Tahini (sesame paste) for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve tahini (sesame paste) to your baby, by age.
Safety Information
How to Serve Tahini (sesame paste) to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
Tahini is a smooth paste and does not require cutting. For babies 6-9 months, always serve tahini thinly spread or blended into other foods, such as yogurt, porridge, or mashed vegetables. Avoid serving it as a thick glob, as it can stick to the roof of the mouth and be difficult to swallow safely. Mixing a small amount (no more than 1/2 tsp or 2.5g) into a meal ensures even, safe distribution without posing a choking risk.
Serving Instructions
For babies 6-9 months, tahini can be safely introduced as an ingredient mixed into soft foods like yogurt, porridge, mashed fruits, or vegetables. Offer no more than 1/2 tsp (2.5g) per meal, up to 3 times per week, as part of a balanced meal that includes iron-rich foods (like meat, lentils, or iron-fortified cereal), vitamin C sources (such as fruit or veg), and healthy fats. If serving for the first time, offer only tahini (no other new allergens), monitoring closely for signs of allergy.
How to Serve Tahini (sesame paste) to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
Continue to offer tahini blended into foods or thinly spread on toast fingers or soft bread. As your child’s pincer grasp develops, you may introduce a slightly thicker layer, but always avoid sticky clumps. Spread a thin layer (up to 1 tsp or 5g) on soft foods or mix into meals. Watch for signs of difficulty swallowing, and always supervise.
Serving Instructions
For children 9-18 months, increase tahini to up to 1 tsp (5g) per meal, still mixed into foods or thinly spread. Integrate it into varied meals that include protein, complex carbs, and fresh produce. Tahini complements foods like toast, pancakes, or veggie sticks. Continue monitoring for allergy symptoms with every new brand, as some processing methods differ.
How to Serve Tahini (sesame paste) to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
At this stage, you can continue using tahini as a spread, dip, or ingredient in sauces, hummus, or baked goods. The risk of sticking is lower, but always use moderation: offer up to 1.5 tsp (7.5g) per meal. Encourage self-feeding with pita triangles, vegetables, or crackers spread with tahini. Ensure children are always seated and supervised during meals.
Serving Instructions
From 18 months, tahini can be used more flexibly: as a spread, dip, sauce, or ingredient. Offer up to 1.5 tsp (7.5g) per meal, ideally with meals containing protein (e.g., eggs, legumes), whole grains, and colorful veggies. Encourage variety in presentation (with pita, crackers, veggie sticks, or fruit), and always supervise for both allergy and overconsumption, as too much can be high in fat for toddlers.
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