Out of tahini?

Tahini Substitute for Hummus

Use this

Peanut Butter

Use the same amount as the tahini you are replacing

Close matchBest for classic hummus

The best tahini substitute for hummus is peanut butter (1:1 ratio) or sesame oil + sesame seeds (2 tbsp oil + 1/4 cup seeds). These alternatives provide the creamy texture and nutty flavor essential for authentic hummus while being easily accessible.

At a glance

Every option on one screen. Tap a name for detail.

Tahini substitutes compared
#	Substitute	Instead of tahini, use	Result
1	Peanut Butter	Same amount	Close match
2	Sesame Oil + Sesame Seeds	¼ cup tahini per 2 tbsp sesame oil + ¼ cup sesame seeds	Close match
3	Almond Butter	Same amount	Different taste
4	Sunflower Seed Butter	Same amount	Different taste
5	Cashew Butter	Same amount	Different taste
6	Greek Yogurt	¼ cup tahini per ½ cup yogurt	Different taste
7	Olive Oil + Lemon Juice	¼ cup tahini per 2 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp lemon juice	Taste and texture differ

Every tahini substitute

Ranked, with the exact amount and what changes

1. Peanut Butter
Close match
Use the same amount
Peanut butter is the most accessible tahini substitute for hummus.
What changes
It provides a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor that works well in most hummus recipes. Use natural peanut butter for best results.
Best for
classic hummus, quick hummus, when tahini is unavailable
Most accessible substitute with similar creamy texture and nutty flavor
2. Sesame Oil + Sesame Seeds
Close match
Use ¼ cup tahini for every 2 tbsp sesame oil + ¼ cup sesame seeds
Combine sesame oil with ground sesame seeds to create a homemade tahini substitute.
What changes
Toast the seeds first for enhanced flavor. This provides the most authentic sesame taste and texture.
Best for
authentic hummus, when you want sesame flavor, traditional recipes
Closest to authentic tahini flavor. Toast seeds for enhanced flavor
3. Almond Butter
Different taste
Use the same amount
Almond butter provides a mild, slightly sweet flavor that works well in hummus.
What changes
It's creamier than tahini and adds a subtle nutty taste without overpowering the chickpea flavor.
Best for
mild hummus, when you want subtle nut flavor, sweet hummus variations
Mild, slightly sweet flavor that works well in hummus
4. Sunflower Seed Butter
Different taste
Use the same amount
Sunflower seed butter is an excellent nut-free alternative for hummus.
What changes
It provides a similar creamy texture with a mild, slightly earthy flavor that complements chickpeas well.
Best for
nut-free hummus, allergy-friendly recipes, school-safe hummus
Nut-free alternative with similar texture and mild flavor
5. Cashew Butter
Different taste
Use the same amount
Cashew butter is creamy and mild, making it an excellent tahini substitute for hummus.
What changes
It provides smooth texture without overpowering the chickpea flavor, perfect for those who prefer milder hummus.
Best for
creamy hummus, mild-flavored hummus, when you want smooth texture
Creamy and mild, works well in hummus without overpowering flavor
6. Greek Yogurt
Different taste
Use ¼ cup tahini for every ½ cup yogurt
Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a tangy flavor to hummus.
What changes
Use plain, unsweetened yogurt and adjust the amount based on desired consistency. This also adds protein to your hummus.
Best for
tangy hummus, when you want added protein, creamy texture
Adds creaminess and tang. Use plain, unsweetened yogurt
7. Olive Oil + Lemon Juice
Taste and texture differ
Use ¼ cup tahini for every 2 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp lemon juice
A simple combination of olive oil and lemon juice can substitute for tahini in hummus.
What changes
This adds richness and acidity, though it won't provide the same nutty flavor or creamy texture.
Best for
simple hummus, when you want olive oil flavor, quick substitutions
Simple alternative that adds richness and acidity

This page covers one situation. For the full ranked comparison, see all 5 tahini substitutes.

How it behaves in this recipe

Hummus requires tahini for its characteristic creamy texture and nutty flavor. The best substitutes maintain both the texture and flavor profile. Peanut butter is most accessible, while sesame oil + seeds provides the most authentic flavor. Nut-free options like sunflower seed butter ensure the hummus is safe for those with allergies.

Tips

For best results, use natural nut butters without added sugar or salt
If using sesame oil + seeds, toast the seeds first for enhanced flavor
Adjust the amount of substitute based on desired hummus consistency
Add a bit more lemon juice when using nut butters to balance the flavor
For authentic flavor, sesame oil + seeds is closest to real tahini
Greek yogurt works well but may make hummus slightly tangier
Sunflower seed butter is perfect for nut-free hummus that's safe for schools
Cashew butter creates the creamiest texture but has the mildest flavor

Notes on tahini

For completely tahini-free hummus, use extra olive oil and lemon juice
Silken tofu can be blended in for added creaminess without nut flavor
Avocado can add creaminess and healthy fats to hummus
For a different twist, try using almond butter for a slightly sweeter hummus
Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess while providing a tangy flavor

Questions

What's the best substitute for tahini in hummus?

Peanut butter is the best substitute for tahini in hummus because it's easily accessible and provides similar creamy texture and nutty flavor. For authentic flavor, use sesame oil + sesame seeds. For nut-free options, sunflower seed butter works well.

Can I use peanut butter instead of tahini in hummus?

Yes, peanut butter works excellently as a tahini substitute in hummus. Use a 1:1 ratio and choose natural peanut butter without added sugar. It provides similar creamy texture and nutty flavor that complements chickpeas well.

How do I make tahini substitute for hummus?

To make a tahini substitute for hummus, combine 2 tablespoons sesame oil with 1/4 cup ground sesame seeds. Toast the seeds first for enhanced flavor. This creates the closest substitute to authentic tahini with similar taste and texture.

What can I use instead of tahini in hummus if I'm allergic to nuts?

For nut-free hummus, use sunflower seed butter as the best tahini substitute. It provides similar creamy texture and mild flavor. Greek yogurt is another option that adds creaminess and tang, though it changes the flavor profile slightly.

Does hummus taste different without tahini?

Hummus without tahini will have a different flavor profile - it will be less nutty and creamy. However, good substitutes like peanut butter or sesame oil + seeds can provide similar texture and flavor. The chickpea flavor will be more prominent without tahini.

Can I use sesame oil instead of tahini in hummus?

Sesame oil alone won't provide the same texture as tahini, but combining it with ground sesame seeds creates an excellent substitute. Use 2 tablespoons sesame oil + 1/4 cup ground sesame seeds to replace 1/4 cup tahini.

More tahini substitutes

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At a glance

Every tahini substitute

1. Peanut Butter

2. Sesame Oil + Sesame Seeds

3. Almond Butter

4. Sunflower Seed Butter

5. Cashew Butter

6. Greek Yogurt

7. Olive Oil + Lemon Juice