Struggling to find tahini? You’re not alone! It turns out, this creamy, nutty sesame paste, a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking, has popped up in more places than ever before. If you’ve been on the hunt for tahini for your homemade hummus, a delicious dressing, or even a sweet treat, you’ll be happy to know that it’s readily available in most major grocery stores, specialty markets, and, of course, online. No more wild goose chases – with a little guidance, you can easily grab a jar and elevate your cooking.

Tahini, or sesame paste, is much more than just a hummus ingredient. it’s a versatile powerhouse of flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for tahini sauce, tahini paste, or even a specialized tahini dressing, this guide will point you in the right direction. It’s truly a must-have pantry item, thanks to its rich, earthy flavor and impressive health benefits. We’ll cover everything from where to spot it in your local supermarket aisles to the best places to buy tahini online, ensuring you’re stocked up and ready to cook.

When I first started cooking with tahini, finding it felt like a treasure hunt. But thankfully, its popularity has grown so much that most grocery stores carry it now. You just need to know where to look, as it can sometimes be a bit of an elusive gem!

The Usual Suspects: Aisle by Aisle

Tahini doesn’t always have a fixed spot in every store, which can be a little frustrating, right? But based on my experience and what I’ve learned, you’ll usually find it hanging out in a few key areas.

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The Nut Butter Aisle

This is often your first and best bet. Think about it: tahini is essentially a seed butter, much like peanut butter or almond butter. So, head straight to the aisle where you’d find those spreads. You might see it alongside other seed butters on the top or bottom shelves, so make sure to give a good scan. Many major brands like Kevala Organic Sesame Tahini or Once Again Organic Tahini often make their home here.

The International or Ethnic Foods Aisle

This is another prime location, especially in larger supermarkets. Tahini has deep roots in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, so it makes perfect sense to find it nestled among other ingredients from those regions, like olives, hummus, or specialty oils. If your store has a dedicated section for “Kosher” foods, that’s also a great spot to check, as tahini is a staple in many Jewish dishes. Brands like Ziyad Tahini or Al Arz Tahini are commonly found here.

Sauces and Condiments Aisle

Sometimes, you’ll find tahini in the general sauces and condiments section, right there with the mustard, ketchup, and salad dressings. This is because tahini is such a fantastic base for various sauces and dressings itself. It might be less common than the nut butter or international aisles, but it’s definitely worth a quick peek if you haven’t found it elsewhere. Where to Buy Quick Balls in Pokémon Sword and Shield: Your Ultimate Catching Guide

Natural or Health Food Sections

With tahini’s impressive nutritional profile, many stores place it in their natural or health food sections, often near other plant-based items or organic products. Stores like Whole Foods are known for stocking a wide variety of high-quality, often organic, tahini options. You might even find raw tahini here.

Deli or Refrigerated Aisles Less Common for Jars, More for Ready-Made

While jarred tahini is shelf-stable and doesn’t usually live in the refrigerated section, you might find ready-made tahini sauces or dips, like prepared hummus which uses tahini as a key ingredient, in the deli or refrigerated aisles. Just remember, if you’re looking for the pure tahini paste, don’t expect it to be chilled!

Specific Stores Where You’re Likely to Find It

Nowadays, tahini is becoming so widespread that you can find it in many common grocery chains.

• Major Supermarkets Walmart, Target, Kroger, etc.: Yes, even your everyday Walmart or Target will likely have tahini. Walmart’s website, for instance, shows a good range of brands, from Krinos Imported Tahini to Mighty Sesame Fine Organic Sesame Tahini. Target also lists numerous tahini sauce and tahini sesame paste varieties, including organic and raw options.
• Health Food Stores Whole Foods, Sprouts, Natural Grocers, etc.: These are practically guaranteed to have tahini, often with a wider selection of organic, unhulled, or specialty brands. You might find premium options like Soom Premium Tahini here.
• Trader Joe’s: Many folks find tahini at Trader Joe’s, and it’s often a good value.
• Ethnic Markets: If you have Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, or even specialty Kosher markets nearby, these are fantastic places to find authentic and often higher-quality tahini. You’ll likely encounter a broader selection and potentially better prices here. Brands like Al’Ard Premium Palestinian Tahini are often favored by cooks who seek authentic flavors.

If you’re still scratching your head after checking these spots, don’t hesitate to ask a store employee! They can often point you directly to the right shelf.

