Tahini

nuts-seeds

Tahini

8/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 5.0

Rated by 11 diets

7 approve3 caution1 avoid
Is Tahini Healthy?

Yes — Tahini is broadly considered healthy. 7 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
595kcal
Protein
17g
Carbs
21g
Fat
54g
Fiber
9.3g
Sugar
0.5g
Sodium
115mg

Diet Ratings

Keto9/10APPROVED

Tahini (sesame paste) contains approximately 3g net carbs per 2 tablespoons with 16g fat and 5g protein. Concentrated source of healthy fats and minerals from sesame seeds.

Vegan8/10APPROVED

Ground sesame seeds, minimally processed plant food. Excellent source of calcium and healthy fats. No animal products or derivatives.

Paleo5/10CAUTION

Tahini is ground sesame seeds, a processed form. While sesame is paleo-compatible, tahini's processing and concentrated PUFA content warrant moderation. Acceptable occasionally but not a staple.

iSome paleo authorities accept tahini as a minimally processed whole food product, while others view any grinding/processing as moving away from ancestral food forms.

Mediterranean8/10APPROVED

Sesame paste rich in healthy fats, calcium, and minerals. Staple in Mediterranean and Levantine cuisines. Minimally processed when pure.

Carnivore1/10AVOID

Processed sesame seed paste. Plant-derived with concentrated anti-nutrients and polyunsaturated fats. Incompatible with carnivore diet.

Whole308/10APPROVED

Pure ground sesame seeds with no excluded ingredients. Compliant as a minimally processed whole food product.

Low-FODMAP8/10APPROVED

Tahini (sesame seed paste) is low in FODMAPs at standard serving sizes (2 tablespoons/32g). Monash University confirms low-FODMAP status. Processing does not increase FODMAP content.

DASH8/10APPROVED

Concentrated sesame seed paste providing excellent calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Low sodium, predominantly unsaturated fats. Nutrient-dense condiment supporting DASH goals.

Zone5/10CAUTION

Sesame paste with concentrated omega-6 fat. Provides protein and minerals but inflammatory fat profile requires careful portioning. Use minimal amounts in Zone-balanced meals.

Anti-Inflammatory7/10APPROVED

Concentrated sesame seed paste retaining lignans, sesamol, and mineral content. Provides bioavailable calcium and magnesium. Minimal processing preserves anti-inflammatory compounds. Excellent addition to anti-inflammatory dressings and sauces.

GLP-1 Friendly5/10CAUTION

Tahini is nutrient-dense with some protein (3g per tablespoon) and minerals, but is very high in fat (16g per tablespoon) and calorie-dense. Small portions can work, but easy to overconsume and may trigger nausea/bloating in GLP-1 patients. Better as a condiment than a primary food.

Controversy Index

Score range: 19/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus5.0Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Tahini

Keto 9/10
  • 3g net carbs per 2 tablespoons
  • High fat content
  • Minimal processing, whole food based
Vegan 8/10
  • Plant-based
  • Minimal processing
  • Good nutrient profile
  • No animal products
Paleo 5/10
  • Processed form of whole sesame seeds
  • High omega-6 polyunsaturated fat concentration
  • Minimal processing compared to seed oils
Mediterranean 8/10
  • Whole food sesame product
  • High in bioavailable calcium
  • Traditional Mediterranean/Levantine staple
Whole30 8/10
  • Sesame-based
  • Minimal processing
  • No additives in pure versions
Low-FODMAP 8/10
  • Derived from low-FODMAP sesame seeds
  • Standard serving 2 tablespoons is safe
  • No added high-FODMAP ingredients
DASH 8/10
  • High calcium
  • Magnesium-rich
  • Low sodium
  • Unsaturated fats
  • Potassium source
Zone 5/10
  • Concentrated omega-6 from sesame
  • Calorie-dense (95 cal/tbsp)
  • Requires strict portion control
  • Moderate protein content
  • sesame lignans preserved
  • bioavailable minerals
  • minimal processing
  • versatile anti-inflammatory ingredient
  • high fat density
  • calorie-dense
  • small portion friendly
  • may worsen GI side effects
  • nutrient-dense per calorie in tiny amounts
Last reviewed: Our methodology