country or region (e.g. Medjool from Palestine or Jordan, Ajwa from Medina) lends trust.
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Fresh Harvest / Packaging Date: The closer to harvest or packing, the fresher the date.
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Moisture / Softness: Dates should not be overly dry; gentle give on pressing is desirable.
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Integrity: No mold, no insect damage, minimal splits.
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Color consistency: Natural variation is okay, but uniform color with no discoloration is ideal.
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Type / Variety: Knowing whether a date is Medjool, Ajwa, Piarum, Deglet Noor, etc. helps set expectations.
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Packaging & Storage: Resealable packs, oxygen-absorbing liners, and minimal exposure to light.
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Price vs Grade: Higher price often corresponds to better grade; check what grade (A, premium, large, etc.).
With those benchmarks in mind, here are eight excellent date products in the UK.
3. The 8 Best Date Varieties / Products Available in the UK
Below, each entry includes what makes that product special, pros and cons, and suggestions for use.
3.1 Zaytoun Medjoul Dates (Ramadan Season 5 kg)
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Overview & highlights: A large bulk box for Ramadan, this is ideal for families or heavy usage.
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Why it stands out: High volume with expected premium quality for festival season.
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Pros & considerations:
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Pro: Great value per kilogram, useful for large gatherings.
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Con: Need to consume or preserve properly to avoid spoilage over time.
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Use suggestions: Use across Iftar tables, for baking, or package into smaller jars as gift sets.
3.2 Zaytoun Ramadan Medjool Dates 800 g
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A mid‑size pack, more manageable for individual households or gifting.
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Good balance between cost and freshness (less storage time compared to bulk).
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Great as a premium gift or to sample the Zaytoun Medjool line without committing to 5 kg.
3.3 Zaytoun 5 kg Medjool Dates
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Similar to (3.1), but possibly not seasonal — perhaps year‑round offering.
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Ideal for bulk buyers, catering, or serious date lovers who consume regularly.
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Important: ensure good storage (cool, airtight) when buying this size.
3.4 Zaytoun Medjoul Dates 500 g
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A convenient half‑kilogram size for households.
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Easier to finish before quality drops.
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Works well for regular snacking or splitting into smaller portions.
3.5 Zaytoun Medjool Dates 250 g
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A small, trial or gift size.
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Perfect for sampling, trying out the variety, or gifting as a luxury treat.
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Less waste risk, more likely to stay fresh.
3.6 Premium Ajwa Medina Dates – 400 g
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Ajwa dates from Medina have high cultural and religious significance.
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They often are drier and firmer compared to Medjool, with distinctive flavor and texture.
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Best for consumers who prefer a more subtle, less sticky date.
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Good as gifts, especially in religious contexts.
3.7 Dombaz Piarum Dates – 500 g
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Piarum (also spelled Piarom) is a less common variety known for slender shape, firm texture, and concentrated sweetness.
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This offers variety beyond the usual Medjool / Ajwa selections.
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If you like a firmer bite and refined sweetness, this date will delight.
3.8 Premium Ajwa Medina Dates – 800 g
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A larger version of the Ajwa 400g product for those who want more quantity.
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Especially useful for homes or longer-term use.
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Because Ajwa may have slightly lower moisture, the larger pack is less risky compared to big Medjool boxes.
4. How to Use & Enjoy Premium Dates
To get the most out of these date varieties:
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Straight snacking: Serve chilled or at room temperature. Premium dates often need nothing else.
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Pair with nuts & cheese: Dates complement nuts (almonds, walnuts) or mild cheeses (goat, ricotta).
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In smoothies / shakes: Blend a date or two for natural sweetness and fiber.
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Baking & cooking: Use chopped dates in cakes, bread, muffins, energy bars.
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Stuffed dates: Pit them and stuff with nuts, cream cheese, or chocolate for desserts.
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Syrup / paste: Blend with water to make a date purée or syrup for desserts or dressings.
In forums, people mention using dates with oatmeal, smoothies, or even wrapped in bacon (in non‑religious contexts) as creative treats. Reddit+1
5. Storage, Shelf Life & Quality Preservation
Dates are reasonably shelf-stable, but premium ones require care:
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Store in cool, dry, dark places (pantry, cupboard).
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Once opened, use airtight containers or resealable bags to avoid moisture absorption.
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In warm climates, store in the refrigerator — slows microbial growth and preserves texture.
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For very long-term storage, freezing is possible; dates thaw well with minimal texture loss.
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Always check for signs of spoilage: mold, off smell, excessive dryness, or visible fermentations.
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Rotate stock: use older boxes first, especially in case of multiple purchases.
6. How to Compare & Choose Dates
When browsing multiple premium date options, here’s a quick comparison framework:
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Feature |
Why It Matters |
Your Preference |
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Moisture / softness |
Very dry dates may be less enjoyable |
Slight give when pressed |
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Uniformity / defects |
Visual appeal and less waste |
Minimal splits, even color |
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Sweetness level |
Balances usage (snack vs baking) |
Mild to mid-level sweet is versatile |
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Size & packaging |
Bigger dates feel premium; packaging ensures freshness |
Resealable, protective lining |
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Variety / novelty |
Trying different cultivars gives flavor diversity |
Alternate Medjool, Ajwa, Piarum |
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Price per kg |
Bulk vs premium grade trade-off |
Understand grade & cost ratio |
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What makes Medjool dates so popular?
A1. The Medjool cultivar is prized for its large size, rich caramel‑like taste, high moisture content, and soft texture. According to botanical sources, Medjool constitutes roughly 25% of the worldwide dates trade. Wikipedia
Q2. Are Ajwa dates better than Medjool?
A2. “Better” depends on criteria. Ajwa dates (from Medina) are firmer, less sticky, and carry cultural/religious prestige. Medjool are sweeter and juicier. In premium date selection, many offer both to suit different tastes.
Q3. What is Piarum date (Dombaz) like?
A3. Piarum (or Piarom) is a thinner, drier date variety, known for concentrated sweetness and chewy bite. It offers a nice contrast to the more humid Medjool.
Q4. How long do premium dates last once opened?
A4. If stored in airtight containers or resealable packaging, dates can last several weeks to months. Refrigeration extends this. The key is limiting moisture exposure.
Q5. Can I trust large bulk boxes (e.g., 5 kg) in terms of freshness?
A5. Yes, but only if packaged, sealed, and handled properly. Bulk boxes risk longer storage time or temperature swings — so check packing dates, inspect inside upon opening, and plan usage.
Q6. Are premium dates good for health?
A6. Yes — they are rich in fiber, potassium, antioxidants, and natural sugars. But they are calorie-dense, so moderation is wise.
Q7. How do I tell if a date is low-quality or spoiled?
A7. Signs include mold spots, ferment smell, overly dry leathery texture, or slimy surfaces. Avoid such batches.
Q8. Should I buy many small packs or a few large ones?
A8. Small packs reduce risk of spoilage once opened; large packs give better price per kg. A mix is often ideal.
8. Final Thoughts
Whether you opt for the succulent juiciness of Zaytoun Medjoul Dates (Ramadan Season 5 kg) or the dignified firmness of Premium Ajwa Medina Dates – 800 g, these 8 Best Dates to Buy in the UK offer something for different tastes, budgets, and uses. From mid-sized 500 g packs to bulk 5 kg boxes, there’s flexibility. Explore variety (like Piarum), balance freshness with quantity, and store carefully to preserve that decadent quality. Choose what aligns with your taste and lifestyle—and enjoy these natural jewels.