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Buying Tahini Online: Convenience at Your Fingertips

If you can’t find tahini locally, or you’re looking for a specific brand or type, online shopping is a must. It offers an immense variety and the convenience of home delivery.

Popular Online Retailers

Amazon

Of course, Amazon is a go-to for pretty much anything, and tahini is no exception. You’ll find an extensive range of brands, from well-known ones like Al Arz Tahini and Soom Premium Tahini to imported options like Har Bracha Tahini. The beauty of Amazon is you can easily compare prices, read reviews, and find exactly what you’re looking for, whether it’s a small jar or a bulk size.

Walmart.com and Target.com

Just like their physical stores, the online versions of Walmart and Target carry a good selection of tahini. They often have brands available online that you might not find in their local stores, giving you more choices. It’s also great for “buy online, pick up in store” options, which can save on shipping if you’re in a hurry.

Specialty Food Websites

For those who are particular about their tahini, or want to explore unique options, specialty food websites are excellent. Where to Buy Pokémon Cards: Your Ultimate Guide

• Brand-Specific Sites: Many popular tahini brands, like Mighty Sesame Co. or Soom Foods, sell directly from their own websites, often with their full product lines, including organic or flavored varieties.
• Middle Eastern/Mediterranean Grocers Online: Websites like ShopGalil.com or NYSpiceShop.com specialize in imported goods, offering a truly authentic selection of tahini that might be harder to find elsewhere. These sites are a great resource for traditional, high-quality tahini.
• Health Food Retailers Vitacost, Thrive Market: Sites like Vitacost are known for their health-conscious offerings, including organic and raw tahini options, and sometimes even unique varieties like black sesame tahini. Thrive Market also carries popular brands such as Soom.

Why Buy Tahini Online?

One of my go-to tricks? Buying online means you can skip the search and have it delivered right to your door. Plus, you often get a wider selection of types like organic, raw, or unhulled and brands from different regions, which is fantastic for expanding your culinary horizons. And let’s be honest, those online reviews are incredibly helpful for picking a good quality product!

What to Look For When Buying Tahini

Not all tahini is created equal. The quality can really impact the flavor and texture of your dishes. When you’re standing in front of a shelf full of options, here’s what to keep in mind.

Quality Matters: Ingredients and Sourcing

The best tahini usually has just one ingredient: 100% ground sesame seeds. Sometimes, a little salt might be added, but generally, simplicity is key. Avoid brands with unnecessary oils, preservatives, or other additives if you want the purest flavor and texture.

• Sesame Seed Origin: Many chefs and tahini enthusiasts will tell you that the best sesame seeds often come from Ethiopia. These seeds are known for producing a rich, authentic flavor and a superior, creamy texture. Some high-quality brands proudly highlight this on their labels.
• Hulled vs. Unhulled: Most tahini you’ll find is made from hulled sesame seeds, which gives it a lighter color and a milder, less bitter taste. Unhulled tahini, on the other hand, is made from whole sesame seeds, including the fibrous husk. This results in a darker color, a stronger, more robust and sometimes slightly bitter flavor, and often a higher nutritional content, particularly fiber. It’s a matter of preference, but if you’re new to tahini, hulled is a great starting point.
• Raw vs. Roasted: Tahini can be made from raw or roasted sesame seeds. Raw tahini has a milder, almost sweet flavor, while roasted tahini offers a deeper, nuttier, and sometimes slightly smoky profile. The roasting process can really enhance the flavor, making it more pronounced in your dishes.

Texture and Consistency

High-quality tahini should be smooth, creamy, and pourable. It should have a consistency similar to a thick, pourable sauce, rather than being gloopy or pasty. While some oil separation is natural it’s high in natural oils!, it should mix back together easily with a good stir. If it’s very thick and hard to stir straight out of the jar, that might indicate a lower quality product or one that’s been sitting on the shelf for a long time.

