Description
Tahini Market Overview
The global tahini market is witnessing substantial growth, propelled by a combination of consumer trends. A key factor contributing to this is the rising popularity and globalization of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, where tahini serves as a crucial ingredient. This trend has broadened its application beyond traditional markets and introduced it to new consumer demographics.
The emergence of plant-based and health-oriented diets is another significant catalyst. As a nutritious, vegan, and gluten-free spread, tahini is increasingly favored as an alternative to standard spreads. Consumers are progressively pursuing “clean-label” and organic food options, resulting in a wider array of tahini products available in the market.
Moreover, product innovation is influencing the market dynamics. Manufacturers are launching new flavors and convenient packaging solutions, such as squeeze bottles, to enhance tahini’s attractiveness and versatility in various culinary applications, ranging from savory dishes to sweet desserts. The market does encounter certain challenges, including fluctuations in sesame seed prices and vulnerabilities within the supply chain. Nevertheless, the overall forecast for the tahini market remains optimistic, driven by changing consumer preferences and its adaptability in contemporary cooking.
The global Tahini Market size was valued at US$ 1.71 billion in 2025 and is poised to grow from US$ 1.73 billion in 2026 to US$ 2.90 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% in the forecast period (2026-2033)
Tahini Market Impact on Industry
Agriculture and Supply Chain
The growing demand for tahini significantly influences the global sesame seed market. This surge in demand for sesame can result in price fluctuations due to various factors such as weather conditions, crop yields, and the limited number of organic-certified farms. The industry faces the challenge of ensuring a consistent and sustainable supply of high-quality sesame seeds to satisfy this increasing demand. This is especially pertinent for organic tahini, where the availability of certified organic sesame seeds is restricted and production expenses are elevated.
Food Manufacturing and Innovation
Manufacturers are adapting to the market’s expansion with a surge of product innovation. This extends beyond the conventional paste and encompasses:
- New Flavors: Brands are launching flavored tahini options, including chocolate, garlic-infused, or spicy varieties, to attract a wider consumer audience.
- Novel Applications: Tahini is being integrated into a broader range of products such as energy bars, salad dressings, sauces, and desserts, thus broadening its application beyond traditional dips like hummus.
- Technological Advancements: The implementation of new processing technologies, such as homogenizers, is facilitating the creation of a more uniform, smooth texture and prolonging the shelf life of tahini, which is essential for international distribution.
Retail and Distribution
The expansion of the market is transforming the ways in which tahini is marketed and its availability. Once considered a niche product, it is now increasingly accessible in mainstream supermarkets, health food stores, and online platforms. The growth of e-commerce has been particularly impactful, enabling specialty tahini brands to connect directly with consumers and circumvent traditional retail intermediaries. This shift has fostered a more competitive environment and allowed smaller brands to establish direct-to-consumer relationships.
Culinary Trends and Food Service
The rise of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines on a global scale has solidified tahini’s role within the food service sector. Restaurants and catering businesses are incorporating tahini in numerous innovative ways to satisfy the growing demand for plant-based and nutritious menu selections. This encompasses its application as a dressing for bowls and salads, an essential component in vegan recipes, and even in upscale desserts. Consequently, this trend stimulates additional consumer interest and propels retail sales for home cooking.
Tahini Market Dynamics:
Market Drivers
The main factor driving the tahini market is the worldwide increase in the popularity of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Dishes such as hummus and baba ghanoush are transitioning from being viewed as ethnic specialties to becoming mainstream consumer staples in North America and Europe, which directly enhances the demand for tahini as a fundamental and essential ingredient. Moreover, the market is significantly influenced by the growing consumer trend towards plant-based, vegan, and health-oriented diets. Tahini, which is made from sesame seeds, is inherently a nutrient-dense, dairy-free source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. This nutritional composition makes it an attractive and wholesome substitute for traditional spreads and nut butters, appealing to health-conscious consumers and those following specific dietary restrictions, such as vegan or gluten-free diets.
Market Restraints
A notable challenge confronting the tahini market is the limited consumer awareness and understanding of its various uses in non-traditional regions, particularly in certain areas of Asia-Pacific and South America. While tahini is a staple in Middle Eastern kitchens, many global consumers primarily associate it with hummus and are unaware of its versatility in dressings, sauces, baked goods, and desserts. This limited perception of its applications can confine its use to particular occasions or dishes, hindering its incorporation into everyday cooking at home. Furthermore, the relatively shorter shelf life of tahini, especially for premium, preservative-free, and organic varieties, poses a logistical challenge for both retailers and consumers, as the product is susceptible to separation and potential spoilage if not stored properly, which can result in increased product waste.
