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Tahini is a creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds, and if you haven’t fallen under its spell yet, you’re in for a treat. Think of it as a nut butter’s savory cousin — smooth, slightly bitter, and full of nutty depth that lifts hummus, dressings, baked goods, and sauces into a new league. Tahini is a pantry MVP because it plays well with so many flavors and is surprisingly versatile in both savory and sweet dishes. If you’re the kind of cook who likes a little twist in the ordinary, tahini will become your secret weapon.
Not all tahinis taste the same. Some are mild and silky, others are bold and slightly bitter. The difference often comes down to sesame variety, roast level, and whether the seeds are hulled. Buying from the right brand and store can make a huge difference in both price and quality — from a budget 12-ounce jar at a large retail chain to a single-origin 16-ounce artisan jar at a specialty market. Choosing wisely means you’ll get the texture and flavor you want without wasting money on a jar that doesn’t match your cooking style.
There are several standout brands that consistently show up across U.S. retailers. Each has its own personality: some lean creamy and mild while others aim for a toasted, assertive profile. Here are a few popular names to look for and why people reach for them.
Soom and Seed + Mill are known for silky texture and a balanced, mildly bitter finish. These brands often use hulled sesame seeds and a gentle roast that makes them ideal for velvety hummus and dressings. Expect jars in the 12-ounce to 16-ounce range that are great for everyday cooking.
Roland and Yehuda are widely distributed and dependable. They offer both hulled and unhulled options, which means you can pick a brighter, milder tahini or a heartier, earthier version depending on your preference. These brands are common in larger grocery chains and online.
For a more authentic, robust profile, consider brands from Middle Eastern importers like Al Wadi or smaller regional makers such as Baron’s. These often use minimal ingredients and a more pronounced roast that’s perfect if you want bold flavor in dips or marinades.
Store brands can be a great value. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods’ 365 line, as well as some grocery chains’ private labels, offer solid tahini at friendly prices. While the flavor can vary, these options are excellent for trying tahini without committing to a premium jar.
There are a handful of national retailers where you’ll reliably find tahini. Each retailer brings something different: price, selection, organics, or bulk options. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect when you shop in person.
Walmart is one of the most convenient places to pick up tahini if you’re after budget-friendly jars and familiar brands like Roland. You’ll typically find 12-ounce or 16-ounce jars at competitive prices, and Walmart often stocks both hulled and unhulled varieties. It’s a good spot for the first jar if you’re trying tahini for the first time.
Whole Foods tends to carry higher-end and organic tahini options, including single-origin and small-batch brands. Expect jars in the 12-ounce to 16-ounce range with clear labeling about sesame origin and processing. If you love artisanal food discoveries and organic certification matters to you, Whole Foods is worth a stop.
Trader Joe’s often offers tahini that punches above its price point. While selection may be smaller than a larger supermarket, the Trader Joe’s jar is frequently praised for smooth texture and consistent flavor. If you use tahini regularly, this can be a budget-friendly everyday pick.
If you use tahini a lot, Costco is a smart move. Costco sells larger tubs, sometimes in multi-pound sizes, which are priced more economically per ounce. Buying in bulk is great for families or avid cooks, but keep in mind that larger packages need to be used within a reasonable time to maintain freshness.
Target and regional supermarket chains like Kroger, Safeway, and Publix carry mainstream brands and store-label tahini. Selection varies by region, but these stores are reliable for finding both popular imports and private-label jars in the familiar 12-ounce to 16-ounce sizes.
Online shopping expands your options and makes specialty tahinis easy to get, even if your local store has a limited selection. From mass-market retailers to niche specialty sites, here are the best online places to look.
Amazon lists dozens of tahini brands, jar sizes, and price points. If you’re after a specific brand or flavor profile (raw vs roasted, hulled vs unhulled), Amazon is a quick way to compare prices and jar sizes measured in ounces. You can also check reviews for real-world feedback on texture and taste.
Thrive Market and other specialty grocery sites focus on organic, non-GMO, and health-conscious brands. These sites are useful if you’re searching for sustainably sourced or certified organic tahini in jars that usually range from 12 ounces to 16 ounces.