Packaging

While traditional tahini often comes in glass jars or plastic tubs, you might also see convenient squeeze bottles. These are fantastic for mess-free drizzling over salads, bowls, or even directly onto dishes, and they can help with portion control. According to market analysis, squeeze bottles are gaining popularity, projected to grow at a 5.25% CAGR between 2025-2030, aligning with consumer demand for convenience. Where to Find Your Perfect Owala Water Bottle

Reputable Brands to Look Out For

Based on chef recommendations and popular opinion, here are some brands that consistently receive high marks for their quality and flavor:

• Al Arz Tahini: Often cited as a top choice for its perfect thickness, deep nutty flavor, and smooth consistency.
• Soom Premium Tahini: Praised for its silky texture and lighter flavor, making it versatile for both savory and sweet recipes. They even offer chocolate tahini!.
• Mighty Sesame Co.: Known for its smooth texture and convenient squeeze bottles, sourcing premium Ethiopian sesame seeds.
• Har Bracha Tahini: Widely considered one of the best-tasting tahini brands on the market, often described as the “gold standard”.
• Ziyad Tahini: A favorite for its smooth, silky texture and gentle roasted sesame flavor.
• Beirut Tahini Sesame Paste: A super delicious brand with full flavor and depth, known for its smooth consistency.

Trying a few different brands can help you find your personal favorite, as flavor intensity can be a personal preference.

Why You Should Have Tahini in Your Pantry

Beyond its delicious taste, tahini is a nutritional powerhouse that can seriously benefit your health. It’s not just for making hummus. it’s a versatile ingredient that can add a boost to so many meals.

Impressive Health Benefits

Tahini is basically a superfood. It’s derived from tiny sesame seeds, but don’t let their size fool you!

• Nutrient-Dense: Just one tablespoon about 15 grams of tahini packs a punch with around 89 calories, 3 grams of protein, 8 grams of healthy fats, and 2 grams of fiber. It’s also an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, including copper 27% of daily value, selenium 9%, phosphorus 9%, iron 7%, zinc 6%, calcium 5%, and magnesium. These nutrients help with everything from energy and brain function to nerve health and preventing anemia.
• Heart Health Hero: Tahini is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are super beneficial for your heart. These healthy fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and support overall cardiovascular well-being. Sesame seeds also contain compounds like sesamin and sesamolin, which have been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Antioxidant Powerhouse: It’s loaded with antioxidants called lignans, especially sesamin. These help your body fight off harmful free radicals and reduce inflammation, potentially lowering your risk of various health conditions.
• Digestion and Detox: The fiber in tahini supports healthy digestion. Plus, studies suggest that consuming sesame oil a component of tahini may help protect liver and kidney function, which are crucial for detoxifying your body.
• Bone and Skin Health: With its rich content of zinc, phosphorus, and calcium, tahini contributes to strong bones and glowing skin.

Tahini even holds an edge over peanut butter in some aspects, often having fewer carbohydrates, no added sugar in pure forms, and higher levels of essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, making it a potentially cleaner and more nutrient-packed option. Where to Buy Your Oura Ring: A Complete Guide

Versatile Culinary Uses

Once you have a jar of tahini, you’ll be amazed at how many ways you can use it.

• Dips and Spreads: This is probably what most people think of first! Tahini is the star ingredient in classic hummus and baba ghanoush, giving them their signature creamy texture and nutty flavor. You can also whip up simple dips by mixing tahini with water, lemon juice, garlic, and salt – perfect for dipping fresh vegetables or pita bread.
• Dressings and Sauces: A tahini dressing is incredibly versatile. Combine it with lemon juice, olive oil, a touch of maple syrup or honey, and your favorite herbs for a creamy, savory, or even slightly sweet dressing that elevates salads, grain bowls, and roasted vegetables. It’s also fantastic drizzled over falafel, shawarma, or grilled meats.
• Baked Goods and Desserts: Don’t limit tahini to savory dishes! It adds a unique, rich, and slightly earthy flavor to sweet treats. Think tahini cookies, brownies, cakes, or even halva, a traditional confection made with tahini. You can even swirl it into smoothies or drizzle it over toast with some date syrup for a delightful breakfast.
• Marinades and Stir-Fries: Its emulsifying properties and rich flavor make it a great addition to marinades for chicken or vegetables, and it can add a lovely creaminess to stir-fries.

The global tahini market, valued at approximately USD 1.68 billion in 2024, is projected to grow to about USD 2.29 billion by 2030, driven in part by increasing consumer awareness of its health benefits and the growing popularity of plant-based and Mediterranean cuisines worldwide. This surge in demand means it’s only going to become even easier to find and enjoy!

Tips for Storing Tahini

You’ve found your perfect jar of tahini, now how do you keep it fresh? Proper storage helps maintain its creamy texture and delicious flavor.

