Ramadan Iftar Dates: How Much to Buy for Your Family

Every Ramadan evening starts the same way in millions of homes: the adhan for Maghrib, a short dua, and a date. Dates for iftar are the one thing nearly every Muslim family buys before the month begins. Yet every year, many households either run out halfway through Ramadan or find a half-eaten box drying out in the cupboard after Eid.

So how many dates do you actually need? The answer depends on the size of your family, how many dates each person eats, whether you eat dates at suhoor too, and how often you host guests. In this guide we give you a simple formula, a ready-made table for families of every size, and tips on choosing, storing and spreading out your Ramadan dates so they last the whole month.

Why Muslims Break the Fast with Dates

Breaking the fast with dates is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet ﷺ used to break his fast with a few fresh dates before praying. If there were no fresh dates, he would eat a few dried dates, and if there were none, he would take a few sips of water (Sunan Abu Dawud 2356).

This simple practice is why dates are on almost every iftar table, from Makkah and Madinah to London, Lahore and Kuala Lumpur. Beyond the Sunnah, dates are a convenient, naturally sweet food that is easy to eat after a long day of fasting before the main meal. We explore the tradition in more detail in our article on why Muslims break the fast with dates.

How Many Dates Do People Eat at Iftar?

Habits vary from family to family, but a common pattern looks like this:

• At iftar: most adults eat 1 to 3 dates, often an odd number such as one or three, before Maghrib prayer.
• At suhoor: many people eat 1 or 2 dates with their pre-dawn meal.
• Children: usually eat 1 or 2 dates at iftar, depending on age.
• Guests and gatherings: if you host family or friends for iftar, plan for 2 to 3 dates per guest.

Some people also enjoy dates as a snack after Taraweeh or use them in drinks, desserts and smoothies. If that's your family, add a little extra to your total.

The Simple Formula for Your Ramadan Dates

Use this easy calculation to work out how many dates to buy:

Dates needed = people × dates per person per day × 30 days

Then convert the number of dates into kilograms using the approximate count per kilo for your chosen variety (see the next section).

Example: a family of four, each eating 3 dates at iftar:

• 4 people × 3 dates × 30 days = 360 dates
• With medium-sized dates (around 80 to 90 per kg), that's roughly 4 to 4.5 kg.
• Add 1 date each at suhoor (120 more dates), and you need around 5.5 to 6 kg.

It's always better to round up. Ramadan has 29 or 30 days, and you'll also want a few dates for Eid morning, guests and giving away.

How Many Dates Are in a Kilo?

The number of dates in a kilogram depends on the size of the variety. These are approximate counts, since natural fruit varies from batch to batch:

This is why the variety matters so much. A kilo of Medjool lasts a family about half as long as a kilo of Ajwa or Mabroom, simply because each Medjool date is much bigger.

How Much to Buy: A Table for Every Family Size

The table below assumes 3 dates per person at iftar for 30 days, using medium-sized dates such as Ajwa, Sukkari, Safawi or Mabroom (around 80 to 90 per kg).

If you prefer Medjool or Ambar, roughly double the kilograms for the same number of dates. A family of four eating three Medjool dates each at iftar would need around 8 to 10 kg for the month.

If you host iftar regularly, add about 1 kg of medium dates for every 30 to 40 guest servings over the month.

All our dates come in 1 kg packs, so it's easy to buy the exact amount you need and mix two or three varieties.

Choosing the Right Dates for Iftar

Most families enjoy having more than one variety on the table during Ramadan. Here is a quick guide to our Madinah dates and what each one is best for:

Ajwa: The Sunnah Favourite

Premium Grade A Ajwa Dates (SAR 70) are the most treasured dates of Madinah. Soft, dark and gently sweet, they are a meaningful choice for breaking the fast. For larger, top-grade fruit, Ajwa Aliyah (SAR 100) is our premium selection.

Medjool: Big, Soft and Caramel-Sweet

Premium Medjool Dates (SAR 60) are large and indulgent. Many families keep them for weekends, guests or stuffing with nuts. Because they are so large, one Medjool can replace two smaller dates. Not sure which to choose? Read our Ajwa vs Medjool comparison.

Sukkari: Soft, Golden and Loved by Children

Sukkari Dates (SAR 50) are sweet with a soft texture, which makes them a favourite with children and anyone with a sweet tooth.

Safawi and Mabroom: Great Everyday Dates

Safawi (SAR 45) is dark, moist and excellent value for daily iftar. Mabroom (SAR 70) is chewy and less sweet, ideal if you prefer a more subtle flavour, and its slender shape means you get more dates per kilo.

Ambar and Suga'i: For Guests and Eid

Ambar (SAR 70) is one of Madinah's largest dates and makes a generous impression on a guest platter. Suga'i (SAR 50), with its two-toned colour and balanced sweetness, is lovely for serving at gatherings and on Eid morning.

