Tahini Coffee: Calories, Nutrition and Health Benefits
ChatGPT 
Claude 
AI Mode 
Perplexity The 2025 viral coffee trend blending Middle Eastern tahini with espresso for nutty richness, healthy fats, and antioxidant-powered sustained energy.
Quick Nutrition Facts
Per 1 Serving (Espresso + 1 tbsp Tahini)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 155 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Fiber | 1.5g |
| Sugars | 0.5g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Caffeine | 63mg |
| Copper | 27% DV |
| Magnesium | 6% DV |
Macronutrient Breakdown
NUTRITIONIST INSIGHT
Tahini coffee combines espresso's polyphenols with sesame's lignans (sesamin and sesamol) for a powerful antioxidant boost. The healthy fats slow caffeine absorption, providing 4-5 hours of sustained energy without the typical coffee crash.
Myth Busters
MYTH #1: Tahini Coffee Is Too High in Calories
TRUTH: At 155 calories per serving, tahini coffee is comparable to a regular latte (150-190 cal) but delivers more nutritional value. The healthy monounsaturated fats promote satiety and reduce cravings, potentially leading to lower overall daily calorie intake.
MYTH #2: The Fat in Tahini Is Unhealthy
TRUTH: Tahini provides primarily monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (80% of calories from fat), which support heart health and reduce inflammation. These are the same beneficial fats found in olive oil and avocados.
MYTH #3: Tahini Coffee Spikes Blood Sugar
TRUTH: Without added honey, tahini coffee contains only 4g of carbs and 0.5g sugar. The healthy fats and protein slow glucose absorption, making it a more blood sugar-friendly option than sweetened lattes or mochas.
MYTH #4: You Need Special Equipment to Make It
TRUTH: Tahini coffee requires only espresso (or strong coffee) and tahini paste. Simply blend or whisk 1 tablespoon of tahini into hot espresso until smooth and creamy. No specialized equipment needed.
MYTH #5: Tahini Coffee Tastes Bitter
TRUTH: Quality tahini adds a nutty, creamy sweetness that complements espresso's natural flavors. The sesame paste mellows coffee's bitterness while adding depth. Optional honey or cinnamon can further enhance the flavor profile.
MYTH #6: It's Just a Social Media Fad
TRUTH: While tahini coffee gained viral popularity in 2025, combining sesame with beverages has deep roots in Middle Eastern and Asian cultures. The health benefits are backed by clinical research on sesame lignans and coffee polyphenols.
NutriScore by Health Goals
| Health Goal | NutriScore | Why This Score? |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Loss |  | 155 calories with 14g healthy fats promote satiety. Skip honey for lower carbs. Sustained energy prevents snacking. |
| Muscle Gain | | 3g protein, healthy fats, and caffeine boost pre-workout performance. Add to protein shake for post-workout recovery. |
| Diabetes Management | | Low carb (4g), minimal sugar. Sesame lignans may improve insulin sensitivity. Avoid honey; monitor individual response. |
| PCOS Management | | Low sugar, anti-inflammatory fats. Sesame lignans have phytoestrogenic properties. Limit to 1 serving daily. |
| Pregnancy Nutrition |  | Good copper (27% DV) for fetal development, but limit caffeine to 200mg daily during pregnancy. Max 2-3 servings per day. |
| Viral/Flu Recovery | | Antioxidants from both coffee and sesame support immune function. Warm beverage soothes throat. Easy to digest. |
PERSONALIZED NUTRITION
Track your meals with NutriScan for personalized NutriScores based on your specific health goals!
Blood Sugar Response to Tahini Coffee
Understanding how tahini coffee affects your blood glucose helps optimize when and how to enjoy it.
