Tahini Market Research Report: Growth, Trends, and Forecast (2025–2035)

1. Introduction

The global food industry is witnessing a rapid shift toward healthier, plant-based, and nutrient-rich products. Among these, tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, has gained considerable importance due to its versatility, nutritional value, and cultural relevance. Traditionally used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, tahini has transcended its regional roots to become a staple in international food processing, functional foods, and gourmet markets.

The tahini market has grown significantly in recent years, driven by rising health awareness, increasing demand for plant-based protein sources, and its widespread use in dips, sauces, dressings, and bakery products. The market is expected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 5.5% to 6.5% between 2025 and 2035, reflecting its strong growth potential in both mature and emerging economies.

Its relevance lies not only in the foodservice industry but also in packaged food retail, where tahini is marketed as a clean-label, high-protein, and gluten-free alternative to conventional spreads.

Get strategic knowledge, trends, and forecasts with our Tahini Market. Full report available for download:

https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-tahini-market

2. Market Overview

The tahini market has evolved from being a niche product primarily consumed in Middle Eastern households to a global commodity with diverse applications. Market size estimates suggest the industry is currently valued between USD 2.5 billion and USD 3.0 billion (2024) and is projected to reach USD 4.5–5.0 billion by 2035.

Historically, tahini consumption was concentrated in regions like Turkey, Israel, Lebanon, and Greece, but globalization of food trends, migration, and growing ethnic food demand have expanded its footprint worldwide.

On the supply side, sesame seed production forms the backbone of the industry. Africa and Asia remain the largest sesame-producing regions, with Sudan, India, Myanmar, and Ethiopia leading production. Demand, however, is increasingly being driven by Western countries, particularly the United States and parts of Europe, where tahini-based products like hummus, halva, and salad dressings are gaining traction.

The demand-supply dynamics reveal a steady increase in consumption, but supply fluctuations of sesame seeds due to climate variability and geopolitical trade disruptions remain critical factors influencing market stability.

3. Key Market Drivers

Several factors contribute to the steady growth of the tahini market:

Rising Health and Wellness Trends
Tahini is rich in protein, healthy fats, calcium, and antioxidants, making it highly appealing to health-conscious consumers. The surge in demand for superfoods and functional ingredients has boosted its global profile.

Shift Toward Plant-Based Diets
With the growing popularity of vegan and vegetarian lifestyles, tahini serves as a natural, plant-based protein and fat source, complementing the demand for dairy alternatives and meat substitutes.

Expansion of Ethnic and Gourmet Foods
Restaurants, cafes, and food manufacturers are increasingly experimenting with global cuisines. Tahini-based products like hummus and baba ghanoush are no longer confined to ethnic shelves but have entered mainstream retail aisles.

Technological Advancements in Food Processing
Innovations in sesame roasting, grinding, and packaging technologies have enhanced the quality, shelf-life, and availability of tahini across regions.

Government Support and Investments
Several sesame-producing nations are promoting sesame cultivation as a cash crop. Trade liberalization and agricultural development programs also support market growth.

4. Market Challenges

Despite strong growth prospects, the tahini market faces certain challenges:

Raw Material Volatility
The sesame seed supply chain is highly vulnerable to droughts, pests, and geopolitical instability, causing price fluctuations and supply shortages.

Regulatory Hurdles
Stringent food safety and quality regulations, especially in Europe and North America, often raise barriers for exporters from developing countries.

Intense Competition
Tahini faces competition not only from regional players but also from alternative spreads like peanut butter, almond butter, and sunflower seed butter.

Operational Challenges
High transportation costs, limited processing infrastructure in some sesame-producing regions, and quality consistency issues hinder market expansion.

5. Market Segmentation

The tahini market can be segmented by type, application, and region.

By Type/Category

Hulled Tahini (made from dehulled sesame seeds, lighter flavor, popular in Western markets).

Unhulled Tahini (made from whole sesame seeds, darker and more bitter, higher nutrient profile).

Flavored Tahini (blended with garlic, herbs, chili, or chocolate, increasingly popular in premium markets).

Fastest Growing Segment: Flavored tahini is witnessing rapid growth due to innovation in retail and gourmet applications.

By Application/Use Case

Food & Beverage Industry (dips, sauces, dressings, bakery, confectionery, dairy alternatives).

Foodservice Sector (restaurants, cafes, catering services).

Retail & Household Use (packaged jars, spreads, organic tahini).

