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Tahini is a paste of ground sesame seeds. It is the base of hummus and a common ingredient in sauces, dressings and baking, and it can also be eaten as a spread. This page compares five jars by size, ingredients and certification, so you can see what each one is before you buy.Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical or nutrition advice. If you have a food allergy, talk to your doctor or allergist before trying a new food.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| # | Form | Size | Stated certifications | Gluten-free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paste | 1 Pound (Pack of 12) | USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Kosher | Yes |
| 2 | Paste | 32 Ounce | USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher | Yes |
| 3 | Paste | 16 Ounce | USDA Organic, Non-GMO | Not stated |
| 4 | Paste | 1 Pound | Not stated | Yes |
| 5 | Paste | 11 Ounce | Kosher | Yes |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing · Specs and certifications as stated by the listing, not tested or verified by us; check the listing before you buy
Tahini safety
- Sesame is a major food allergen, and packaged foods that contain it must declare it on the label.[1] Tahini is made of sesame, so it is not safe for anyone with a sesame allergy.
- In 2018, Achdut Ltd. recalled tahini sold under several brands, including Baron’s and Soom, because of possible Salmonella contamination. The recalled lots were produced between April 7 and May 21, 2018.[2][3] CDC reported eight illnesses in four states and no deaths.[2]
- Do not eat tahini from recalled lots. Check the lot code and best-by date on any jar you already own.[2]
Organic food is produced under USDA organic rules, which exclude genetic engineering, ionizing radiation and sewage sludge and allow only approved substances.[4] A product labeled “organic” must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients, not counting salt and water.[4]
How to Consume Organic Tahini?
Tahini is ready to eat from the jar. These are common ways to use it.- Straight from the Jar – Stir the jar first, because the oil can rise to the top, then eat it by the spoonful or drizzle it over toast.
- Salad Dressing – Thin it with lemon juice and water for a creamy dressing, or use it as a dip or a spread on toast.
- Brownies/Cookies – Stir it into batter or swirl it on top for a nutty flavor.
- Hummus – Tahini is the traditional base of hummus, blended with chickpeas, lemon and garlic.
Buying Considerations for Organic Tahini
Check these points on the jar before you buy.- Label – Read the ingredient list for added oils, flavors or sweeteners, and look for the USDA Organic seal if you want an organic jar.[4]
- Allergens – Tahini always contains sesame. People with a sesame allergy should read every label closely and contact the maker if they are unsure.[1]
- Storage – Follow the storage directions printed on the jar, because makers differ on whether to refrigerate after opening.
- Best-by Date – Choose a jar with a best-by date well ahead of when you plan to use it.
- Jar Size – Compare the price per ounce, since the jars here range from 11 ounces to a 12-jar case.
What the Research Says
Sesame has been a labeled major allergen since January 1, 2023, but some older stock may not carry the new label, so people with a sesame allergy should check with the maker if a jar is unclear.[1] Organic certification describes how a food is grown and processed. It is not a nutrition claim, so read the nutrition panel as you would for any spread.[4]How We Chose These Products
We do not test products. We compare labels and product details: the USDA Organic seal,[4] the ingredient list, jar size and price per ounce. We also checked FDA and CDC notices for tahini recalls.[2][3] Brands don’t pay to be included, though we may earn a commission from purchases.Our Organic Tahini Picks
Four of these five jars are organic; Al Arz is plain sesame tahini without an organic label. Each box below gives the details.1
Baron's® Organic Tahini USDA Organic sesame paste, twelve jars
- Baron’s USDA Organic Tahini is pure sesame paste sold as a case of twelve 16 oz jars.
- It is USDA Organic, non-GMO, kosher, vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly, and it has no peanuts.[4]
- The creamy spread works in hummus, dips and sauces.
- The case comes to 12 lb of tahini in total.
2
Kevala® Black Tahini Organic black sesame paste, 2 lb
- Kevala Organic Black Tahini is a 32 oz (2 lb) jar of black sesame paste, double the size of a standard 16 oz jar.
- It has one ingredient, organic black sesame seeds, which are slightly toasted.
- It is USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, kosher, vegan and gluten-free.
- The paste is peanut-free and cholesterol-free.
- Use it in stir-fry dishes, dark hummus, smoothies, dips, sandwich spreads, pasta sauce, dressings and desserts such as black sesame ice cream.
- The smooth, creamy texture blends in easily.
3
365 Whole Foods® Organic Tahini Organic tahini sesame paste, 16 oz
- 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Tahini is a 16 oz jar of ground, toasted organic sesame seeds with a little salt.
- It is USDA Certified Organic[4] and QAI certified organic, and it is vegan.
- It is an Amazon brand sold under the 365 name.
- A 2 tablespoon serving has 200 calories and 6 g of protein.
- The jar measures about 3.3 x 3 x 5.3 inches and weighs about 1.1 pounds.
4
Al Arz® Sesame Tahini Pure sesame tahini paste jar
- Al Arz 100% Pure Sesame Tahini comes in a 1 lb jar.
- The Zaher family makes it in Nazareth from sesame seeds, and Agas Yarok Ltd. is the manufacturer.
- The seeds are processed in a salt water bath instead of by machine, with no chemicals.
- It keeps a traditional homemade taste with the seeds’ original sweetness and aroma.
- Restaurants and chefs use it as the base for hummus.
5
Soom® Organic Tahini Creamy organic sesame paste, 11 oz
- Soom Foods Organic Tahini is an 11 oz jar of creamy sesame paste.
- It is made with organic Ethiopian sesame seeds and has a mild, nutty flavor.
- The texture is silky and smooth, so it drizzles, blends and bakes without clumping or separating.
- It is vegan, nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free and certified kosher, with no artificial flavors.
- A serving has 6 g of plant protein, with iron and calcium.
- Use it for hummus, tahini sauce, dressings, dips and baking.
- The jar measures 4.2 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches.
Index Table: Organic Tahini Compared
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baron's Organic Tahini - USDA Organic sesame paste, twelve jars |  |
| Baron's |
| 2 | Kevala Black Tahini - Organic black sesame paste, 2 lb |  |
| Kevala |
| 3 | 365 Whole Foods Organic Tahini - Organic tahini sesame paste, 16 oz |  |
| 365 Whole Foods |
| 4 | Al Arz Sesame Tahini - Pure sesame tahini paste jar |  |
| Al Arz |
| 5 | Soom Organic Tahini - Creamy organic sesame paste, 11 oz |  | Soom |
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FASTER Act: Sesame Is the Ninth Major Food Allergen. Accessed October 25, 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2018 Salmonella Infections Linked to Tahini from Achdut Ltd.. Accessed October 25, 2026.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Achdut Recalls Multiple Brands of Tahini Because It May Be Contaminated with Salmonella. Accessed October 25, 2026.
- USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. Labeling Organic Products. Accessed October 25, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the guide text and product notes, corrected the 365 by Whole Foods ingredients (sesame and salt) and filled in the Key Specs, added the sesame allergen and 2018 tahini recall notes, and replaced the sources (FDA, CDC, USDA AMS)
- Sep 2021: First published
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