Mabroom vs Safawi Dates: Which One Should You Buy?

Mabroom and Safawi are two of the most popular dates from Madinah, and they often sit side by side in date shops and on iftar tables. Both are dark, both are delicious, and both are excellent value compared with some premium varieties. Yet they are surprisingly different once you taste them.

If you're trying to decide between Mabroom vs Safawi, this guide will help. We compare their appearance, taste, texture, sweetness, price and best uses, explain who each date suits, and answer the most common questions so you can choose the right date, or the right mix, for your family.

Mabroom vs Safawi at a Glance

In short: choose Mabroom if you prefer a refined, chewy, less sweet date. Choose Safawi if you want a soft, rich and sweet date at an excellent everyday price.

What Are Mabroom Dates?

Mabroom (sometimes spelled Mabroum) is a long, slender date with a deep reddish-brown colour and a thin, finely wrinkled skin. It is grown in Madinah and other date-growing regions of Saudi Arabia and is prized by date lovers for its elegant shape and sophisticated flavour.

The defining feature of Mabroom is its texture: it is firm and pleasantly chewy rather than soft or sticky. Its sweetness is gentle, with notes of light caramel and toffee that develop slowly as you chew. Many people who find other dates "too sweet" discover that Mabroom is the date they actually enjoy.

Because Mabroom is so slim, you get more dates per kilo than with most other varieties. That makes a pack go further, which is useful for families who eat dates every day.

Shop: Mabroom Dates (SAR 70 per 1 kg pack).

What Are Safawi Dates?

Safawi dates come from the palm groves of Madinah and are one of the city's best-loved everyday dates. They are medium-sized and slightly elongated, with a very dark brown to almost black colour and a soft, moist flesh.

Safawi has a rich, satisfying sweetness, often compared to molasses or dark honey, and a soft texture that's easy to eat. Because Madinah's farms grow it in good quantities, Safawi is usually more affordable than Ajwa or Mabroom, which makes it a favourite for large families and for buying in bulk before Ramadan.

Safawi is often confused with Ajwa, as both are dark Madinah dates. The easy difference is that Safawi is longer, moister and sweeter, while Ajwa is rounder, drier and milder. You can read more in our guide to what Ajwa dates are.

Shop: Safawi Dates (SAR 45 per 1 kg pack).

Mabroom vs Safawi: A Detailed Comparison

Appearance

You can usually tell these dates apart at a glance. Mabroom is long and thin, almost finger-shaped, with a reddish or mahogany tone, especially when held up to the light. Safawi is shorter and plumper, with a darker, almost black colour and a slightly glossy surface.

Taste and Sweetness

This is the biggest difference. Mabroom is one of the less sweet varieties, with a subtle caramel flavour that never feels overwhelming. Safawi is much sweeter, with a deep, rich flavour. If you have a sweet tooth, Safawi will feel more satisfying; if you prefer balance, Mabroom will feel more refined.

Texture

Mabroom is firm and chewy, with a slightly drier bite. It holds its shape well and doesn't stick to your fingers. Safawi is soft and moist, almost melting, and can be a little sticky, especially in warm weather.

Size and Count per Kilo

Both dates are medium-sized, but their shapes affect how many you get. A kilo of Mabroom typically contains around 90 to 110 dates, while a kilo of Safawi has around 80 to 100. The difference is small, but over a month of daily eating it adds up.

Price and Value

At Madina Date Farm, Safawi costs SAR 45 per kilo and Mabroom costs SAR 70. Safawi is the clear winner on price, which is why many families choose it as their main Ramadan date. Mabroom is priced as a premium date, reflecting its refined taste and the demand from date connoisseurs.

Storage and Shelf Life

Mabroom's firmer, drier texture means it keeps well at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Safawi's higher moisture makes it softer but also means it's best kept in the fridge for longer storage. Both can be frozen.

Which Date Should You Buy?

Choose Mabroom If…

• You find most dates too sweet and prefer a subtle flavour.
• You enjoy a chewy, firm texture rather than a soft one.
• You want a date that doesn't feel sticky, for example to carry in a bag or serve at the office.
• You want an elegant date to serve with Arabic coffee.
• You're watching your sugar intake and prefer a date that feels lighter. (Remember that all dates contain natural sugars, so portion size still matters.)

Choose Safawi If…

• You love a soft, rich, sweet date.
• You're buying for a large family and want great value.
• You need dates for baking, date paste, smoothies or desserts, where Safawi's moisture and sweetness shine.
• You want a Madinah date for daily iftar throughout Ramadan.
• You're buying for children, who usually prefer sweeter, softer dates.

Or Choose Both

Many families buy both. A popular plan for Ramadan is to use Safawi for everyday iftar and keep Mabroom for suhoor, snacking and guests who prefer something less sweet. Having two contrasting dates on the table also makes iftar feel more special. For help planning quantities, see our guide on how many iftar dates to buy for your family.