Before Opening

An unopened jar of tahini is very shelf-stable. It can typically last up to a year in a cool, dark pantry. Always check the “best by” date on the label, but generally, it’ll be good for a long time. Where to Buy Korean Skincare: Your Ultimate Guide to Getting That K-Beauty Glow

After Opening

Once you’ve opened your tahini, you have a couple of options for storage, each with its pros and cons.

• Pantry Cool, Dry Place: This is often preferred by many, including myself, if you use tahini regularly. Storing it in a cool, dark pantry away from direct sunlight and heat sources like your stove helps maintain its silky-smooth, pourable consistency. In these conditions, it can last for about a month to several months. The natural antioxidants in sesame oil actually help prevent it from going rancid quickly.
• Refrigerator: You can store tahini in the fridge, and it will extend its shelf life even further – typically for 6-8 months after opening, and up to a year if unopened. However, be aware that refrigeration will cause tahini to thicken significantly, much like other nut butters. It might become harder to stir and less pourable, so you might need to let it warm up a bit on the counter before using, or vigorously stir it to regain its desired consistency. If you prefer a firmer texture for spreading, the fridge is a good option.
• Mixing is Key: Regardless of where you store it, tahini can naturally separate, with the oil rising to the top. This is completely normal! Just give it a good stir with a spoon or knife to re-emulsify it before each use. Some people even store it upside down in the pantry to help prevent the oil from pooling at the top.
• Airtight Container: Always keep your tahini in its original airtight container or transfer it to another sealed jar to prevent it from absorbing other odors and to keep it fresh.
• Tahini-Based Sauces: If you’ve mixed tahini with other ingredients to make a sauce or dressing, always refrigerate it. These homemade sauces should be used within 5-7 days.

How to Tell if Tahini Has Gone Bad

Trust your senses! If your tahini has gone bad, you’ll usually notice a few signs:

• Smell: It will develop a bitter, rancid, or sour smell.
• Taste: It will taste distinctly bitter or off.
• Appearance: You might see mold growth, though this is less common for pure tahini.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard it and open a fresh jar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What section is tahini in the grocery store?

You’ll typically find tahini in the nut butter aisle alongside peanut and almond butter, or in the international or Middle Eastern foods aisle. Sometimes it might be in the sauces and condiments section or the natural foods aisle. If you’re still having trouble, just ask a store employee – they’ll know exactly where to point you!

Can I buy tahini in the grocery store?

Absolutely! Tahini is widely available in most major grocery stores like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s. Its popularity has made it a common pantry item, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding it. Where to Buy Jewelry: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Piece

Is tahini the same as tahini paste?

Yes, “tahini” and “tahini paste” are generally used interchangeably to refer to the thick paste made from ground sesame seeds. Sometimes you might see “sesame paste” which is similar but can occasionally refer to an Asian variety that’s made from roasted, unhulled sesame seeds, giving it a darker color and stronger flavor. However, in most Western grocery contexts, “tahini” refers to the lighter, Middle Eastern style.

Where can I buy tahini sauce near me?

If you’re looking for pre-made tahini sauce or dressing, you can often find it in the international section, the condiments aisle, or sometimes near refrigerated dips in your local grocery store. For the widest selection, check health food stores or ethnic markets, or simply make your own fresh tahini sauce at home with a good quality tahini paste.

What is tahini dressing made of?

A basic tahini dressing typically consists of tahini paste, fresh lemon juice, water to thin it out, garlic often minced or crushed, and salt. Some recipes might add a touch of olive oil, a sweetener like maple syrup or honey, or various herbs and spices for extra flavor. It’s super easy to whip up yourself!

Does tahini need to be refrigerated after opening?

Tahini does not strictly need to be refrigerated after opening, especially if you use it regularly and store it in a cool, dark pantry. However, refrigerating it will extend its shelf life significantly, usually for 6-8 months. Keep in mind that it will thicken considerably in the fridge, so you might need to let it warm up or stir it vigorously before use.

What are some good tahini brands?

Some highly-regarded tahini brands include Al Arz, Soom, Mighty Sesame Co., Har Bracha, and Ziyad. These brands are often praised for their smooth texture, rich nutty flavor, and quality sourcing, often using premium Ethiopian sesame seeds. It’s worth trying a few to see which one you like best! Where to Buy Hoka Shoes Near You: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Next Favorite Pair