For authentic, small-batch tahini, consider online Middle Eastern markets or direct-to-consumer producers. These sources often carry unique varieties and single-origin sesame pastes that aren’t widely available in big-box stores.
Buying tahini is part science, part taste test. Here are practical things to watch for so you pick a jar you’ll actually enjoy using.
The best tahinis usually list only sesame seeds and maybe salt. If you see long lists of additives, you might be getting something engineered for shelf stability rather than flavor. Fewer ingredients usually mean a cleaner, more authentic taste.
Hulled sesame seeds make for a creamier, milder tahini; unhulled seeds give a darker color and a more bitter, robust flavor. Think of hulled tahini like skim milk and unhulled like whole milk — both have value depending on how rich and pronounced you want your final dish.
Oil separation is natural — a thin layer of sesame oil on top is normal and not a sign of spoilage. A good tahini should stir back to a smooth, pourable consistency. If it remains gritty or extremely stiff after mixing, it might be lower-quality or past its prime.
Start with a 12-ounce or 16-ounce jar if you’re experimenting. If tahini becomes a daily habit, consider larger tubs measured in pounds or multiple-pound containers from bulk retailers like Costco. Remember: fresh flavor is best within a few months of opening.
Tahini is shockingly easy to work with and can transform simple meals. Here are a few go-to uses with rough measurements so you can try them tonight.
For a basic hummus, combine 2 cups cooked chickpeas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed), 1/3 cup tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 garlic clove, and salt to taste. Blend until smooth, adding a few tablespoons of water to reach your preferred consistency. The tahini gives hummus its silky mouthfeel and signature tang.
Whisk together 3 tablespoons tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 2 tablespoons water, and a pinch of salt for a creamy dressing that brightens roasted vegetables or leafy greens. Adjust thickness by adding water one tablespoon at a time.
Mix 4 tablespoons tahini with 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon vanilla for a quick glaze over cookies or banana bread. Tahini adds a roasted, nutty counterpoint to sweet desserts without overpowering them.
To keep tahini tasting great, store it in a cool, dark place after opening and consider refrigerating if you don’t use it frequently. Refrigeration slows oil separation and helps maintain freshness for months; warmed or room-temperature tahini is easier to stir, so let it sit for a few minutes before using if chilled. If your jar smells off or has mold, discard it — tahini should smell nutty, not sharp or rancid.
Buying in bulk saves money per ounce but comes with a freshness trade-off. If you use tahini by the jar every week — for dressings, hummus, and baking — a multi-pound tub from a bulk retailer can be economical. But if tahini is an occasional treat in your kitchen, stick to smaller jars so you’ll finish them while the flavor is at its peak. A good rule of thumb: if you won’t use a jar within a few months, buy a smaller one.
When choosing tahini, look for meaningful labels: organic, non-GMO, and kosher certifications are common and indicate certain production standards. “Raw” or “lightly roasted” usually refers to lower roast temperatures for a gentler flavor. Keep an eye on sodium per teaspoon if you’re watching salt intake — some tahinis add salt, while many do not.
Tahini is one of those ingredients that rewards curiosity. Try a few brands in small jars, test hulled versus unhulled, and pay attention to roast level. Whether you buy a budget-friendly Walmart jar, a Trader Joe’s favorite, a Whole Foods specialty, or a Costco bulk tub, the best tahini is the one you’ll actually use. Start small, then graduate to larger containers once you’ve found the flavor and texture you love.
Finding the right tahini in the U.S. is easy once you know where to look and what to look for. Big-box stores like Walmart and Target offer convenience and value, Trader Joe’s and store brands provide affordable reliability, Whole Foods and specialty shops deliver premium and organic options, and Costco is the budget-conscious bulk choice. Pair your shopping picks with simple recipes — hummus, dressings, and sweet drizzles — and you’ll quickly discover how tahini can brighten your cooking. Give a few brands a try and let your taste buds be the judge; with a little experimentation, you’ll find a jar that becomes a staple in your kitchen.
| Tahini | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Soom Foods Ground Premium Bdf32 Sesame Tahini Paste 16oz 1 Pack Silky Smooth Texture In Hummus Dips Dressings Vegan Nut- | $ 21,58 |
