Tahini: What It Is and How to Use It

Discover the different types of tahini, explore why it’s a delicious-nutritious addition to your diet, and learn how to use tahini in everyday recipes.

Tahini is a smooth, creamy paste made from finely ground, toasted sesame seeds. Its rich, nutty flavour is balanced by a subtle bitterness, giving it depth and character. It is a versatile ingredient that works beautifully in both savoury and sweet dishes.

Tahini is traditionally used in North African, Greek, Iranian, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisine. However, nowadays, this nutrient-dense and nut-free spread is enjoyed around the world.

The Benefits of Tahini

Sesame seeds are a tiny seed packed with a large array of nutrition.  They contain plant-based protein, dietary fibre, healthy fats, antioxidants, and essential minerals such as calcium, selenium, magnesium iron, and zinc, all which support optimal body function. Sesame seeds contain prebiotic fibre (soluble fibre) which feeds the beneficial gut bacteria, as well as insoluble fibre for regularity.

Tahini offers a simple and delicious way to access the nutrients found in sesame seeds as part of your diet. Tahini is vegan, dairy-free, gluten free, nut free and free from added sugars. This makesit a versatile option for vegetarians, vegans and many other dietary preferences.

Choosing a Tahini

Chantal Organics offers three tahini varieties, each with distinct qualities and ideal uses, although they can be used interchangeably when needed.

Whole Tahini

This is our most popular tahini, made using lightly toasted whole, unhulled sesame seeds. Leaving the hulls on creates a thick consistency and a rich, earthy flavour, while retaining the additional nutrients of the hull. This results in a tahini which is recognised as a source of calcium. Just 15 g (approximately 1 tbsp) contains 171 mg of calcium which is 20% of your recommended daily intake.

This sweet, yet savoury spread can be used in cooking, baking or simply spread on toast.

Hulled Tahini

This is our smoothest and creamiest tahini, which is a result of using lightly toasted organic sesame seeds that have had the hulls removed. It has a mild, nutty flavour with a hint of sweetness. Hulled tahini is a tasty nut butter alternative, and adds creaminess to baking, hummus, or smoothies.

Black Tahini

This unique tahini is made with lightly toasted, unhulled black sesame seeds. It is unbelievably creamy, with a slight sweetness and a stunning black colour. Use it as you would white tahini. It’s delicious used in sauces, spread on toast with honey, or in baking and raw treats. Find delicious recipes with black tahini below.

What makes the Chantal Organics Tahini Range Special?

All 3 varieties are made in small batches by our team in Hawke’s bay. They are produced using only certified organic sesame seeds, that were grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilisers. We believe it’s important to support organic farming as a sustainable solution to agriculture. Organic products also offer numerous benefits to the consumer.    

Chantal Organics tahini is a high-quality range with no added salt, sugar, oil, additives or preservatives. Using all natural ingredients and no emulsifiers, some oil separation may occur. Simply stir the tahini to re blend the seeds and the oil.

Recipes to get you Cooking

This is a fabulous collection of tahini recipes, with something for everyone!

Tahini Sauces and Dressings

1. Take your BBQ to the next level with this Protein-packed Beef Burger with Tahini Tomato Sauce.
2. This Crunchy Chickpea Pasta with Tahini Dressing makes the perfect weeknight dinner.
3. The dressing brings together these Spiced Lamb Meatballs with Bulghur and Tahini Dressing.
4. This Broccoli & Lentil Salad with Tahini Dressing is a delicious way to introduce tahini into your diet.

Tahini in Smoothies

1. This Tahini, Berry & Beet Smoothie is both nutritious and delicious!
2. A snack to remember, you’re going to love this Caramel Tahini Smoothie.

Discover the Beauty of Black Tahini

1. Deliciously savoury, try these Black Tahini Noodles.
2. Spoil yourself with these Black Tahini Cinnamon Rolls.
3. What is a Black Tahini Honey Pie?
4. Are you a fan of marmite? Make your own “Marmite-like Savoury Spread” with black tahini.

Sweet Treats with Tahini

1. Made with only 5 ingredients, this Tahini Fudge is divine.
2. These Tahini Chocolate Chunk Cookies are soft, chewy and gluten free.
3. Make your own energy balls with these Chocolate Tahini Bites.
4. Easy and wholesome Tahini Oat Biscuits are perfect for lunchboxes.
5. Kids (and adults!) love these Popcorn Balls.

Tahini is a nutrient‑dense paste made from sesame seeds, offering healthy fats, plant‑based protein, and essential minerals, while adding rich flavour and creaminess to both sweet and savoury dishes. What will you start with?