Best Ways to Enjoy Mabroom and Safawi

Mabroom

• With Arabic coffee: Mabroom's mild sweetness balances the bitterness of qahwa perfectly.
• As a snack: its firm texture makes it easy to eat on the go.
• Stuffed: slice lengthways and fill with almonds, walnuts or a little cheese for an elegant appetiser.
• At suhoor: pair with yoghurt or milk for a light pre-dawn meal.

Safawi

• To break the fast: soft and sweet, ideal for iftar with water or milk.
• In smoothies: blend pitted Safawi with milk and banana for a natural sweetener.
• In baking: use in date squares, ma'amoul, cakes and energy balls.
• As date paste: Safawi's moisture makes it easy to blend into a smooth paste for spreading or cooking.

Mabroom vs Safawi for Guests and Gifting

When you're serving guests or giving dates as a gift, presentation matters as much as taste. Mabroom's long, slender shape and rich reddish tone look elegant on a serving tray, and because it isn't sticky, it's easy for guests to pick up and enjoy with coffee. It's a thoughtful choice for visitors who appreciate fine dates, or for elders who prefer something less sweet.

Safawi, on the other hand, is a generous, crowd-pleasing date. Its dark colour contrasts beautifully with lighter varieties such as Suga'i or Sukkari on a mixed platter, and its soft sweetness appeals to children and adults alike. For larger gatherings, Safawi's lower price means you can be generous without stretching your budget.

For more ideas, see our guide to the best dates for gifting.

How Mabroom and Safawi Compare with Other Dates

If you're still deciding, it helps to see where these two sit among other popular dates:

• Ajwa (SAR 70): milder than Safawi and softer than Mabroom, with a special link to the Sunnah.
• Sukkari (SAR 50): even sweeter and softer than Safawi.
• Medjool (SAR 60): much larger and more caramel-sweet than both.
• Suga'i (SAR 50): a two-toned date with a crisp top and soft base, in between the two in sweetness.
• Ambar (SAR 70): a large, meaty, luxurious date for guests and gifts.

For a full overview, read Types of Dates from Madinah: 8 Varieties Explained and our best dates for Ramadan buying guide.

How to Store Mabroom and Safawi Dates

• Airtight containers: once opened, move dates to an airtight container to keep them from drying out or absorbing smells.
• Mabroom: keeps well in a cool, dry cupboard for several weeks; refrigerate for longer storage.
• Safawi: best kept in the fridge to maintain its soft texture, especially in hot weather.
• Freezing: both varieties freeze well. Take out a small portion at a time and let it come to room temperature.
• Store separately: keep the two varieties apart, as Safawi's moisture can soften Mabroom.

Tips for Buying Quality Mabroom and Safawi

• Look for consistent colour: Mabroom should be an even reddish-brown, Safawi a deep, natural dark brown.
• Check the texture: Mabroom should be chewy but not hard; Safawi should be soft but not mushy or fermented-smelling.
• Avoid excess sugar crystals: a little natural sugaring on old stock is harmless, but fresh dates should look clean.
• Buy from a trusted source: sellers who source directly from Madinah farms can tell you the variety and origin with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Mabroom and Safawi dates?

Mabroom is long, slender, reddish-brown and chewy, with a mild, less sweet flavour. Safawi is medium-sized, very dark, soft and moist, with a rich, sweet taste. Safawi is also more affordable.

Which is sweeter, Mabroom or Safawi?

Safawi is sweeter. Mabroom is known as one of the less sweet varieties, with a subtle caramel flavour.

Which is better for Ramadan, Mabroom or Safawi?

Both are excellent. Safawi is a popular choice for everyday iftar because it is soft, sweet and good value. Mabroom is ideal for suhoor or for family members who prefer a less sweet date. Many families buy both.

Is Mabroom a Madinah date?

Yes. Mabroom is grown in Madinah's palm groves, as well as in other date-growing regions of Saudi Arabia.

Why is Mabroom more expensive than Safawi?

Mabroom is in high demand among date lovers for its refined flavour and texture, and it is graded and sorted as a premium variety. Safawi is grown in larger quantities in Madinah, which keeps its price lower.

Can I use Safawi dates for baking?

Yes. Safawi's soft, moist texture and rich sweetness make it ideal for date paste, cakes, ma'amoul, smoothies and energy balls.

Is Safawi the same as Ajwa?

No. Both are dark Madinah dates, but Safawi is longer, moister and sweeter, while Ajwa is rounder, slightly drier and milder in taste.

Conclusion

When it comes to Mabroom vs Safawi, there's no wrong answer, only the right date for your taste. Mabroom is the choice for anyone who loves a refined, chewy, less sweet date. Safawi is the choice for soft, rich sweetness and everyday value. And for many families, the best answer is a pack of each.

Try them side by side and find your favourite: buy Mabroom dates, buy Safawi dates, or browse all our dates.