What Food Section Are Dates In? A Guide to Finding Fresh and Dried Dates

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Dates have been cultivated for over 5,000 years, providing sustenance in arid climates. However, knowing what food section are dates in can be confusing for modern shoppers, as their location in a grocery store varies depending on whether they are sold as a fresh or dried fruit.

Quick Summary

The placement of dates in a supermarket depends on their moisture content; fresh dates like Medjool are typically refrigerated in the produce aisle, while drier varieties are sold in bags or boxes with other dried fruits.

Key Points

Check Two Sections: Look for dates in both the refrigerated produce aisle and the dried fruit or baking section.
Fresh vs. Dried Dates: Fresh, soft Medjool dates are refrigerated, while drier, packaged dates like Deglet Noor are shelf-stable.
Consider the Store: Specialty and ethnic markets often carry a wider variety of dates than standard supermarkets.
Examine the Product: For fresh dates, look for a plump, shiny appearance. For dried, check for a uniform color and avoid overly hard or sticky ones.
Mind the Packaging: Plastic containers typically house fresh dates, while bags and boxes hold dried varieties.
Dates are Nutrient-Dense: They are a great source of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, making them a healthy natural sweetener.

Fresh vs. Dried: The Main Difference

The key factor determining where you'll find dates in a grocery store is whether they are fresh or dried. This difference in moisture content affects how they are stored and sold.

Where to Find Fresh Dates

Fresh dates, particularly the popular Medjool variety, require refrigeration due to their high moisture content. You will typically locate these soft, plump dates in the refrigerated section of the produce aisle. They are often sold in plastic containers.

Where to Find Dried Dates

Dried dates, like the Deglet Noor variety, are shelf-stable and do not need refrigeration. They are most commonly found in the dried fruit and nut aisle, packaged in bags or boxes alongside items like raisins and apricots. Another possible location is the baking aisle, where you might find pitted and chopped dried dates specifically for culinary use.

Key Factors Influencing Date Location

Several factors can influence where dates are placed in a store:

Type of Store: Specialty stores, especially those with a focus on Middle Eastern foods, may offer a wider selection and dedicated displays. Standard supermarkets usually carry only the most common varieties like Medjool and Deglet Noor.
Seasonality: While generally available year-round, fresh dates are harvested between September and March, which might lead to more prominent displays during this time.
Packaging: The packaging often indicates the type of date; clear containers for fresh, refrigerated dates, and bags or boxes for dried, shelf-stable ones.

How to Choose the Best Dates

Knowing what to look for can help you select high-quality dates.

Selecting Fresh Dates

Look for dates that are plump and shiny, with a soft but firm texture. Avoid dates that appear excessively shriveled, cracked, or have a sour smell.

Selecting Dried Dates

Check the expiration date and ensure the packaging is sealed. Dried dates should have a uniform color. White crystallization on the skin is natural sugar and not a sign of spoilage, though it indicates some moisture loss.

A Quick Comparison: Fresh (Medjool) vs. Dried (Deglet Noor)

Here's a comparison of the two most common types:


Feature	Fresh Medjool Dates	Dried Deglet Noor Dates
Location	Refrigerated produce section	Dried fruit/baking aisle
Texture	Soft, moist, chewy	Firmer, chewier, semi-dry
Flavor	Rich, caramel-like	Subtler, nutty sweetness
Best For	Snacking, stuffing, smoothies	Baking, salads, tagines

Benefits and Uses of Dates

Dates offer various health benefits and culinary uses.

Nutrient-Dense: They are a good source of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
Natural Sweetener: Dates can be used as a natural alternative to refined sugar.
Snacking: Both fresh and dried are excellent snacks.
Energy Boost: They provide natural energy.
Culinary Versatility: Dates work in both sweet and savory dishes.
Digestive Health: Their fiber content aids digestion.

Conclusion

To find dates in the grocery store, remember that their location depends on whether they are fresh or dried. Fresh dates like Medjool are typically in the refrigerated produce section, while dried varieties like Deglet Noor are usually found with other dried fruits or in the baking aisle. By understanding this distinction and knowing what to look for in terms of appearance and packaging, you can easily locate the dates you need. For more detailed information on the nutritional aspects of dates, consult health resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

The fresh produce section, particularly in the refrigerated cases, is where you will find fresh, soft varieties like Medjool dates.

Dried dates, such as the firmer Deglet Noor variety, are typically found in the aisle with other dried fruits and nuts, or sometimes in the baking aisle.

Medjool dates are considered a fresh fruit, even though they have a naturally high sugar content that gives them a chewy texture. They are typically sold refrigerated to preserve their moisture.

Fresh dates should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can last for several months. Dried dates can be kept in a cool, dry pantry for one to three months.

The most common varieties are the soft, caramel-flavored Medjool and the firmer, nutty Deglet Noor. Some stores may carry other varieties, but these two are the most widespread.

Look for plump, shiny dates that are soft but not mushy. Avoid those that are excessively shriveled, hard, or have a fermented smell. White crystallization is just sugar and is harmless.

In many cases, yes, but you may need to rehydrate them first, especially for recipes requiring a soft texture. Soaking dried dates in hot water for a few minutes can help soften them.