Is tahini low FODMAP? Yes, it is. Tahini has a green light indicator on the Monash FODMAP app and has a serving size of 30 grams or 2 tablespoons.
Not only is tahini low FODMAP but this nut butter is a key ingredient in hummus and is gaining popularity across the globe. Even with the green light indicator, tahini is an ingredient that should be enjoyed in moderation on the IBS low FODMAP diet.
Curious why? Here’s an overview of everything I’ll go over in this post:
- What Is Tahini?
- Is Tahini Low FODMAP?
- Tahini VS Sesame Paste
- 10 Benefits Of Adding Tahini To Your Diet
- How To Use Tahini In 6 Different Recipes
- Tahini Low FODMAP Tuna Salad
- Roast Vegetable Strudel
- Low FODMAP Tahini Dressing
- Sesame Seed Dry Beef Noodles
- Vegan Braised Eggplant
- 3 Other Low FODMAP Tested Nut Butters
- Tahini FODMAP FAQ
- Is Tahini Safe For IBS?
- Is Tahini Good For Stomach?
- Are Sesame Seeds Low FODMAP?
- Is Hummus OK On Low FODMAP Diet?
I’ve been going on and on about tahini but what exactly is it?
What Is Tahini?

Tahini is a type of sesame seed paste. Raw (hulled) sesame seeds are ground up into a smooth paste to make tahini.
Tahini can be found in many Middle Eastern dishes like hummus, baba ganoush and halva -a delicious tahini based dessert.
Like any good nut butter, make sure to choose tahini that is made 100% from ground sesame seeds. Some manufacturers will add ingredients like salt and sometimes oil but that’s okay because oil’s are FODMAP-free.
Speaking of FODMAPs, we know tahini is low FODMAP at 2 tablespoons but how much tahini is too much?
Is Tahini Low FODMAP?
Tahini is low FODMAP at 2 tablespoons or 30 grams. Monash lists two types of tahini on their app: hulled and unhulled. Hulled tahini is made from sesame seeds which have had their husk removed:

Both types have the same tahini FODMAP serve of 2 tablespoons or 30 grams.
Hulled tahini contains moderate GOS (Oligosaccharides) and fructans at 185 grams or ¾ cup and high in FODMAPs at 220 grams or 1 cup.
Unhulled tahini is made with whole sesame seeds that still have the outer layer. It’s darker in color and stronger tasting. It contains moderate FODMAPs at 110 grams or ⅖ cup and is high FODMAP at 125 grams or ½ cup.
You can refer to tahini as sesame seed paste but it’s not the same as sesame seed paste. The next section will clear up this little conundrum.
Tahini VS Sesame Paste

Tahini is a Middle Eastern sesame paste that is made from ground raw sesame seeds. It’s pale, has a runny texture and a subtle nutty smell and flavor.
Sesame paste is made from unhulled and roasted sesame seeds. It’s darker, thicker, stronger in taste and a little bitter. Sesame seed paste is often used in Chinese cuisine.
While they are both pastes made from sesame seeds, they are different in taste, texture, color and smell.
Wondering if it’s worth adding tahini to your diet? I’ve got 10 tahini benefits that’ll make it worth your while.
10 Benefits Of Adding Tahini To Your Diet

Is tahini healthy? Yes it is and I’ve got 10 tahini benefits to share with you [source]:
- Tahini is nutritious! It has tons of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
- 1 tablespoon or 15 grams has 10% of your daily value nutrients.
- It’s rich in antioxidants.
- Sesame seeds may reduce risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- Tahini and sesame seeds might be antibacterial. One study on rats found that sesame oil helped heal wounds.
- It’s anti-inflammatory.
- Tahini has a compound that may help protect liver and kidney function.
- It’s easy to add to your diet!
- Tahini may be good for your bones.
- It’s brain food: Tahini has compounds that may improve brain health and strengthen memory.
If that list doesn’t convince you to add tahini to your diet, then I’m not sure what will. Not sure how to add this versatile ingredient into your diet? I have 6 recipes that’ll blow you away.