Market Opportunities
A significant opportunity for market expansion exists in culinary innovation and the diversification of products beyond the conventional paste and spread format. Manufacturers can take advantage of this by launching ready-to-use, flavored tahini products, including tahini-based sauces, dips, salad dressings, and sweet tahini dessert spreads, which cater to the contemporary consumer’s desire for convenience and flavor exploration. Furthermore, the increasing use of tahini in the commercial foodservice (HoReCa) and packaged food industries presents a considerable pathway for growth. As restaurants, fast-casual dining establishments, and prepared food companies integrate tahini into new fusion dishes, healthy snack bars, and ready-to-eat meals, it greatly enhances the ingredient’s visibility and utilization, solidifying its position as a versatile and nutritious component in the global food landscape.
Tahini Market Key Players: –
- Kevala
- Bayaz Tahin
- Al Wadi Al Akhdar
- Woodstock Foods
- Soom Foods
- SoCo
- Rushdi Food Industries
- Al-Arz Tahini
- Sesame King
- Pepperwood Organics
Recent Development:-
March 2, 2024 Kevala partnered with NREL, Berkeley Lab, and DOE on the groundbreaking Transportation Electrification Impacts Study (TEIS), which supports the EPA’s historic vehicle pollution standards. The study examines the infrastructure investments needed to support the anticipated adoption of electric vehicles across five diverse states: California, Oklahoma, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New York. By leveraging advanced data and modeling capabilities, the TEIS demonstrates that modest investments in charging infrastructure and grid upgrades can support increased EV adoption, avoid over 7 billion tons of carbon emissions, and provide nearly $100 billion in annual net benefits.
Tahini Market Regional Analysis: –
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region unequivocally maintains its status as the leading area in the global Tahini market, possessing the largest market share in terms of revenue. This supremacy is deeply entrenched in the region’s culinary heritage, where tahini serves as a vital, foundational component in a variety of traditional and contemporary dishes, such as hummus, baba ghanoush, and halva. Nations including Israel, Turkey, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia are significant consumers and producers, reaping the benefits of well-established local supply chains and elevated per-capita consumption. The demand within the MEA region remains stable and is intricately woven into cultural traditions and everyday dietary habits. Although the market in the Middle East and Africa is substantial, it is anticipated to demonstrate a steady yet more moderate Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), typically projected between 4.0% and 6.0% throughout the forecast period. This growth is primarily driven by population growth, urbanization, and a persistent demand for traditional Arabic flavors in the region.
North America is recognized as a crucial growth driver for the Tahini market, exhibiting substantial growth in market size and frequently competing for the title of the fastest-growing region during specific forecast periods. The increase in North America is linked to the remarkable rise in popularity of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, especially the consumption of hummus, which fundamentally depends on tahini as a key ingredient. Additionally, tahini is in perfect alignment with significant modern consumer trends, such as the swift growth of vegan and plant-based diets, the rising demand for gluten-free alternatives, and an increased focus on nutrient-dense, clean-label ingredients. Its adaptability beyond conventional dips, with uses in dressings, smoothies, and desserts, has broadened its reach within households. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for North America is consistently anticipated to be among the highest worldwide, typically fluctuating between 6.0% and 9.7%. This growth is bolstered by robust marketing initiatives, enhanced product availability in mainstream retail outlets, and a varied, health-oriented consumer demographic.
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is emerging as a rapidly growing market, especially in nations with food industries that are modernizing quickly and an increasing awareness of Western and global cuisines. Although tahini has traditional applications in certain areas of Asia, its recent growth is mainly driven by the incorporation of Middle Eastern flavors in commercial foodservice and packaged products. This region is marked by increasing disposable incomes and swift urbanization, which promote the uptake of convenient, value-added items. Key markets such as China and India are experiencing a rise in consumption, albeit from a smaller initial base compared to the Middle East and North America. The APAC region is often noted for having one of the highest growth trajectories, with projected compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) typically ranging from 4.13% to 8.0%. This growth is significantly reliant on effective product localization and the successful incorporation of tahini into local culinary practices.
Europe, on the other hand, represents a mature and strong market for tahini, commanding a considerable share of revenue. The market is propelled by a notable presence of Middle Eastern immigrant communities, well-established Mediterranean dietary habits, and a generally high level of consumer health consciousness. Countries such as Germany, the UK, and France demonstrate robust demand, bolstered by clear food labeling regulations and a strong retail presence of health and specialty food outlets. The European market shows a stable growth rate, with a projected CAGR typically falling between 5.0% and 7.0%. This ongoing growth is anticipated to stem from the sustained popularity of hummus and the increasing recognition of tahini as a fundamental plant-based protein source for home cooking.
Tahini Market Segmentation: –
Segmentation by Type
- Hulled Tahini
- Unhulled Tahini
- Organic Tahini
- Flavored Tahini
Segmentation by Application
- Paste and Spreads
- Sauces and Dips
- Halva and Other Sweets
- Hummus and Falafel
- Bakery and Confectionery
Segmentation by Region
- Middle East and Africa (MEA)
- North America
- Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- Latin America
