🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Tahini Substitute for Hummus - Best Alternatives for Creamy Hummus

Discover the best tahini substitutes for hummus that maintain the creamy texture and nutty flavor. Learn about peanut butter, sesame oil, and other alternatives that work perfectly in hummus recipes.

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Quick Answer

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.

Best Substitutes

Peanut Butter

1:1

Peanut butter is the most accessible tahini substitute for hummus. 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 hummusquick hummuswhen tahini is unavailable

Most accessible substitute with similar creamy texture and nutty flavor

Sesame Oil + Sesame Seeds

2 tbsp sesame oil + 1/4 cup sesame seeds = 1/4 cup tahini

Combine sesame oil with ground sesame seeds to create a homemade tahini substitute. Toast the seeds first for enhanced flavor. This provides the most authentic sesame taste and texture.

Best for:

authentic hummuswhen you want sesame flavortraditional recipes

Closest to authentic tahini flavor. Toast seeds for enhanced flavor

Almond Butter

1:1

Almond butter provides a mild, slightly sweet flavor that works well in hummus. It's creamier than tahini and adds a subtle nutty taste without overpowering the chickpea flavor.

Best for:

mild hummuswhen you want subtle nut flavorsweet hummus variations

Mild, slightly sweet flavor that works well in hummus

Sunflower Seed Butter

1:1

Sunflower seed butter is an excellent nut-free alternative for hummus. It provides a similar creamy texture with a mild, slightly earthy flavor that complements chickpeas well.

Best for:

nut-free hummusallergy-friendly recipesschool-safe hummus

Nut-free alternative with similar texture and mild flavor

Cashew Butter

1:1

Cashew butter is creamy and mild, making it an excellent tahini substitute for hummus. It provides smooth texture without overpowering the chickpea flavor, perfect for those who prefer milder hummus.

Best for:

creamy hummusmild-flavored hummuswhen you want smooth texture

Creamy and mild, works well in hummus without overpowering flavor

Greek Yogurt

1/2 cup yogurt = 1/4 cup tahini

Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a tangy flavor to hummus. Use plain, unsweetened yogurt and adjust the amount based on desired consistency. This also adds protein to your hummus.

Best for:

tangy hummuswhen you want added proteincreamy texture

Adds creaminess and tang. Use plain, unsweetened yogurt

Olive Oil + Lemon Juice

2 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp lemon juice = 1/4 cup tahini

A simple combination of olive oil and lemon juice can substitute for tahini in hummus. This adds richness and acidity, though it won't provide the same nutty flavor or creamy texture.

Best for:

simple hummuswhen you want olive oil flavorquick substitutions

Simple alternative that adds richness and acidity

Cooking 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

Frequently Asked 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.

Summary

Discover the best tahini substitutes for hummus including peanut butter, sesame oil + seeds, and nut-free alternatives. Learn proper ratios and tips for creamy, delicious hummus without tahini.