How To Use Tahini In 6 Different Recipes
Looking for a way to use up that jar of tahini you bought? I’ve got 6 delicious recipes that’ll do the trick:
This easy 15 minutes low FODMAP pasta salad is my go-to lunch. It’s gluten-free pasta with a low fat tahini sauce, capers, olives, and tuna.
Tahini Low FODMAP Tuna Salad
This mayo-free tuna salad is light, fresh and absolutely delicious. I wanted a lighter low FODMAP tuna salad without any mayo and this tuna salad delivers on all fronts. It transforms a regular can of tuna with the help of fresh dill!
Roast Vegetable Strudel
Looking for an easy low FODMAP dinner? This vegetable strudel will use up whatever vegetables you have left in the fridge and turn it into an amazing dinner centerpiece. I used tahini to turn one eggplant into a luscious creamy dip.
Low FODMAP Tahini Dressing
This salad dressing made me eat salad. I’m not kidding, you’ll want to have buckets of salad with this dressing. It’s a copycat recipe of one of my favorite Japanese salad dressings. You can use tahini if you’re in a pinch or make your own sesame seed paste in minutes.
Sesame Seed Dry Beef Noodles
Dan dan noodles are a staple in my house. This recipe features noodles tossed in savory sesame seed paste sauce and some five-spice seasoned beef.
Another great use for tahini is as a sauce:
Vegan Braised Eggplant
This vegan braised eggplant is so soft and jam packed with flavor. The tahini sauce adds a creaminess to the dish that is absolutely to die for. It’s a one pan dish with minimal cleanup but maximum flavor.
Not a fan of tahini? I’ve included a list of other low FODMAP nut butters in the next section for anyone who’s not a fan of sesame seeds.
3 Other Low FODMAP Tested Nut Butters

We’ve answered the question, “is tahini FODMAP friendly?” But what about other nut butters? All information below is based on Monash University’s low FODMAP research:
- Generic peanut butter: has a low FODMAP serve of 2 tablespoon or 50 grams.
- American peanut butter: low FODMAP serve of 2 tablespoon or 32 grams.
- Almond butter: low FODMAP at 1 tablespoon or 20 grams.
Moderate to large serves of all the nut butters listed above contain moderate to high amounts of GOS and fructans which may trigger IBS symptoms in some individuals.
We’re almost at the end of this post and what better way to wrap it up than with a FAQ section?
Tahini FODMAP FAQ

This section is dedicated to IBS and tahini related questions.
Is Tahini Safe For IBS?
Yes, it is. The Monash FODMAP app gives tahini a green light and has a low FODMAP serve of 2 tablespoons or 30 grams. Foods on the low FODMAP list are least likely to cause or trigger gastrointestinal discomfort, making tahini safe for IBS.
Note: every individual on the low FODMAP diet will react to foods on the list differently. It is important to know what your triggers are and which foods you can tolerate.
Is Tahini Good For Stomach?
Yes, it is! webMD states that tahini is really good for digestion because it is protein and fiber rich.
Are Sesame Seeds Low FODMAP?
Yes, sesame seeds have a low FODMAP serving of 1 tablespoon or 11 grams. Larger amounts contain higher amounts of fructans and GOS.
Is Hummus OK On Low FODMAP Diet?
Tahini is one of the key ingredients in hummus, so it’s no surprise, “is hummus low FODMAP?” on this list of questions.
The monash app gives hummus dip a red light rating with 1 tablespoon or 20 grams moderate in FODMAPs. Larger serves of 2 tablespoons or 40 grams are high in FODMAPs. This may be because hummus contains high FODMAP ingredients like garlic and chickpeas.
Canned and drained chickpeas have a yellow light indicator which means portion control is key. A low FODMAP serving of canned and drained chickpeas is ¼ cup or 42 grams. Larger servings of ½ cup or 84 grams contain moderate FODMAPs.
You can make your own low FODMAP hummus by draining and washing canned chickpeas and adding them to a blender with some tahini, garlic infused olive oil and lemon. There shouldn’t be a problem as long as you keep an eye on your portions.
That’s the last question in this, “is tahini low FODMAP?” post, folks. What do you think of tahini? Would you add this ingredient into your diet?
More about the low FODMAP diet and ingredients here:
Is Miso Low FODMAP?
