Za'atar

spices

Za'atar

8/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 6.1

Rated by 11 diets

9 approve0 caution2 avoid

How the diets react

Approves9
Disapproves2
Is Za'atar Healthy?

Yes — Za'atar is broadly considered healthy. 9 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g

Diet Ratings

KetoApproved

Za'atar (blend of thyme, sumac, sesame, salt) contains <1g net carbs per teaspoon. Pure spice blend with no added sugars. Sumac provides tartness without carbs. Excellent keto seasoning.

VeganApproved

Blend of dried herbs (thyme, oregano, marjoram), sesame seeds, and sumac. All plant-based ingredients with no animal products or derivatives.

PaleoApproved

Za'atar is a blend of dried herbs (thyme, oregano, marjoram), sesame seeds, and sumac. All components are paleo-compliant whole foods available to hunter-gatherers. No processing beyond drying and grinding.

MediterraneanApproved

Traditional Eastern Mediterranean spice blend containing thyme, sumac, sesame, and salt. Aligns perfectly with Mediterranean cuisine, adds flavor without processed ingredients, and contains beneficial herbs and seeds. Widely used in Levantine and Greek cooking.

CarnivoreAvoid

Spice blend containing dried herbs (thyme, oregano, sumac) and sesame seeds—all plant-derived. Explicitly violates carnivore exclusion of plant foods and spices.

Whole30Approved

Za'atar is a spice blend typically containing sumac, thyme, sesame seeds, and salt. All components are whole, unprocessed ingredients compliant with Whole30.

Low-FODMAPAvoid

Za'atar typically contains dried onion and garlic as primary ingredients, making it high in fructans and GOS. Even small amounts used as seasoning can trigger symptoms.

DASHApproved

Herb and spice blend (thyme, sumac, sesame) with minimal sodium when used as seasoning. Rich in antioxidants and minerals. Supports flavor without salt, aligning with DASH sodium reduction.

ZoneApproved

Za'atar is a spice blend (thyme, sumac, sesame, salt) with negligible carbs and calories per serving. Sumac provides polyphenols (anti-inflammatory). Sesame adds monounsaturated fat and trace minerals. No glycemic impact. Excellent seasoning for Zone meals without disrupting macronutrient ratios.

Blend of anti-inflammatory herbs and spices including thyme, sumac, and sesame. Rich in polyphenols, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Sumac provides tartness without sugar. Aligns perfectly with Weil's emphasis on herbs and spices.

GLP-1 FriendlyApproved

Spice blend (thyme, sumac, sesame seeds) with negligible calories per serving, high nutrient density, and no GLP-1 trigger foods. Sumac provides antioxidants, sesame adds trace minerals. Enhances lean proteins and vegetables without fat or GI distress.

Controversy Index

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

Consensus6.1Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Za'atar

Keto 9/10
  • Negligible carbs per serving
  • Pure spice blend
  • No added sugars
  • Flavor-dense, small portions needed
Vegan 9/10
  • Pure plant-based spice blend
  • Whole food ingredients
  • No processing concerns
Paleo 9/10
  • Dried herbs
  • Sesame seeds
  • Sumac
  • Unprocessed blend
  • No additives
Mediterranean 9/10
  • traditional Mediterranean
  • whole spices and herbs
  • no processing
  • nutrient-dense
  • flavor enhancement
Whole30 9/10
  • Pure spice blend
  • No excluded ingredients
  • Whole food components
DASH 8/10
  • Low sodium
  • Antioxidant-rich herbs
  • Supports salt reduction
  • Nutrient-dense
Zone 8/10
  • Minimal carbohydrate and caloric impact
  • Polyphenol-rich (sumac)
  • Monounsaturated fat from sesame
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • high polyphenol content
  • thyme anti-inflammatory properties
  • sumac antioxidants
  • sesame seeds omega-3s
  • no added sugars or additives
  • zero calories per serving
  • nutrient-dense spice blend
  • no GLP-1 triggers
  • enhances protein/vegetable dishes