Dates are a year-round staple in Bangladeshi households, and demand multiplies every Ramadan. But walk into any dry-fruit shop and you'll see a wall of options — Ajwa, Sukkari, Maryam, and more — at wildly different prices. Here's what actually separates them.
Ajwa Dates
Ajwa is grown almost exclusively around Madina, Saudi Arabia, and carries strong religious significance, which drives both demand and price. It's dark brown to black, soft, slightly wrinkled, and has a dense, less-sweet flavor compared to other varieties — some describe it as having a mild smoky or "dry fruit" taste rather than pure sugar-sweetness.
Best for: Gifting, Ramadan/Iftar, and buyers specifically looking for the Madina-grown variety.
Sukkari Dates
Sukkari ("sugary" in Arabic) is grown in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia. It has a golden-brown color, a soft but slightly firmer bite than Ajwa, and a more straightforwardly sweet, caramel-like flavor. It's often considered the most balanced everyday date — not too soft, not too dry.
Best for: Daily eating, tea-time snacking, and anyone who wants a classic sweet date without Ajwa's premium price tag.
Maryam Dates
Maryam dates, often sourced from Iran, are large, very soft, and tender with a rich, almost caramel-toffee sweetness. They're typically the most affordable of the three per kilogram, making them a practical choice for bulk buying — for example, for a household that goes through dates quickly during Ramadan.
Best for: Bulk/family consumption, budget-conscious buyers, and recipes that call for chopped or blended dates (they're soft enough to mash easily).
Quick comparison
| | Ajwa | Sukkari | Maryam | |---|---|---|---| | Texture | Soft, dense | Soft, slightly firm | Very soft, tender | | Sweetness | Mild, complex | Balanced, sweet | Rich, very sweet | | Typical price | Highest | Mid-range | Most affordable | | Best use | Gifting, religious occasions | Everyday snacking | Bulk buying, recipes |
If you're buying for Ramadan gifting or want the traditional Madina variety, go Ajwa. If you want an everyday sweet date without overspending, Sukkari is the sweet spot (literally). If you're stocking up for the whole family, Maryam gives you the most for your money.
Browse current prices and order all three varieties on our dates page.