Prep warning
Tahini is made from sesame, one of the major food allergens, so introduce it on its own and watch for any reaction over the next few days before mixing it with other new foods. Offer a small amount earlier in the day. Choose a plain tahini with no added salt or sugar.
Choking notes
Like any seed or nut butter, a thick spoonful of tahini can stick in the mouth and form a choking hazard. Always thin it with breast milk, formula, water, yogurt, or a purée to a smooth, easily swallowed consistency, and never offer it by the spoonful as a thick glob or spread it thickly on bread.
How to serve by age
6-9 months
Tahini is a smooth way to offer sesame, one of the common allergens worth introducing early. Stir a small spoonful into yogurt, oatmeal, or a vegetable purée, or thin it with breast milk, formula, or water until it pours easily. Give it on its own the first time and watch for any reaction. Keep it smooth and never serve a thick spoonful straight.
Thinned to a smooth, pourable consistency and mixed into a food. No thick spoonfuls or globs.
9-12 months
Keep using tahini thinned and mixed in. Swirl it into yogurt or porridge, blend it into a smooth no-salt hummus, or stir it through a vegetable mash. A thin smear on a soft strip of toast also works once a little texture is welcome. The consistency should still be smooth and easy to swallow, never a thick layer.
Mixed into food or a thin smear on soft toast. Still smooth and thinned, never thick.
12-18 months
Tahini can flavor more dishes now: stirred into hummus and dips, drizzled thin over soft cooked vegetables, or blended into a dressing or sauce. A thin spread on soft bread is fine. Keep any spread or drizzle thin and smooth so it stays easy to swallow, and continue choosing a tahini without added salt or sugar.
Stirred into dips and sauces, drizzled thin, or a thin spread on soft bread; always smooth.
Key nutrients
Allergen information
Sesame is a common allergen. Read Sesame guidance
Common questions
When can my baby eat tahini?
Most babies can try tahini from around 6 months, once they show signs of readiness. Check the prep and cut-size notes above before you start.
General informational content, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about introducing new foods, especially if your baby has any medical conditions or family history of allergies.
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