Tahini, the creamy sesame seed paste, is a star ingredient in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. But what happens when you’re out of tahini or need an alternative for dietary reasons? Whether you’re whipping up hummus, dressing a salad, or baking cookies, there’s a substitute that can work for you.
This guide will walk you through the best substitutes for tahini, their unique flavors, and tips on how to use them seamlessly in your recipes. Keep reading to find the perfect alternative that fits your pantry, palate, or dietary needs.
What Makes Tahini Unique
Before we explore substitutes, it’s important to understand what makes tahini so special. Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds, which results in a nutty, slightly bitter flavor with a creamy, almost silky texture. Its versatility makes it an essential ingredient in everything from savory dishes like hummus and tahini sauce to desserts like halva.
The ideal substitute should match tahini’s nutty flavor, creamy consistency, or both. However, depending on your recipe, you might prioritize one quality over the other and select an alternative accordingly.
Substitutes for Tahini in Savory Dishes
1. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is one of the most common and accessible substitutes for tahini. Its creamy texture makes it perfect for dips and dressings, while its nuttiness fits well in most recipes.
How to use: Substitute tahini with peanut butter in a 1-to-1 ratio. However, keep in mind that peanut butter has a stronger, sweeter flavor than tahini, so it’s better suited for recipes that can handle a hint of sweetness, like noodle sauces or salad dressings.
Tip: Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter for a closer match to tahini’s savory flavor.
2. Almond Butter
For those looking for a milder nut flavor, almond butter is a fantastic option. It’s slightly sweeter and less earthy than tahini, making it a great choice for recipes like marinades, sauces, and even some baked goods.
How to use: Replace tahini with almond butter in equal portions.
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of salt or lemon juice to mimic tahini’s slightly salty, tangy flavor in savory recipes.
3. Sunflower Seed Butter
If you need a nut-free substitute for tahini, sunflower seed butter is your best bet. It has a creamy consistency and a mild seed-like flavor, making it an excellent alternative for those with nut allergies.
How to use: Substitute at a 1-to-1 ratio. Use in hummus or drizzle it over roasted vegetables for a nut-free, tahini-like finish.
Caution: Sunflower seed butter can have a slightly bitter aftertaste. Consider sweetening or seasoning it if necessary to suit your recipe.
Substitutes for Tahini in Sweet Dishes
4. Cashew Butter
Cashew butter’s mild, creamy, and slightly sweet flavor makes it ideal for baking or incorporating into desserts. It works especially well in recipes for cookies, cakes, or granola bars.
How to use: Use equal amounts of cashew butter in place of tahini.
Bonus: Cashew butter blends beautifully into frosting or glazes, giving them a rich, indulgent texture.
5. Greek Yogurt
If you’re aiming for a creamy texture and are fine with a departure from nutty or seed flavors, Greek yogurt is a surprising substitute for tahini in some sweet recipes. Its tanginess pairs well with fruity desserts or lighter baked goods.
How to use: Add Greek yogurt to taste, but keep in mind that it’s best as part of dessert sauces or dips rather than baked goods requiring fat content.
Pro Tip: For a touch of nuttiness, mix Greek yogurt with a bit of ground sesame or almond flour.
Creative Alternatives for Tahini
6. Sesame Oil
If the nutty flavor of tahini is what you’re after, sesame oil can be a simple replacement. While sesame oil lacks tahini’s creamy texture, a small drizzle can impart that signature nuttiness to your recipe.
How to use: Substitute tahini with sesame oil sparingly, as it has a more concentrated flavor. Use a few drops to complement dressings, stir-fries, or marinades.
7. Coconut Cream
Coconut cream isn’t a direct flavor match for tahini, but its creamy consistency and light sweetness make it a unique alternative for creative dishes. You can blend it with other ingredients like ground sesame seeds to achieve a closer match.
How to use: Replace tahini with coconut cream in recipes like curries, dressings, or vegan desserts that could benefit from a tropical touch.
Tip: To add a nutty element, stir in a small amount of toasted sesame seeds or almond butter.
8. Homemade Tahini Substitute
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own quick tahini substitute using pantry staples. Simply grind sesame seeds into a paste using a food processor or mortar and pestle, and add a neutral oil (like olive or grapeseed oil) for smoothness.
How to use: Blend a 2-to-1 ratio of sesame seeds to oil until smooth. Use it in any recipe that calls for tahini.
Pro Tip: Toast the sesame seeds beforehand for an even richer flavor.
Comparing Substitutes Based on Recipe Needs
To make choosing a substitute easier, here’s a quick breakdown based on the primary qualities of tahini that you may want to replicate:
| Substitute | Nutty Flavor | Creamy Texture | Works Best For |
| Peanut Butter | Yes | Yes | Sauces, dips, dressings |
| Almond Butter | Yes | Yes | Marinades, dressings |
| Sunflower Seed Butter | Yes (mild) | Yes | Nut-free recipes |
| Cashew Butter | Mild | Yes | Desserts, baking |
| Greek Yogurt | No | Yes | Desserts, dips |
| Sesame Oil | Yes | No | Stir-fries, marinades |
| Coconut Cream | Mild | Yes | Curries, vegan recipes |
| Homemade Substitute | Yes | Yes | All-purpose substitute |
Make the Most of Tahini Substitutes
Tahini may be a versatile favorite, but it’s not irreplaceable. With the wide range of substitutes available, you can easily adapt your recipes to what you have on hand or your dietary needs. Whether you’re going for peanut butter in hummus, almond butter in dressings, or cashew butter in desserts, the options are endless.
Experiment with these alternatives using different recipes to discover your personal go-to substitute. And next time you’re out of tahini, you’ll know exactly what to reach for.
