SO Organic Pitted Sayer Dates 1kg
Certified organic Sayer dates, already pitted and ready to use. The everyday baking and cooking date at a fraction of the price of Medjool. The 1kg bulk bag for households that use dates regularly.
Sayer dates are Iran’s most widely grown date variety and the standard workhorse of the date world. Where Medjool dates are prized for eating fresh - soft, rich, almost custard-like - Sayer dates are firmer, drier, and less intensely sweet. They hold their shape better in baking, blend more evenly in food processors, and cost significantly less per gram. For bliss balls, energy bars, raw slices, date paste, date caramel, and any recipe where dates are processed or cooked rather than eaten whole, Sayer dates are the practical choice.
Coming pre-pitted is the other major advantage: no prep work, no fiddling with stones, straight from the bag into whatever you’re making.
The 1kg bag is the right size for regular bakers, households making bliss balls weekly, or anyone who goes through dates quickly. Better value per gram than the 500g.
ACO certified organic. Product of Iran. Single ingredient.
Why people love them
- Already pitted - no preparation, ready to use straight from the bag
- Firm, drier texture - holds shape well in baking and blends evenly when processed
- Naturally sweet but less intensely sweet than Medjool - better balanced in baked recipes
- Best value per gram in the Santos date range
- ACO certified organic
- Source of dietary fibre, potassium, iron, and B vitamins
- Vegan, gluten free, dairy free
- 1kg bulk bag
How to use them
Bliss balls and energy balls: the most common use - blend with oats, cacao, and nut butter in a food processor. The firm Sayer texture blends smoothly without the stickiness of fresh Medjool.
Date paste: soak in warm water for 10 minutes, then blend with a little of the soaking water into a smooth paste. Use as a 1:1 sugar substitute in cakes, muffins, and slices.
Date caramel: blend soaked dates with coconut milk, vanilla, and sea salt for a naturally sweet caramel sauce or filling.
Raw slices and bars: the firm texture makes them ideal for pressing into bases and slices without being too wet or sticky.
A few other uses:
- Porridge and overnight oats: chopped and stirred through before serving
- Smoothies: blend 2 to 3 dates for natural sweetness
- Stuffed dates: still work stuffed with nut butter or cheese, though the texture is firmer than Medjool
- Tagines and Moroccan cooking: a traditional ingredient in slow-cooked savoury dishes alongside lamb, chicken, and spices
Sayer vs Medjool - how to choose
Santos stocks both date varieties:
- Pitted Sayer dates (this product): firm, drier, pre-pitted, lower price. Best for baking, processing, bliss balls, date paste, and recipes where dates are blended or cooked
- Medjool dates (500g and 1kg): large, soft, rich, honey-caramel flavour, with pits. Best for eating whole, stuffing, and recipes where the date’s texture and flavour are the feature
Try these recipes
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Sayer dates keep well at room temperature for up to 6 months due to their lower moisture content. Refrigerate for longer storage. For the 1kg bag, decant a working portion into a smaller airtight jar for daily use and keep the bulk bag sealed.
Ingredients
100% certified organic Sayer dates (pitted).
Pitted. No additives. No preservatives.
Vegan. Gluten free. Dairy free.
May contain traces of tree nuts, peanuts, and other allergens (confirm from current batch label).
Country of origin: Product of Iran.
Certification: ACO Certified Organic.
Why Santos Organics own-brand
Santos has been sourcing wholefoods for the Northern Rivers since 1978. Our own-brand range exists for the staples we wanted to make better, cleaner, and more accessible. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, every purchase supports our work in community food systems, environmental advocacy, and the Grow the Growers project.
Santos Organics is not your average grocery store; it's a not-for-profit social enterprise and environmental charity. Since 1978, we've pioneered the organic wholefood movement. Our stores serve as community hubs where people connect with our team and fellow community members, sharing a journey toward optimal health and wellness. The palpable sense of community forms part of the social and cultural fabric of the Byron Shire and Northern Rivers. Employing over 70 passionate locals, we support hundreds of local farmers, makers, and artisans, promoting the local economy, building community resilience, and strengthening the local food system. Approximately 75% of the food on our shelves is locally grown, produced, or supplied, nurturing interconnectedness and supporting those passionate about clean, wholesome food and sustainable living.
Santos Organics makes conscious shopping easy by sourcing the best organic food and natural lifestyle products. We invest in ethics research through a dedicated Ethics Specialist position, ensuring our products meet rigorous standards before reaching our shelves. Our Care Check process aligns products with our social impact and environmental goals, providing customers with confidence in their purchases. Our commitment to ethical product procurement extends to partnerships with local farmers through initiatives like the Grow the Growers Project. This project helps local farmers establish pathways to the organic retail market, making fresh, locally grown organic food more available and affordable. By incorporating supply agreements and mutual marketing support, we foster connections between customers and the farmers behind their food.
Santos Organics significantly impacts the local community and economy. Over the last three years, our investments in local employment, goods from local suppliers and distributors, rent, and hiring local tradespeople have retained over $26 million within the Northern Rivers. In the past year alone, $5.3 million was circulated back into the local economy through these efforts, supporting over 100 Northern Rivers-based suppliers and distributors. This investment sustains our community's vitality and unique culture. Employing over 70 local team members ensures money stays within the local economy, enhancing opportunities for community interaction and support. Our local suppliers share our vision of promoting creative, sustainable, and healthy product development, strengthening the reputation of the Byron Bay region as a hub for innovation and sustainability.