Is Ginger Low FODMAP?
Are Leeks Low FODMAP?
Are Olives Low FODMAP?
FAQs
Can you eat tahini on low Fodmap diet? ›
Tahini is typically available to purchase as a pure sesame seed pulp that is either hulled or unhulled; both varieties of tahini are #lowFODMAP at a standard serve.
Is tahini OK for IBS? ›According to Johns Hopkins Medicine (2022), low FODMAP foods have a very low likelihood of causing gastrointestinal discomfort in individuals diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). According to the Monash University FODMAP app, two tablespoons of tahini or tahini paste is considered low FODMAP.
Can you have tahini on Sibo diet? ›There's a ton of fruits and vegetables you can incorporate, nutrient-rich fats like tahini, olive oil, certain nuts like pecans and walnuts and certain nut butter (almond butter, peanut butter, pecan butter), seeds, and olives.
Is hummus OK on FODMAP diet? ›Is Hummus Low FODMAP? Yes, in small amounts. This rich and creamy chickpea based dip is enlivened with lemon juice, cumin, garlic-infused olive oil and tahini. Up to ¼ cup (42 g) of canned and drained chickpeas are allowed.
Who should not eat tahini? ›If you suspect that you may have an allergy to sesame seeds, avoid eating tahini. Tahini is rich in omega-6 fatty acids and could cause an adverse reaction in those who are allergic to sesame seeds.
How much tahini is a low FODMAP serving? ›Tahini is low FODMAP in small portions of 2 Australian tablespoons (30 g) according to Monash University. The tahini gets extended with water and lemon juice, in addition to Garlic-Infused Oil, so you get to use enough of it as the perfect condiment for our lamb burger.
Is tahini inflammatory? ›Tahini also has selenium. It acts as an antioxidant and helps lower inflammation in the body. Studies show sesamol, a natural chemical found in sesame seeds and sesame oil, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging benefits. Other studies say it also has strong anti-cancer effects.
Can tahini cause bloating? ›Potential Side Effects of Tahini
Other side effects of overeating tahini are: High fibre content can cause bloating and abdominal pain. Tahini might cause allergies in certain people, resulting in anaphylactic reactions. If you are allergic to sesame seeds, don't eat tahini.
It's an alkaline food – It's easy for your body to digest because of its high alkaline mineral content, which is great for assisting in weight loss.
Is tahini easier to digest than peanut butter? ›Tahini with unhulled sesame seed contains more phytonutrients than peanut butter, and, for many people, is easier to digest than almond butter. Tahini is also a versatile ingredient because it's flavor is more neutral than most nut butters. Few people have seed allergies.
Is Sweet Potato good for SIBO? ›
Put as simply as possible, the SIBO diet is a combination of Paleo and a low FODMAP diet with a few exceptions; you should avoid starches e.g. sweet potato and sugars e.g. maple syrup.
Can I eat oatmeal with SIBO? ›Here is a list of low FODMAP foods that you should be able to eat freely: Meat, poultry, fish, seafood and eggs (without standard gravies, breading or marinades) Rice, oats, corn meal, quinoa. Many types of vegetables, including green beans, zucchini, tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers.
What crackers are low FODMAP? ›- Lundberg Organic Whole Grain Rice Cakes, Brown Rice, Lightly Salted.
- Back to Nature Gluten Free Crackers.
- Mary's Gone Crackers Original.
- Laiki Rice Crackers Red.
- Laiki Rice Crackers Black.
- Orgran Buckwheat Wafer Crackers.
- San-J Tamari Black Sesame, Brown Rice Crackers.
Peanut Butter in the United States is considered low FODMAP in servings of 2 tablespoons or 32 grams. Double-check labels and avoid products containing higher FODMAP ingredients like molasses or high fructose corn syrup.
Can I eat garbanzo beans on FODMAP diet? ›These little legumes, also called garbanzo beans, are considered a moderate FODMAP food as they can become high in galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) with a larger serving. This means you have to be mindful of your potion size. The low FODMAP serving size according to Monash University 1/4 cup or 40 grams per meal.
