What Aisle Can I Find Dates In? Your Ultimate Grocery Guide

November 24, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 60% of consumers have reported difficulty locating specific items within a large supermarket, and finding dates is no exception. So, what aisle can I find dates in? The answer is more complex than a single location, depending heavily on the type and packaging of the date you are looking for.

Quick Summary

Dates are found in multiple grocery store locations, typically based on their variety and packaging. Fresh Medjool dates are in the refrigerated produce section, while dried dates are usually in the baking or snack aisle near other dried fruits and nuts.

Key Points

Fresh Dates Location: Find fresh, soft Medjool dates in the refrigerated produce section near other fruits.
Dried Dates Location: Look for dried, pre-packaged dates (like Deglet Noor) in the baking aisle with other dried fruits and nuts.
Check Multiple Spots: Be aware that different date varieties are sold in different locations, so check both produce and baking sections.
Use Store Technology: Many grocery store apps feature item locators to help you find the exact aisle for dates.
Look for Seasonal Displays: Dates may be featured in special, high-traffic displays during holidays such as Ramadan.
International Aisle: For specialty dates, don't forget to check the international foods aisle.

The Primary Location: It Depends on the Date

To find dates in a grocery store, you must first know which type you are seeking. Fresh, soft dates, primarily Medjool dates, are considered a refrigerated product and therefore are often kept with other fresh fruits and berries. Their location is intentional, as it helps preserve their moisture and extends their shelf life. Drier varieties, like Deglet Noor, are shelf-stable and are placed in different sections of the store, often with other pantry goods.

Where to Look for Dates by Category

Understanding the different categories of dates will help you navigate the store more efficiently.

The Produce Section

Fresh Dates (Medjool): Look for these large, plump, and caramel-like dates in plastic containers or boxes. They are almost always in the refrigerated section of the produce aisle to maintain their soft, moist texture. Brands like Natural Delights are frequently stocked here.
Seasonal Displays: During certain times, such as the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, stores will place large, attractive date displays near the produce section or store entrances to cater to cultural celebrations.

The Baking and Dried Fruit Aisle

Dried Dates (Deglet Noor): This is the most common location for dried, pre-packaged dates. They come in bags, tubs, or boxes and are typically sold pitted. You will find them alongside other dried fruits like raisins, apricots, and prunes, and near baking nuts.
Date Paste: For those needing a sugar substitute, date paste is also sold here. It is used for baking and making natural sweeteners.

The Snack and Granola Aisle

Snack Packs: Some stores place smaller, snack-sized packages of dates in the dedicated snack food aisle. These are often near granola bars, trail mix, and other healthy snacking options.
Energy Bars: Dates are a common ingredient in many natural energy bars, so checking this section might also lead you to your prize.

The International Foods Aisle

Specialty Varieties: For shoppers seeking less common varieties, like Ajwa or Sukkary dates, the international aisle is a great place to check. You will find these near Middle Eastern or Mediterranean food products. This is especially true in stores that serve diverse communities.

Comparison Table: Fresh vs. Dried Dates


Feature	Fresh Dates (e.g., Medjool)	Dried Dates (e.g., Deglet Noor)
Typical Location	Refrigerated Produce Section	Baking/Dried Fruit Aisle
Packaging	Plastic containers or clamshells	Bags, boxes, or tubs
Texture	Soft, moist, and plump	Firm, semi-dry, and chewy
Flavor	Rich, caramel-like	Nutty, less intensely sweet
Best For	Snacking, stuffing, smoothies	Baking, cooking, chopping
Shelf Life	Shorter; must be refrigerated	Longer; can be stored in the pantry

Expert Tips for Finding Dates Faster

Utilize Store Mapping and Technology

Many major supermarkets now offer mobile apps with store maps and item locators. By simply searching for "dates" in the app, you can get the exact aisle number, saving you time and frustration.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask

If technology fails, the most reliable method is to ask a store employee. They are trained to know the store layout and can guide you directly to the correct aisle.

Think About the Season

If your search coincides with holidays like Ramadan, keep an eye out for special seasonal displays. These often feature the highest quality and most popular date varieties.

Read the Label

If a store carries different types of dates, check the label. It will often state whether the dates are dried or fresh, which dictates their storage and location.

Outbound Link Reference

For more in-depth information about different date varieties and their uses, consider exploring reputable food blogs and culinary sites, such as the guide from Krishival, that explain the various types of dates available.

Conclusion

Finding what aisle can I find dates in ultimately boils down to knowing the type of date you want. Your search should begin in the refrigerated produce section for fresh Medjool dates and then shift to the baking or dried fruit aisle for drier, pre-packaged varieties. By understanding the typical placement strategies and using the tips provided, you can quickly locate your dates and get back to enjoying your shopping trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

The location depends on the variety. Fresh Medjool dates are typically in the refrigerated produce section, while drier, pre-packaged dates are usually found in the baking or dried fruit aisle.

Medjool dates are considered fresh fruit, so they are almost always kept in the refrigerated produce section, often in a clear plastic container.

Dates like Medjool are refrigerated to maintain their moisture and soft, plump texture. The cold temperature also helps to extend their shelf life.

The dates in the produce section are fresh, softer Medjool dates, while those in the baking aisle are typically dried, firmer dates like Deglet Noor, often sold already pitted.

Yes, it's worth checking the international foods aisle, especially for more specialty or culturally specific varieties that might not be available in the main sections.

If you've checked the produce, baking, and international sections, the best approach is to ask a store employee for assistance. Many stores also have mobile apps with product locators.

Not all grocery stores carry fresh dates. You are more likely to find them in larger supermarkets or stores with a dedicated focus on fresh produce. Dried dates are more widely available in most grocery stores.