Food Guide

Sesame Seeds

Buying Tips

Sesame seeds are sold either raw or roasted and hulled or unhulled.

Varieties

Sesame seeds come in shades of black, brown, and yellow as well as the more common beige variety.

Preparation, Uses, & Tips

To enhance the nutty flavor, sesame seeds can be toasted in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Sesame seeds can be used to garnish sweet and savory dishes and are used in baking. Raw or roasted sesame seeds can be ground into a popular sesame paste called sesame seed butter or tahini. Sesame gomasio, a mixture of sesame seeds and a small amount sea salt, is used as a seasoning on grains, pasta, and vegetables. Toasted sesame oil is used in Asian cooking for its rich flavor and aroma.

Nutrition Highlights

Sesame seeds (whole, dried), 1 Tbsp (8g)

  • Calories: 51
  • Protein: 1.6g
  • Carbohydrate: 2.1g
  • Total Fat: 4.5g
  • Fiber: 1.06g

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The information presented in the Food Guide is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.