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Tahini for Babies: When and How to Introduce It

Ground sesame paste that stirs calcium and nutty flavor into just about anything. It is your sesame allergen introduction, so serve it thinned.

When to introduce: Around 6 to 9 months
Common allergen?: Yes (sesame, a top-9 allergen)
Texture: Smooth paste, thinned
Key nutrients: Calcium, protein, fat

When can babies eat tahini?

Tahini is ground sesame paste, and it is a handy way to introduce sesame from around 6 to 9 months. Sesame is a top-9 allergen, so introduce it deliberately, and thin the paste rather than serving a thick, sticky spoonful.

How to prepare tahini, by age

6 monthsStir a small amount of tahini into purée, yogurt, or oatmeal until smooth and thin.

9 monthsSpread a thin layer on toast fingers, or mix into soft foods and mashes.

12 months+Use in dips like hummus, or drizzle thinned tahini over vegetables.

Is tahini safe? Choking & prep

Thin tahini with water, purée, or yogurt so it is not a thick, sticky blob, which can be a choking risk. Choose plain tahini with no added salt or sugar.

First time with tahini? Log the bite and Yummy Yucky runs the 3-day allergen watch for you, so a reaction gets noticed instead of second-guessed.

Track tahini in the app →

Nutrition

Tahini offers calcium, protein, and healthy fat, and it counts toward introducing the sesame allergen.

Goes well with

Broccoli · Bread · Potato

Storage & freezing

Store in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator, and stir well before use since the oil separates on top.

Introducing this allergen

How to introduce tahini safely →

Frequently asked questions

When can babies have tahini?

Around 6 to 9 months, thinned into food or spread in a thin layer.

Is tahini a common allergen?

Yes. Tahini is ground sesame, and sesame is one of the top-9 allergens. Introduce it deliberately and watch for reaction signs.

Is tahini a good first sesame food?

Yes. It is one of the easiest ways to introduce sesame, since you can stir a little into food your baby already eats.

How do I serve tahini safely to a baby?

Thin it with water, purée, or yogurt until loose, then mix in or serve as a thin layer rather than a thick sticky spoonful.

Sources

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Track it in Yummy Yucky

Log first tries, get nudged through the 3-day allergen watch, and keep every bite in one place you can share with your pediatrician.

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How we write these: from widely published pediatric guidance (AAP, NIAID 2017 guidelines, the LEAP study), with sources cited on every page. Pending review by a pediatric professional.

This is general information, not medical advice, and has not been individually reviewed for your baby. Always talk to your pediatrician about your baby's diet, introducing allergens, and any reaction. In an emergency, contact emergency services.

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