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A thick, smooth, glossy beige sesame paste sits in a small bowl, with soft swirls across its surface.
●Low GI
⚡High Potassium
💪High Protein

Sesame tahini Calories

Rich in calcium, healthy fats, and plant protein

CALORIES · 100 G

595kcal

GI

35low

POTASSIUM · 100 G

414mg

FIBER · 100 G

9.3g

Quick answer

1 tablespoon (medium) of Sesame tahini (15 g) has 89 calories. That works out to 595 calories per 100 g. It contains 3.2 g of carbs, 2.6 g of protein, 8.1 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.

Sesame tahini Nutrition Facts

Selected: 1 tablespoon (medium) · 15 g

89

KCAL / 15G

Carbs

3.2g

· 1% DV

Protein

2.6g

· 5% DV

Fat

8.1g

· 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 13% · Protein 11% · Fat 76%

Sesame tahini nutrition facts table · 1 tablespoon (medium) (15 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories89 kcal
Total fat8.1 g10%
Saturated fat1.13 g6%
Trans fat0 g
Sodium2.55 mg0%
Total carbohydrate3.2 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 Sesame tahini?

ServingAmountCalories
1 tablespoon (medium)15 g89 kcal
1 teaspoon (small)5 g30 kcal
1 serving (small)25 g149 kcal
1 ounce (medium)28.4 g169 kcal
2 tablespoon (double)30 g179 kcal
1 serving (medium)40 g238 kcal
100 g100 g595 kcal
1 cup (whole)240 g1428 kcal

Calculated from 595 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sesame tahini

What is sesame tahini used for?

Sesame tahini is used in hummus, salad dressings, sauces, dips, and baked goods. Its thick texture loosens when whisked with lemon juice or water, while mixing it with sweeteners makes a simple spread.

How do you make tahini sauce?

Tahini sauce is made by whisking sesame tahini with lemon juice, water, and often garlic and salt. Add the water gradually: the mixture may thicken at first, then turn smooth and pourable as you continue whisking.

How do you make sesame tahini at home?

Sesame tahini is made at home by blending toasted sesame seeds until their oils release and the mixture becomes smooth. Toast the seeds lightly rather than browning them deeply, which can make the finished tahini taste bitter.

Does sesame tahini need to be refrigerated after opening?

No, sesame tahini does not have to be refrigerated if it is kept tightly closed in a cool, dry cupboard. Refrigeration can slow the oil from going rancid in a warm kitchen, but it also makes tahini thicker and harder to stir.

Why does sesame tahini separate?

Sesame tahini separates because its natural sesame oil rises to the top during storage. This is normal, not a sign that it has gone bad; stir from the bottom until the oil is evenly mixed back in.

How long does sesame tahini last after opening?

Sesame tahini can keep for several months after opening when sealed and stored away from heat and light. Its shelf life varies with storage conditions, so discard it if it develops mold, a rancid smell, or an unpleasant bitter taste.

Why does sesame tahini taste bitter?

Sesame tahini can taste bitter if the sesame seeds were over-toasted or if the oil has gone rancid. A mildly roasted, earthy flavor is normal, but a sharp stale-oil smell or harsh bitterness is a reason to discard it.

Can you use sesame tahini instead of peanut butter?

Yes, sesame tahini can replace peanut butter in many sauces, dressings, and baked recipes, but it tastes more earthy and may be thinner or more bitter. In sandwiches, try it with honey or fruit to balance its savory flavor.

Is sesame tahini good for weight loss?

Sesame tahini can fit into a weight-loss eating plan, but large servings add substantial energy because it is rich in fat. Pair a measured spoonful with fruit or vegetables rather than treating it as a low-energy spread.

Can people with diabetes eat sesame tahini?

Yes, people with diabetes can generally include plain sesame tahini in meals, but sweetened tahini mixtures and tahini paired with syrup add carbohydrates. If you use glucose-lowering medication, ask your clinician how it fits your individual meal plan.

Sesame tahini Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B1

0.12mg · 10% DV

B6

0.12mg · 7% DV

B3

0.81mg · 5% DV

Biotin

1.43µg · 5% DV

Minerals

Copper

0.22mg · 24% DV

Phosphorus

110mg · 16% DV

Manganese

0.22mg · 10% DV

Selenium

5.16µg · 9% DV

Potassium ⭐

62mg · 2% DV

Sodium

2.55mg · 0% DV

Sesame tahini Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

35
Low
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

0.7
Low

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

How to Burn Off Sesame 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 Sesame tahini?

Sesame tahini is a smooth, rich paste made by grinding sesame seeds, widely used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking. Its roasted, nutty flavour can be gently bitter, and the oil may separate during storage, so stir it well before using. It is a familiar base for hummus and sauces, and is also drizzled over vegetables or blended with lemon, garlic and water.

Tahini is concentrated in fats and provides plant protein; 100 g contains 17 g of protein. A little goes a long way in dressings, dips and baking. For a lighter sauce, thin it with water and citrus rather than adding more oil.

How Nutritious Is Sesame tahini?

Nutrient density

High

78/ 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 Sesame 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 Sesame 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 Sesame 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

Sesame tahini Fat Profile

SATURATED

1.13g

MONOUNSATURATED

3.03g

POLYUNSATURATED

3.57g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 65.4:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (65.4:1).

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.