Discover the best Tahini Alternatives for cooking and baking. Easy swaps for hummus, dressings, and more—without sacrificing flavour.
If you’ve ever been halfway through making hummus and realized you’re out of tahini, don’t panic. There are plenty of easy tahini alternatives hiding right in your pantry, and some of them are so good you might even start using them on purpose.
From nut butters to creamy seeds and even a few unexpected options, these tahini substitutes can save the day in dips, dressings, and baked goods. Buuuut if you want to skip tahini entirely, try my garlic hummus without tahini — it’s rich, flavourful, and proof that you don’t always need the traditional ingredient to get amazing results.
BEST TAHINI ALTERNATIVES FOR COOKING AND BAKING
1. PEANUT BUTTER
Why it works: Peanut butter has the same creamy texture and nutty richness as tahini, making it one of the easiest swaps.
How to use it: Use the same amount as you would tahini, but choose unsweetened and natural peanut butter for the closest flavour match.
Best for: Hummus, salad dressings, noodle sauces, and dips with bold flavours that can handle its stronger taste.
2. ALMOND BUTTER
Why it works: Almond butter is mild, slightly sweet, and creamy. It blends well without overpowering other ingredients.
How to use it: Replace tahini 1:1. Stir well before measuring to get the right consistency.
Best for: Smooth salad dressings, baked goods, energy balls, and hummus with a lighter flavour.
3. CASHEW BUTTER
Why it works: Cashew butter is buttery, smooth, and has a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with both savoury and sweet recipes.
How to use it: Use equal parts, but add a splash of lemon juice for more tang if desired.
Best for: Creamy sauces, vegan desserts, frostings, and dairy-free soups.
4. SUNFLOWER SEED BUTTER
Why it works: Completely nut-free but still creamy and rich, sunflower seed butter is perfect for those with allergies.
How to use it: Replace tahini 1:1, but taste first as it can have a slightly earthy aftertaste.
Best for: Hummus, allergy-friendly baked goods, and salad dressings.
5. SESAME PASTE
Why it works: Sesame paste is basically tahini in its purest form—just ground sesame seeds without additives, making it an authentic swap.
How to use it: Use it 1:1 as a direct tahini substitute. If it’s thicker than store-bought tahini, add a little olive oil to loosen it up.
Best for: Hummus, dressings, Middle Eastern dishes, and any recipe calling for traditional tahini flavour and texture.
6. GREEK YOGURT
Why it works: While not nutty, Greek yogurt offers creaminess and tang, bringing body and moisture to dips and dressings.
How to use it: Use slightly less than tahini and adjust thickness with water or olive oil.
Best for: Creamy dressings, veggie dips, marinades, and lightened-up hummus.
7. SESAME SEEDS (GROUND)
Why it works: Tahini is just ground sesame seeds, so blending your own is the most authentic swap.
How to use it: Blend toasted sesame seeds with a little olive oil until smooth. Use as you would tahini.
Best for: Authentic hummus, baba ganoush, and Middle Eastern sauces.
8. SOY NUT BUTTER
Why it works: Another nut-free option, soy nut butter is smooth and mild, with a subtle roasted flavour.
How to use it: Use in equal amounts, but avoid sweetened versions.
Best for: Savoury sauces, dips, and Asian-inspired dressings.
9. UNSWEETENED COCONUT CREAM
Why it works: Thick and creamy, coconut cream adds body and richness, though with a hint of coconut flavour.
How to use it: Use about ¾ the amount of tahini and adjust seasoning to balance the sweetness.
Best for: Curry sauces, tropical-inspired dressings, and desserts.
10. AVOCADO
Why it works: Mashed avocado offers creaminess, healthy fats, and a neutral flavour when seasoned well.
How to use it: Mash until smooth or blend for extra creaminess, then use slightly more than the recipe calls for in tahini.
Best for: Sandwich spreads, dips, wraps, and fresh salads.
11. SESAME OIL (FLAVOUR BOOSTER)
Why it works: While sesame oil isn’t a true substitute for tahini since it’s a thin liquid rather than a creamy paste, it’s perfect for adding that signature nutty sesame flavour.
How to use it: Use just a small drizzle alongside your chosen creamy alternative—like almond butter or Greek yogurt—to really amp up the sesame notes.
Best for: Dressings, sauces, and dips where you want that extra punch of flavour without changing the texture too much.
12. HOMEMADE TAHINI
Why it works: Making tahini at home gives you control over the texture and flavour, and it’s fresher than store-bought versions.
How to use it: Toast sesame seeds lightly, then blend with neutral oil (like olive or vegetable) until smooth and creamy. Use it as a 1:1 replacement in recipes.
Best for: All tahini-based recipes (hummus, sauces, dressings, and dips) especially when you want a fresh, customizable option.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No, tahini is a thick paste made from ground sesame seeds, while sesame oil is a liquid extracted from those seeds. Tahini has a creamy texture, which sesame oil lacks.
Nut butters like almond or cashew butter, or seed butters like sunflower seed butter, are great sesame-free tahini alternatives.
Yes! Tahini is essentially sesame seed paste, so using sesame paste is a perfect 1:1 substitute. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and smooth.
Almond butter and cashew butter are the closest nut butter alternatives. They both have a mild, creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that works well in place of tahini.
Butter doesn’t make a good substitute because it’s dairy-based and doesn’t have the nutty flavour or creamy texture of tahini.
Mayonnaise isn’t an ideal tahini alternative since it’s tangy, oily, and doesn’t replicate the nutty sesame flavour or thick consistency.
Toast sesame seeds lightly, then blend them with a bit of neutral oil (like olive or vegetable oil) until smooth and creamy. Adjust the oil for your desired consistency.
Trying out different alternatives for tahini is a fun way to shake up your recipes and discover new flavours you might love even more. Whether you’re out of tahini or avoiding sesame, there’s no shortage of easy swaps that keep your dishes creamy and delicious.
From nut butters to homemade blends, these tahini substitutes prove you don’t need the original ingredient to get amazing results. So next time you’re cooking, feel free to experiment and find your new favourite sesame-free or tahini-free option!
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Got a favourite tahini substitute I missed? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear!
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