Tahini, a creamy condiment made from ground sesame seeds, has become a pantry staple for many health-conscious home cooks. This nutrient-dense paste is the backbone of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, serving as the essential ingredient in classics like hummus, baba ghanoush, and halva.
In recent years, tahini‘s popularity has skyrocketed as more people embrace plant-based diets and global flavors. According to market research firm Technavio, the global tahini market is expected to grow by $646.87 million from 2021 to 2026, progressing at a CAGR of 5.55% during the forecast period.
With demand for tahini at an all-time high, you‘d think it would be a breeze to find in major grocery stores. However, locating this beloved sesame seed butter can sometimes be a challenge, even in big-box retailers like Walmart. Fear not – this comprehensive guide will help you track down tahini with ease, plus offer tips on selecting the best brands and share creative ways to use this versatile ingredient.
What is Tahini?
Tahini is a rich, smooth paste made from ground hulled sesame seeds. It has a nutty, slightly bitter flavor and a texture similar to loose nut butter. Tahini is a key component in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, providing a creamy base for dips, spreads, sauces, and dressings.
Traditional tahini is made from white sesame seeds, but some varieties use unhulled or black sesame seeds for a more robust, bitter flavor. You can find tahini in both raw and roasted forms, with the latter offering a deeper, toasted taste.
Culinary Uses and Benefits
Tahini is incredibly versatile and can elevate both savory and sweet recipes. Its most famous application is in hummus, where it lends a signature nutty flavor and silky texture. Tahini also shines in baba ghanoush, a smoky eggplant dip, and as a base for creamy salad dressings, marinades, and sauces.
In sweet dishes, tahini adds depth and complexity to cookies, cakes, brownies, and even ice cream. It pairs particularly well with chocolate, coffee, and warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom. Drizzle it over oatmeal or blend it into smoothies for a protein-packed breakfast.
Tahini boasts an impressive nutritional profile, too. A two-tablespoon serving provides:
- 178 calories
- 6 grams of protein
- 16 grams of healthy fats
- 3 grams of fiber
- 13% DV iron
- 24% DV copper
- 14% DV selenium
- 12% DV phosphorus
- 9% DV calcium
Sesame seeds are also rich in lignans, potent antioxidants that may help lower inflammation and cholesterol levels. Plus, tahini is naturally gluten-free, nut-free, and keto-friendly, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Finding Tahini in Walmart
With over 4,700 stores across the US, Walmart is a go-to destination for grocery essentials. The retailer has also expanded its natural and specialty food offerings in recent years to meet growing consumer demand for healthier, plant-based options.
While Walmart does carry tahini, its location within the store can vary. Here are the most common spots to check:
Condiment Aisle
Start your search in the condiment aisle, where tahini is often stocked alongside other nut and seed butters like peanut butter, almond butter, and sunflower seed butter. Look for it near the gourmet oils, olives, pickles, and other specialty condiments.
Ethnic Foods Section
If you don‘t spot tahini with the other nut butters, head to the ethnic foods aisle, particularly the Middle Eastern or Mediterranean section. Tahini is a staple in these cuisines, so it‘s frequently placed with other regional ingredients like couscous, falafel mix, grape leaves, and ghee.
Refrigerated Section
For raw or organic tahini, check the refrigerated area near the hummus, tzatziki, and other chilled dips and spreads. Since raw tahini isn‘t pasteurized, it can spoil at room temperature and needs to be kept cold.
Using the Walmart App
To save time and energy, use the Walmart app to locate tahini before you even set foot in the store. The app, available for iOS and Android, allows you to search for products and check their availability at your local Walmart.
Simply download the app, log in or create an account, and search for "tahini." Select your preferred Walmart location, and the app will display the aisle and shelf number where you can find the tahini.
Asking Associates for Help
If you‘re having trouble finding tahini or prefer a personal touch, don‘t hesitate to ask a Walmart associate for assistance. They can quickly look up the product in their inventory system and guide you to the right spot.
Walmart‘s Tahini Selection
Walmart offers a solid range of tahini brands and sizes to suit various tastes and budgets. Some popular options include:
- Mighty Sesame Co. Organic Tahini, 10.9 oz, $5.28
- Ziyad Premium Sesame Tahini, 16 oz, $6.48
- Baron‘s Kosher 100% Pure Ground Sesame Tahini, 16 oz, $9.44
- Kevala Organic Sesame Tahini, 32 oz, $12.99
- Haddar By Baracke Tahini Sesame Paste, 2 x 16 oz, $17.30
- Pepperwood Organic Whole Seed Tahini Butter, 32 oz, $18.70
- 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Tahini, 32 oz, $10.99 (available on Walmart.com)
For the best value, opt for larger sizes or multi-packs if you use tahini frequently or want to stock up. Keep in mind that since tahini has a high oil content, it can go rancid over time. Store it in a cool, dry place and use it within 6 months for optimal freshness.
Tahini Brands and Products Comparison Across Retailers
While Walmart offers a decent selection, it‘s helpful to know how its tahini options and prices stack up against other major retailers. Here‘s a quick comparison:
| Brand | Size | Walmart | Target | Kroger | Whole Foods |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mighty Sesame Co. | 10.9 oz | $5.28 | $5.49 | $5.99 | $6.99 |
| Ziyad | 16 oz | $6.48 | $6.99 | $7.49 | $8.99 |
| Baron‘s Kosher | 16 oz | $9.44 | $9.99 | $10.99 | $11.99 |
| Pepperwood Organic | 32 oz | $18.70 | $19.99 | $20.99 | $21.99 |
| 365 by Whole Foods | 32 oz | $10.99 (online only) | N/A | N/A | $10.99 |
As you can see, Walmart‘s tahini prices are competitive with other grocery chains, often coming in slightly lower. However, for the widest variety of tahini brands and specialty options, natural food stores like Whole Foods or local co-ops may be your best bet.