Should tahini be refrigerated after opening? ›Do you need to refrigerate tahini? We recommend storing your tahini in a cool and dry area, away from heat and moisture. Ideally, a pantry a cabinet would be ideal. Like peanut butter, you can also store tahini in the refrigerator if you like it thicker.
Which is the healthiest tahini? ›According to Dr. Roseman, only whole sesame tahini has six times the calcium, five times the iron and much more dietary fiber. Two tablespoons of raw whole sesame tahini have more calcium than bio-yogurt and more iron than chicken. Halva, which is also made of sesame seeds, is one of the healthiest sweets out there.
How long does tahini last in the fridge once opened? ›Luckily, the shelf life of tahini is quite long. An unopened jar of tahini will last 6 months past its 'Best by'. Once opened, tahini will keep well in the pantry for 1 to 2 months and up to 6 months in the fridge.
Are sesame seeds OK on FODMAP? ›Sesame seeds are low FODMAP in servings up to 1 tablespoon or 11 grams. Larger amounts contain higher amounts of fructans. Black sesame seeds have not specifically been tested. If concerned, consider testing-to-tolerance for a fun variation when symptoms are well managed.
Is Sesame Oil OK for low FODMAP? ›Sesame Oil is low FODMAP in normal serving sizes. Most oils are Low FODMAP, since oils are fats and FODMAPs are only carbohydrates. Make sure high FODMAP ingredients like chunks of garlic or onion have not been added.
How much honey is allowed on a low FODMAP diet? ›
Honey – low FODMAP at 1 teaspoon or 7 g.
Does tahini raise blood pressure? ›Tahini is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, vitamin E and lignans, such as sesamin, sesamolin and sesamol. Recent studies have indicated that tahini consumption can lower blood pressure and pulse rate and improve endothelial function and glycemic response in healthy males postprandially.
Which is healthier tahini or peanut butter? ›Tahini nutrition
Peanut butter and tahini are pretty similar nutritionally. They are both high in healthy fats and have scant amount of sugar. Peanut butter has just a little more protein. Both are naturally gluten-free.
Tahini is full of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. In fact, just 1 tablespoon (15 grams) provides more than 10% of the Daily Value (DV) for some nutrients.
Is tahini good for the stomach? ›Treats stomach problems
Tahini may also have a cleansing effect on your body, which is good for all kinds of stomach issues (colitis, gastritis, gastric ulcer, etc.)
Tahini boosts hormone levels as it contains high amounts of a compound called Lignans. Lignans are phytoestrogens found in plant sources that convert bacteria in our gut into metabolites that produce an estrogenic effect.
Why is tahini so fattening? ›Because tahini has a high fat content, it has a high number of calories, and moderation is advised for the best health benefits. A large proportion of people with tree nut allergies are also likely to be allergic to sesame seeds.
Is tahini OK for leaky gut? ›The lectin content in tahini may cause leaky gut by restricting the proper absorption of nutrients. Consuming it excessively can cause abnormal endocrine function and increased blood viscosity. Individuals allergic to nuts should avoid it at all cost.
How do you eat tahini? ›- Drizzle tahini sauce over a grain bowl. ...
- Use tahini in dips. ...
- Make a tahini salad dressing. ...
- Use tahini in a marinade. ...
- Sub tahini for nut butters. ...
- Add flavor to Asian noodle dishes. ...
- Use tahini as a vegan or paleo dairy substitute.
Almond butter has more Vitamin E , Magnesium, Vitamin B2, and Manganese, while Tahini has more Vitamin B1, Copper, Iron, Selenium, and Phosphorus. Almond butter's daily need coverage for Vitamin E is 160% higher. Tahini contains 3 times less Magnesium than Almond butter.
Is tahini good for immune system? ›
That's a good thing, because tahini sauce is made from ground sesame seeds, which we know are nutritious in their own right. In fact, research shows that sesame seeds and, thus, tahini have similar immune-boosting, cardiovascular-protective abilities as superfoods like olive oil, walnuts and flaxseeds.
What foods make SIBO worse? ›- high-fructose corn syrup.
- agave nectar.
- honey.
- soda and soft drinks.
- garlic.
- onions.
- asparagus.
- butternut squash.