Nutraceuticals & Functional Foods (health supplements, protein snacks).

Fastest Growing Segment: Functional foods and nutraceutical applications, supported by rising consumer demand for protein-rich products.

By Region

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific (APAC)

Latin America

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

6. Regional Analysis

North America
The U.S. is one of the fastest-growing markets, driven by rising demand for hummus and plant-based spreads. Canada also shows strong uptake in organic tahini products.

Europe
Europe is a mature market with significant consumption in Mediterranean countries such as Greece and Italy. The U.K. and Germany are leading in retail tahini sales, largely through health-focused brands.

Asia-Pacific (APAC)
APAC is both a major producer and a growing consumer market. While India and Myanmar dominate production, countries like Japan and Australia are adopting tahini in fusion cuisine and health foods.

Latin America
Still an emerging market, but rising health trends in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are creating opportunities.

Middle East & Africa (MEA)
The cultural heartland of tahini continues to dominate consumption. Turkey, Israel, and Lebanon remain leading markets, while African sesame producers are gaining from export opportunities.

Leading Region: Middle East & Africa (consumption & production).
Fastest Growing Region: North America, fueled by consumer awareness and innovative retail offerings.

7. Competitive Landscape

The tahini market is moderately fragmented, with a mix of global food companies, regional manufacturers, and local artisanal producers. Key players include:

Halwani Bros. Co.

Sunshine International Foods, Inc.

Prince Tahina Ltd.

Carwari International

Al Wadi Al Akhdar

Balsam Tahini

Strategies in Play:

Innovation: Introduction of flavored and organic tahini variants.

Pricing Strategies: Competitive pricing to challenge alternative spreads.

Partnerships: Collaborations with supermarkets and foodservice chains.

Mergers & Acquisitions: Strategic acquisitions of small regional producers by global food brands.

8. Future Trends & Opportunities

Looking ahead, the tahini market is expected to evolve along several lines:

Premium and Flavored Tahini
Increased consumer preference for gourmet and innovative flavors will drive product diversification.

E-commerce and Direct-to-Consumer Channels
Online retail will emerge as a strong distribution channel, especially for organic and specialty tahini.

Sustainability in Sesame Sourcing
Ethical sourcing, fair trade, and sustainable agriculture practices will become central to brand positioning.

Integration into Functional Foods
Growing application in protein bars, smoothies, and dietary supplements will expand its consumer base.

Emerging Market Penetration
Companies will increasingly target Latin America and Southeast Asia as untapped growth frontiers.

Forecast: By 2035, tahini is expected to secure its position as a mainstream global food product with a CAGR of ~6%, driven by innovation and health-focused trends.

9. Conclusion

The tahini market is on a strong growth trajectory, fueled by rising health awareness, consumer appetite for plant-based foods, and the globalization of ethnic cuisines. While challenges like raw material volatility and regulatory hurdles persist, the market’s long-term potential remains robust.

For businesses, this is the right time to invest in product innovation, sustainable sourcing, and digital distribution. Investors can tap into emerging market opportunities and functional food applications, while policymakers can support sesame cultivation and food processing infrastructure to strengthen supply chains.

With its blend of tradition and modern appeal, tahini is poised to transition from a niche ethnic product to a global staple in the coming decade.

FAQs

Q1. What is driving the growth of the tahini market?
The growth is driven by rising health consciousness, the popularity of plant-based diets, and increased demand for ethnic and gourmet foods.

Q2. Which region leads the tahini market?
The Middle East & Africa lead in both production and consumption, while North America is the fastest-growing region.

Q3. What are the major challenges in the tahini market?
Raw material price volatility, strict food safety regulations, and competition from alternative spreads.

Q4. What is the forecast CAGR for the tahini market?
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5%–6.5% between 2025 and 2035.

Q5. Which segment is expanding the fastest?
Flavored tahini and functional food applications are the fastest-growing market segments.

Browse More Reports:

About Data Bridge Market Research:

An absolute way to forecast what the future holds is to comprehend the trend today!

Data Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric market research and consulting firm with an unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process. Data Bridge is an aftermath of sheer wisdom and experience which was formulated and framed in the year 2015 in Pune.

Contact Us:
Data Bridge Market Research
US: +1 614 591 3140
UK: +44 845 154 9652
APAC : +653 1251 975
Email:- corporatesales@databridgemarketresearch.com

Search This Blog

Marketing

Tahini Market Size, Share, Trends, Key Drivers, Demand and Opportunity Analysis