Other Stores That Carry Tahini
If Walmart is out of stock or doesn‘t have your preferred tahini brand, here are some other reliable retailers to check:
- Trader Joe‘s: Known for its affordable, high-quality products, Trader Joe‘s sells a popular 10.6-ounce jar of organic tahini for just $3.69.
- Kroger: The nation‘s largest supermarket chain stocks various tahini brands like Ziyad, Joyva, and Mighty Sesame Co. in the condiment or international foods aisles.
- Safeway: Look for tahini near the nut butters or Mediterranean ingredients at this widespread grocery store chain.
- Publix: This Southern supermarket staple usually carries tahini in the ethnic foods section or near the specialty condiments.
- Whole Foods Market: A top destination for natural and organic foods, Whole Foods offers an extensive selection of tahini brands, including its affordable 365 Everyday Value line.
- Amazon: Can‘t find tahini locally? Amazon carries a huge array of tahini products from popular and artisanal brands, available for fast delivery to your door.
Tahini Recipe Ideas
Now that you‘ve secured your tahini supply, it‘s time to get cooking! Here are some delicious ways to use this versatile ingredient:
- Classic Hummus: Blend tahini with chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for a smooth, creamy dip.
- Tahini Salad Dressing: Whisk tahini with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of honey for a rich, tangy dressing that elevates any salad.
- Roasted Vegetables with Tahini Sauce: Drizzle roasted cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts with a blend of tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic.
- Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add a spoonful of tahini to your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe for a nutty twist.
- Tahini Smoothie: Blend tahini with frozen bananas, dates, almond milk, and a pinch of cinnamon for a creamy, protein-packed smoothie.
Tahini Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
Tahini is more than just tasty – it‘s packed with nutrients that can benefit your health. Here‘s a closer look at what you get in a 2-tablespoon serving:
- Calories: 178
- Protein: 5 grams
- Fat: 16 grams (mostly healthy unsaturated fats)
- Carbohydrates: 6 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Calcium: 13% DV
- Iron: 14% DV
- Magnesium: 24% DV
- Phosphorus: 25% DV
- Copper: 27% DV
- Manganese: 29% DV
Tahini‘s star ingredient, sesame seeds, are rich in lignans – potent antioxidants that help fight inflammation and may lower cholesterol levels. Some studies suggest that regularly consuming sesame seeds may help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of certain cancers, and support healthy blood sugar control.
Tahini is also an excellent source of plant-based protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. Its nutrient density makes it a smart addition to vegetarian, vegan, and other plant-forward diets.
Sustainability and Sesame Seed Sourcing
As tahini demand soars, it‘s important to consider the environmental impact of sesame seed production. The majority of the world‘s sesame seeds are grown in Africa and Asia, with Sudan, Myanmar, and India leading production.
Sesame is considered a sustainable crop due to its drought tolerance, ability to grow in poor soils, and low fertilizer requirements. However, some concerns have arisen about the use of forced labor in the sesame seed supply chain, particularly in India and Myanmar.
To support ethical and sustainable tahini production, look for brands that prioritize transparency and work directly with farmers to ensure fair labor practices. Some companies, like Soom Foods and Seed + Mill, source their sesame seeds from Ethiopia, where the crop is grown using regenerative farming methods that promote soil health and biodiversity.
Interesting Facts and Tahini Trivia
- Sesame seeds are one of the oldest known cultivated crops, dating back over 4,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia.
- The word "tahini" comes from the Arabic root "to grind," referring to the process of grinding sesame seeds into a paste.
- Sesame seeds have a higher oil content than any other seed, which is why tahini has such a rich, creamy texture.
- Tahini is a key ingredient in halva, a sweet Middle Eastern confection made with sugar or honey and sometimes flavored with chocolate, coffee, or nuts.
- In addition to its culinary uses, tahini has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for skin and hair health, thanks to its high vitamin E and fatty acid content.
- Tahini is a popular ingredient in vegan and plant-based cooking, as it lends a creamy texture and nutty flavor to dishes without the use of dairy products.
- Some creative tahini products on the market include tahini hot sauce, tahini ice cream, and even tahini cocktails!
Conclusion
Tahini may not be the most obvious pantry staple, but its versatility, nutritional benefits, and delicious flavor make it a must-have for any adventurous home cook. With a little know-how and some expert tips, finding tahini at Walmart or your local grocery store is a breeze.
Whether you‘re a hummus fanatic, a smoothie enthusiast, or just looking to experiment with new flavors in the kitchen, tahini is a powerful ingredient to keep on hand. Its rich, nutty taste and creamy texture can elevate both sweet and savory dishes, from classic Middle Eastern fare to inventive vegan desserts.
As the tahini trend continues to surge, it‘s exciting to see more brands and products entering the market, making this superfood ingredient more accessible than ever. By supporting sustainable and ethical tahini producers, we can enjoy this delicious sesame seed paste while also promoting fair labor practices and ecological stewardship.
So go ahead and stock up on tahini the next time you‘re at Walmart or your favorite grocery store. With a jar of this liquid gold in your pantry, you‘re ready to embark on a world of culinary adventures. Happy cooking!