Try to keep multigrain breads to a minimum. If whole-grain breads are desired, oat and wheat fibers are better choices. Also avoid wild rice.
Can I eat ice cream with SIBO? ›But unlike other FODMAP foods, it's more widely recognized as a common trigger for both SIBO and irritable bowel, explains Menon. That's why she advises SIBO and IBS patients in general to avoid products with lactose, which include milk, cheeses, yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy products.
What cereal is good for SIBO? ›- Rolled oats.
- Steel cut oats.
- Oat bran.
- Rice bran.
- Oat groats.
- Buckwheat groats.
- Grits (unflavored)
Crackers also make a great low FODMAP snack.
What deli ham is low FODMAP? ›Since meat is a protein, deli meats like ham don't have any FODMAPs.
What brand of mayonnaise is low FODMAP? ›Best Foods Mayonnaise
Love mayonnaise? You're not the only one. We like using Best Foods Light Mayonnaise as it is low FODMAP and made without garlic or onion powder. This means you can enjoy it on your favourite salad or sandwich.
Foods high in FODMAPs
Here is a list of some common foods and ingredients that are high in FODMAPs ( 1 , 13 ): Fruits: apples, applesauce, apricots, blackberries, boysenberries, canned fruit, cherries, dates, figs, peaches, pears, watermelon.
Oats are naturally gluten-free and low FODMAP, so they make an excellent choice for breakfast. And since things can get a little boring on a low FODMAP diet, you have plenty of flavor options to switch things up. If you don't like the snickerdoodle variation, you can try this golden milk oatmeal recipe.
Are saltine crackers low FODMAP? ›
On the new app, saltine crackers sourced from the US were found to be low FODMAP in small portion. An example of how you can enjoy a few foods with wheat flour as long as you limit to the portions outlined on the app.
Which beans are lowest FODMAP? ›Start with channa dal, urad dal, and chickpeas (lowest in FODMAPs), then try red or green lentils. Last, try the higher-FODMAP varieties: soy, borlotti, lima, red kidney beans, and split peas (highest!).
Which rice is low FODMAP? ›Cooked white rice, according to Monash, is low FODMAP at 1 cup (190 g). Cooked brown rice, according to Monash, is low FODMAP at 1 cup (180 g). Cooked red rice, according to Monash, is low FODMAP at 1 cup (190 g). FODMAP Friendly has lab tested black rice and says a low FODMAP serving is 125 g cooked.
Can you eat grapes on Fodmap diet? ›Grapes are a FODMAP-friendly fruit and can be enjoyed in 1 cup servings during the experimentation (aka elimination) phase.
Is tahini an inflammatory food? ›Tahini also has selenium. It acts as an antioxidant and helps lower inflammation in the body. Studies show sesamol, a natural chemical found in sesame seeds and sesame oil, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging benefits. Other studies say it also has strong anti-cancer effects.
Is tahini good for gut health? ›- The lectin content in tahini may cause leaky gut by restricting the proper absorption of nutrients. - Consuming it excessively can cause abnormal endocrine function and increased blood viscosity. - Individuals allergic to nuts should avoid it at all cost.
How much tahini can I eat a day? ›So, how much tahini can you eat daily? Holly Klamer, MS, RDN, says, “You should take only one tablespoon of tahini which is equal to 15 grams. It is full of minerals and vitamins, and helps in providing enough nutrients to our body.”
Is all peanut butter low FODMAP? ›Peanut Butter is a Low FODMAP Food
In its simplest form, it is just made of dry roasted peanuts, salt and oil, all of which are allowed on a low FODMAP diet. However, some brands add refined sugar and flavourings to enhance the peanut butter's taste.
Peanut Butter in the United States is considered low FODMAP in servings of 2 tablespoons or 32 grams. Double-check labels and avoid products containing higher FODMAP ingredients like molasses or high fructose corn syrup. My go-to is Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter.
Which tahini is the healthiest? ›According to Dr. Roseman, only whole sesame tahini has six times the calcium, five times the iron and much more dietary fiber. Two tablespoons of raw whole sesame tahini have more calcium than bio-yogurt and more iron than chicken. Halva, which is also made of sesame seeds, is one of the healthiest sweets out there.