Unlock Flavor: Best Tahini in the UK — Where to Buy, How to Choose & Top Picks

What is tahini and why it deserves a place in your pantry

Tahini is the silky paste made from toasted sesame seeds, and if you haven’t fallen for it yet, you’re missing out on a kitchen powerhouse. Think of it as peanut butter’s elegant cousin — nutty, slightly bitter, and endlessly versatile. From drizzling over roasted veg to whipping up classic hummus, tahini brings depth and creaminess to both sweet and savoury dishes. Whether you’re a meal-prep wizard, a curious cook, or someone who loves quick flavour upgrades, a jar of tahini is one of the best pantry investments you can make.

Different kinds of tahini: how to spot what you need

Not all tahini is created equal. Differences in sesame origin, roast level, texture, and added ingredients mean flavour and performance vary. Some jars are bright and light; others are darker with a toasty, almost smoky note. Texture varies from very smooth to slightly gritty, and oil separation is normal — it simply shows there are no stabilizers. Looking for the best jar depends on your use: baking, dressings, or straight-from-the-spoon snacking.

Sesame origin and roast level

Sesame seeds can come from the Mediterranean, the Middle East, or East Asia, and each region gives a unique profile. Lightly roasted seed tahini tends to be milder and milkier, while deeply roasted seed tahini delivers a richer, caramelized flavour. If you want tahini that stands up in strong-flavoured dishes like harissa dressings, choose a darker roast. For delicate desserts or tzatziki-style sauces, a lighter roast works best.

Texture, oil separation and what it tells you

When you open a jar, you’ll often see a layer of oil on top — that’s perfectly normal. Thick, creamy tahini usually needs shaking or stirring; runny tahini might be easier for dressings. If you like luscious, spreadable tahini, look for brands that use whole seeds and minimal processing. If you prefer smooth, pourable tahini for drizzling, choose jars that are naturally more fluid or labelled as “smooth”.

How to read tahini labels: ingredients and nutrition

Labels are your best friend when choosing tahini. The ideal ingredient list is short: sesame seeds, maybe a pinch of salt. Avoid products with added oils, sugar, or stabilizers if you want pure tahini. Nutritionally, tahini is calorie-dense and rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals like calcium and iron. A typical serving is about 1 tablespoon — roughly 0.5 ounce — and packs a caloric punch, so a little goes a long way.

Top UK supermarkets where you’ll find great tahini

Major UK supermarkets stock a surprisingly wide range of tahini. From affordable own-brand jars to premium imported varieties, it’s easy to find something to suit your budget and taste. Here’s a quick guide to what each big retailer tends to offer.

Tesco

Tesco carries a broad selection, including its own-brand tahini in jars commonly sized around 8.8 ounces and several international brands. Prices are competitive and you’ll often find different roast levels or organic options. Tesco is a solid first stop if you want choice without hunting specialty shops.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s usually stocks both mainstream and slightly more premium brands, plus organic tahini in jars around 7 to 10 ounces. If you like a balance of value and quality, Sainsbury’s own-label tahini often delivers good taste for a reasonable price.

Asda

Asda is a great place for budget-friendly tahini jars. The supermarket’s own brand tends to lean towards the smoother, more neutral flavour profile that works well as a multipurpose pantry staple. Jar sizes are similar to other supermarkets, typically in the 8 to 10 ounce range.

Waitrose

Waitrose focuses on quality and often stocks premium tahini, including single-origin and organic options. If you’re after a more refined sesame profile or artisan brands, Waitrose is where you’ll find them. Expect slightly higher prices but also higher-end flavour and packaging.

Specialist health and organic stores worth checking

If you want tahini that’s organic, raw, or crafted by small producers, specialist health stores and organic retailers are the places to look. These shops often stock imported, traditional-style tahini that can really elevate a recipe.

Holland & Barrett

Holland & Barrett offers a range of health-focused tahini products, including organic and cold-pressed varieties. These jars are popular with those following plant-powered diets and often come in sizes around 8 to 11 ounces, marketed for their minimal processing and clean ingredient lists.