For a deeper look at each variety, see our buyer's guide to the best dates for Ramadan.

A Smart Mix: Sample Ramadan Date Plans

Buying a mix keeps iftar interesting for 30 days and helps balance your budget. Here are three example plans for a family of four:

Everyday value plan (about 5 kg):

• 2 kg Safawi for everyday iftar
• 2 kg Mabroom for variety and suhoor
• 1 kg Sukkari for the children

Sunnah-focused plan (about 5 kg):

• 3 kg Ajwa for daily iftar
• 1 kg Ajwa Aliyah for the last ten nights
• 1 kg Mabroom for suhoor

Hosting and gifting plan (about 7 kg):

• 3 kg Ajwa or Safawi for daily iftar
• 2 kg Medjool for guests
• 1 kg Ambar and 1 kg Suga'i for Eid platters and gifts

When to Buy Your Ramadan Dates

Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February 2027, depending on the sighting of the moon. Demand for dates rises sharply in the weeks before Ramadan, so we recommend:

• Ordering 3 to 4 weeks before Ramadan, so you have time for delivery and aren't caught by last-minute stock shortages.
• Buying your full month's supply at once, or splitting it into two orders: one before Ramadan and one before the last ten nights.
• Adding your Eid dates to the same order, so you aren't searching for good dates in the busy days before Eid.

How to Store Dates So They Last All Month

Good storage keeps your dates soft and fresh until the last iftar of Ramadan:

• Keep them airtight. Once opened, move dates into an airtight container to stop them drying out.
• Use the fridge for longer storage. Soft, moist dates like Sukkari and Medjool stay fresh longer when refrigerated, often for several months.
• Freeze extra stock. If you bought in bulk, freeze a portion and take out a week's supply at a time. Dates thaw quickly at room temperature.
• Keep a small daily jar. Fill a small jar for the iftar table every few days, so the main supply stays sealed.
• Bring them to room temperature. Take dates out of the fridge an hour before iftar for the best taste and texture.

Don't Forget the Reward of Feeding Others

Ramadan is also a month of generosity. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever gives iftar to a fasting person will have a reward like his, without anything being taken away from the reward of the fasting person" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 807).

Many families buy an extra kilo or two of dates to share with neighbours, take to the mosque for community iftar, or send to relatives. A box of Madinah dates is also one of the most appreciated Ramadan and Eid gifts, so it's worth adding a few extra packs to your order.

Quick Checklist Before You Order

1. Count your household: adults, children and regular guests.
2. Decide how many dates each person eats at iftar, and whether you also eat dates at suhoor.
3. Choose your varieties: larger dates like Medjool need more kilograms.
4. Use the table above to estimate your total, then round up.
5. Add extra for guests, mosque iftars, gifts and Eid.
6. Order 3 to 4 weeks before Ramadan and plan your storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dates should I eat at iftar?

The Sunnah is to break the fast with a few dates before Maghrib prayer. Most people eat 1 to 3 dates, often an odd number. There is no fixed amount, so eat what is comfortable for you.

How many kg of dates do I need for Ramadan?

For a family of four eating 3 medium-sized dates each at iftar, you need around 4 to 4.5 kg for the month. If you also eat dates at suhoor, plan for about 5.5 to 6 kg. Large varieties like Medjool need roughly double the weight.

How many dates are in 1 kg?

It depends on the variety. A kilo of Medjool has around 35 to 50 dates, while a kilo of Ajwa, Safawi or Sukkari usually has around 70 to 100. Slender dates like Mabroom can have 90 to 110 per kilo.

Which dates are best for iftar?

Ajwa is a popular choice for its connection to Madinah and the Sunnah. Safawi and Mabroom are great for everyday iftar, Sukkari is a favourite with children, and Medjool is ideal for guests. Many families buy a mix of two or three varieties.

How long do dates last after opening?

Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, most dates stay good for several weeks. In the fridge they can last for several months, and frozen dates can last even longer.

Should I buy all my Ramadan dates at once?

Buying your full supply before Ramadan saves time and protects you from shortages, as demand peaks just before and during the month. If you have limited storage, split your order into two: one before Ramadan and one before the last ten nights.

Can I order dates as Ramadan gifts?

Yes. Madinah dates make a thoughtful gift for family, friends and neighbours. Many customers add a few extra 1 kg packs of Ajwa, Ambar or Suga'i to their order for gifting during Ramadan and Eid.

Conclusion

Working out how many dates to buy for Ramadan is simple once you know your numbers. Count your family, decide how many dates each person eats, and use the table in this guide. For most families of four, around 4 to 6 kg of medium-sized dates covers the whole month, with a little extra for guests, gifts and Eid.

Choose a mix of varieties to keep every iftar special, order a few weeks before Ramadan, and store your dates well so the last one tastes as good as the first. Browse our Madinah dates and prepare your Ramadan supply today.

May Allah allow you to reach Ramadan and accept your fasts.