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5 min
13/02/2026
With Ramadan 2026 on the horizon, selecting the correct variety of Saudi Arabian dates will enhance your eating experience and energy replenishment at iftar (fast-breaking meal). Ajwa dates are soft and have a mild sweetness. In contrast, Sukkari dates are packed with natural sugars, so they will provide you with immediate energy; however, Medjool dates have a pleasingly chewy texture that will keep you from becoming hungry or tired during the day.
As everyone is approaching Ramadan 2026, the tradition of breaking your fast with dates continues to serve both symbolic and nutritional purposes. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is considered the heart of high-quality dates and produces a variety of dates that differ in terms of texture, level of sweetness, and density of energy. Whether you choose Ajwa, Sukkari, or Medjool, the crown jewels of the desert will help provide sweetness to your Ramadan meal on the evening of each day of fasting.
Ajwa dates hold great cultural and spiritual significance during Ramadan 2026. They are dark, small, moist dates with a milder sweetness that will not saturate or overwhelm someone who has just completed a full day fast. The softness of Ajwa dates makes them easier to digest than other varieties, a consideration when your stomach has been empty for hours. Since many people prefer to taste subtle caramel flavours rather than sweet syrupy flavours during Ramadan 2026, Ajwa dates provide a moderate level of sugar that allows for a gradual transition into heavier iftar meals while promoting a steady release of energy as opposed to an immediate sugar high.
Sukkari dates (the royal date) are recognised for their amber hue and honey-like sweetness. Due to their higher sugar content, Sukkari's can offer quick energy during Ramadan 2026; because they have both an incredibly soft and slightly coarse texture, they provide an excellent melting sensation in the mouth. In addition, because they quickly assist with the replenishment of glucose after long fasting hours, Sukkari dates are particularly suitable for consumption at iftar during Ramadan 2026. For optimum sensory balance, Sukkari's high level of sweetness works best with lighter beverages when consumed at iftar.
Medjool dates are an excellent choice for your breaking-the-fast experience during Ramadan 2026. With their large size and abundant flesh, these dates contain many of the same deep caramel and toffee-like flavours as other varieties. For this reason, one or two Medjool dates could help replenish energy levels efficiently.
Medjool dates also provide nutritionally dense food to eat after a long day of fasting; they provide both immediate sugars and fibre, which help to maintain a steady digestive system throughout the fasting month. Lastly, their chewy characteristic promotes slower consumption at the end of each day.
Safawi dates are a great way to enjoy the sweetness associated with dates without having an abundance of sweetness or overwhelming the taste buds. They are slightly chewy and have a moderate level of sweetness, making them appropriate for those who want to be moderate and not overindulge. Safawi dates can help to provide continuous energy without overwhelming the taste buds, as they have a darker exterior and more fibrous bite than Ajwa dates. Safawi dates can also be enjoyed early in the day or at the end of the fast as a small portion of food to enjoy before a more substantial meal.
Mabroom dates are elongated in shape, firmer and comparatively have a much less sweet taste than the majority of dates. For those who are more conscious of their sugar intake for Ramadan 2026, Mabroom still allows for the continued honouring of tradition. The chewier texture of Mabroom will extend consumption time, which may aid in digestion following fasting. The use of Mabroom as an addition to Ramadan 2026 menus allows for textural variation while still keeping with cultural norms for breaking the fast with dates.
For Ramadan 2026, the diversification of date varieties will allow for greater optimisation of both the sensory experience and nutritional response. Instead of viewing dates as one large category, understanding date varieties will allow for improved pacing of meals, while providing balanced energy restoration. The careful selection of dates will help to ensure that the ends of fasts continue to be significant, as well as providing a place of support throughout Ramadan 2026.