Whole Food-type stores and Planet Organic

Places like Planet Organic and select Whole Foods Market locations in the UK provide artisan and imported tahini options. These stores favour single-origin sesame and small-batch producers, so you might discover a jar with a unique flavour profile not available in mainstream supermarkets.

Budget-friendly outlets: Aldi and Lidl

If you’re on a tight budget, don’t overlook Aldi and Lidl. These discounters often have seasonal or permanent tahini options that punch above their price class. The jars are typically around 8.8 ounces and offer surprising quality for the cost. It’s a smart move to pick up a jar from these stores to test if you like tahini before splashing out on premium varieties.

Buying tahini online: Ocado, Amazon and beyond

Want convenience or access to imported brands? Online retailers make it easy. Ocado stocks supermarket brands and premium imports, while Amazon carries a dizzying array of jars from around the globe. Specialty online grocers and international food shops also sell tahini in varying sizes, often with customer reviews that help you pick a favourite.

How to store tahini and extend its shelf life

Storing tahini properly keeps it tasting fresh and prevents rancidity. After opening, you can keep tahini in a cool, dark cupboard for a while, but refrigeration slows oil separation and extends shelf life. Remember, tahini’s oils can solidify in the fridge; let it sit at room temperature or stir vigorously before use if it firms up.

Shelf life and refrigeration tips

An unopened jar often lasts many months; once opened, plan on using it within several months for best flavour. If you refrigerate, expect the jar to be firmer — that’s normal. For long-term storage, you can freeze tahini in small portions (think 1 to 2 tablespoons each) to keep it fresh for much longer without compromising flavour.

Signs your tahini has gone off

Trust your senses. Rancid tahini smells sharp, bitter, or stale instead of nutty and pleasant. An off taste or odd colour are red flags, too. If in doubt, discard it — tahini is inexpensive compared to the risk of eating rancid oil.

Creative ways to use tahini beyond hummus

Tahini is not just for hummus. Its nutty richness makes it brilliant in dressings, marinades, smoothies, and even desserts. Try swapping tahini for peanut butter in baked goods for a subtle sesame twist, or whisk it into a honey-lemon dressing for salads. Tahini mixed with a little maple syrup and sea salt becomes a dreamy frosting for banana bread. The possibilities are wide and delicious.

Price guide: what to expect to pay in the UK

Prices vary by brand, jar size, and whether the product is organic or premium. For a typical 8.8 ounce (250 g) jar, you might pay anywhere from a modest price at discounters to a premium at specialist stores. Expect budget jars to be the most wallet-friendly, while single-origin or organic options carry a higher price tag. Shopping offers and supermarket own brands often deliver the best value.

Choosing the right tahini for your recipes

Match the tahini to the dish. Smooth, runny tahini is lovely for dressings and sauces because it blends easily. Thicker, more textured tahini works beautifully in spreads and dips where you want body. If you’re baking, consider how bold you want the sesame flavour to be — lighter roast tahini will be subtler, while dark roast will make its presence known.

Why experimenting with brands matters

Like coffee or olive oil, tahini has a flavour spectrum worth exploring. Try a few brands in small jars to find your favourites. You may discover an everyday jar for cooking and a pricier artisan option reserved for raw desserts or finishing sauces. Comparing labels, tasting profiles, and textures will help you develop a reliable shortlist for different uses.

Final tips for buying tahini in the UK

Always check the ingredient list for hidden oils or stabilizers if you want pure sesame paste. If possible, buy jars in sizes that match your usage — it’s better to buy a smaller jar if you only use tahini occasionally. Consider buying from multiple sources: supermarkets for standard cooking jars and specialist shops for premium or unique varieties. Above all, don’t be afraid to experiment — one spoonful might open a whole new world of flavour.

Conclusion

Tahini is one of those humble ingredients that can transform everyday cooking into something special. In the UK, you have access to a wide range of options: budget jars at discounters, reliable supermarket brands, and intriguing artisan picks from specialist stores. Learn to read labels, match texture to recipe, and store jars correctly to get the most from your purchase. Whether you’re whipping up hummus, dressing a salad, or sneaking it into your baking, tahini is versatile, nutritious, and absolutely worth experimenting with.