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A smooth, thick, pale beige sesame paste sits in a small bowl, with a faint golden sheen of oil on its surface.
●Low GI
⚡High Potassium
💪High Protein

Natural Tahini Calories

Sesame paste, high in healthy fats and protein, rich in minerals and vitamins

In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter

CALORIES · 100 G

595kcal

GI

35low

POTASSIUM · 100 G

414mg

FIBER · 100 G

9.3g

Quick answer

1 tablespoon (medium) of Natural Tahini (15 g) has 89 calories. That works out to 595 calories per 100 g. It contains 3.5 g of carbs, 2.6 g of protein, 8 g of fat and 1.4 g of fiber. Its 0.2 mg of Copper covers 25% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

Natural Tahini Nutrition Facts

Selected: 1 tablespoon (medium) · 15 g

89

KCAL / 15G

Carbs

3.5g

· 1% DV

Protein

2.6g

· 5% DV

Fat

8g

· 10% DV

Fiber

1.4g

· 5% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 15% · Protein 11% · Fat 74%

Natural Tahini nutrition facts table · 1 tablespoon (medium) (15 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories89 kcal
Total fat8 g10%
Saturated fat1.13 g6%
Trans fat0 g
Sodium2.4 mg0%
Total carbohydrate3.5 g1%
Fiber1.4 g5%
Protein2.6 g5%

Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.

Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.

Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.

Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.

Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.

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How Many Calories in 1 Tablespoon of Natural Tahini?

ServingAmountCalories
1 tablespoon (medium)15 g89 kcal
1 teaspoon (small)5 g30 kcal
1 piece (small)20 g119 kcal
1 ounce (medium)28 g167 kcal
2 tablespoon (large)30 g179 kcal
1 serving (medium)30 g179 kcal
1 pack (large)50 g298 kcal
100 g100 g595 kcal
1 cup (large)240 g1428 kcal

Calculated from 595 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Tahini

What is natural tahini made of?

Natural tahini is sesame seeds ground into a smooth paste. Products may use hulled or unhulled sesame, so their color and flavor can differ; the word “natural” alone does not specify one fixed recipe.

How do you use natural tahini?

Natural tahini works in both savory and sweet dishes. Stir it into hummus, salad dressings, sauces, or baked goods, or spread it on toast; add a little water or lemon juice when you want a thinner consistency.

Why does oil separate in natural tahini?

Oil separating on top of natural tahini is normal: sesame oil rises out of the ground seeds during storage. Stir the paste thoroughly from the bottom of the jar before using it; separation alone does not mean it has spoiled.

How should you store natural tahini after opening?

Keep natural tahini tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and follow the storage directions on its label. Refrigeration can make it firmer, so stir it well or let it soften before serving.

Does natural tahini go bad?

Yes, natural tahini can go rancid as its sesame oils deteriorate. A sharp, stale, or paint-like smell or an unpleasant taste are warning signs; normal oil separation is not. Discard tahini if you see mold or an unusual change.

Why does natural tahini taste bitter?

Natural tahini can have a mild bitter edge because sesame variety and roasting affect its flavor. A strongly unpleasant bitterness or stale-oil smell can signal rancidity, so do not eat it if the taste seems spoiled.

How do you make natural tahini thinner?

Stir natural tahini first, then whisk in water, lemon juice, or another recipe liquid a little at a time. It may briefly thicken before becoming smooth, so keep whisking and add liquid gradually until it reaches the consistency you want.

Can you eat natural tahini straight from the jar?

Yes, natural tahini can be eaten straight from the jar, though its thick, rich texture is easier to enjoy when stirred first. You can also spread it on bread or mix it with honey or fruit for a quick snack.

What is the difference between natural tahini and sesame oil?

Natural tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds, while sesame oil is the oil extracted from sesame. Tahini retains the ground seed solids, so it is thick and spoonable rather than a pourable cooking oil.

How do you use natural tahini in hummus?

Natural tahini is blended with chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, and other ingredients to make hummus. Add it while blending for a creamy texture, and thin the mixture with a little water if it is too thick.

Natural Tahini Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B1

0.12mg · 10% DV

B3

0.69mg · 4% DV

B6

0.07mg · 4% DV

Folate

14.55µg · 4% DV

Minerals

Copper

0.22mg · 24% DV

Phosphorus

96mg · 14% DV

Manganese

0.17mg · 7% DV

Calcium

64mg · 6% DV

Potassium ⭐

62mg · 2% DV

Sodium

2.4mg · 0% DV

Natural Tahini Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

35
Low
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

1.2
Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Natural Tahini

To burn the 89 calories in 1 tablespoon (medium) (15 g):

🚶

22min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

9min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

12min

Cycling

🏊

10min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

What is Natural Tahini?

Natural Tahini is a thick paste made by grinding sesame seeds. It has a rich, nutty flavour with a slight bitterness, and its dense texture loosens when stirred or mixed with liquid. Across the Middle East and Mediterranean, tahini is a familiar ingredient in hummus, dressings and sauces; it is also drizzled over roasted vegetables or spread on bread. In many English-speaking kitchens, it adds depth to dips, grain bowls and baking.

It is energy-dense, with most of its calories coming from fat, and also supplies plant protein and fibre. Stir it well before using, then thin it with lemon juice and water for a versatile dressing. A spoonful can also enrich porridge or yogurt, while pairing it with fresh, acidic flavours keeps its richness in balance.

How Nutritious Is Natural Tahini?

Nutrient density

High

75/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

56/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Is Natural Tahini Processed?

NOVA 2

Minimally Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Natural Tahini Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten free
Dairy free
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame yes

Which Diets Is Natural Tahini Good For?

Vegan

✓ Suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

✓ Suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

✓ Suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

✓ Suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Natural Tahini Fat Profile

SATURATED

1.13g

MONOUNSATURATED

2.93g

POLYUNSATURATED

3.2g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 63:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (63:1).

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.