Typical Glucose Response Curve
*This chart shows typical blood glucose response for tahini coffee without honey. Adding honey will increase the glucose spike. Individual responses may vary. Not medical advice.*
How to Minimize Blood Sugar Impact
The healthy fats in tahini naturally buffer glucose absorption, but you can optimize further:
- Skip the honey - Use a dash of cinnamon for natural sweetness instead
- Add protein - Pair with eggs or Greek yogurt for balanced macros
- Time it right - Best consumed with or after a meal, not on empty stomach
- Quality tahini - Choose 100% sesame paste without added oils or sugars
This combination provides steady energy release over 4-5 hours, avoiding the typical coffee energy crash.
Cultural Significance
Tahini coffee represents a modern fusion of ancient traditions, blending Middle Eastern sesame culture with global coffee appreciation.
Middle Eastern Origins:
- Tahini (sesame paste) has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for over 4,000 years
- Sesame seeds symbolize immortality and prosperity in many cultures
- Traditional uses include halva, hummus, and medicinal preparations
- The pairing with coffee reflects the region's rich coffeehouse traditions
2025 Viral Trend:
- Gained popularity on social media platforms as a healthy coffee alternative
- Embraced by wellness influencers for its combination of healthy fats and antioxidants
- Part of the broader "functional coffee" movement seeking added nutritional benefits
- Represents growing interest in Middle Eastern flavors in Western markets
Global Adoption:
- Coffee shops worldwide adding tahini lattes to menus
- Home baristas experimenting with tahini, coffee, and honey combinations
- Integration with other trends like oat milk tahini lattes and iced variations
- Bridge between traditional ingredients and modern wellness culture
Compare & Substitute
Tahini Coffee vs Similar Coffee Drinks (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Tahini Coffee | Bulletproof Coffee | Regular Latte | Oat Milk Latte |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 155 kcal | 230 kcal | 150 kcal | 170 kcal |
| Carbs | 4g | 0g | 12g | 24g |
| Fiber | 1.5g | 0g | 0g | 2g |
| Protein | 3g | 0g | 8g | 3g |
| Fat | 14g | 25g | 8g | 7g |
| Caffeine | 63mg | 100mg | 63mg | 63mg |
| Best For | Sustained energy, healthy fats | Keto, maximum satiety | Protein needs, calcium | Plant-based, mild flavor |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tahini coffee good for weight loss?
Tahini coffee supports weight loss when consumed mindfully. At 155 calories with 14g healthy fats and 3g protein, it promotes satiety and reduces cravings; the monounsaturated fats help maintain stable blood sugar, preventing energy crashes that lead to snacking; skip added honey to keep carbs at 4g; best as a breakfast companion or pre-workout drink; limit to 1-2 servings daily within your calorie goals.
Can diabetics drink tahini coffee?
Diabetics can enjoy tahini coffee as part of a balanced diet. Without honey, it contains only 4g carbs and 0.5g sugar; the healthy fats slow glucose absorption compared to regular sweetened coffee drinks; sesame lignans may improve insulin sensitivity according to research; monitor individual blood sugar response; avoid adding honey or other sweeteners; consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
How much caffeine is in tahini coffee?
One serving of tahini coffee made with a single espresso shot contains 63mg of caffeine. This is equivalent to a regular latte and within safe daily limits (400mg for most adults); the healthy fats in tahini slow caffeine absorption, providing 4-5 hours of sustained energy; pregnant women should limit total daily caffeine to 200mg from all sources.
What are the main health benefits of tahini coffee?
Tahini coffee offers combined benefits from espresso and sesame. Antioxidants include coffee polyphenols and sesame lignans (sesamin, sesamol); heart health support from 80% healthy fats; 27% daily copper for energy metabolism; anti-inflammatory properties from both ingredients; sustained energy without typical coffee crash; potential blood sugar regulation support.
When is the best time to drink tahini coffee?
Optimal timing depends on your goals. Morning with breakfast for sustained energy; 30-45 minutes pre-workout for fat-fueled performance; mid-afternoon to avoid energy slumps without disrupting sleep; avoid on empty stomach if prone to acid reflux; stop caffeine intake 6 hours before bedtime; pregnant women should space throughout day to stay under 200mg limit.
Is tahini coffee better than bulletproof coffee?
Both offer healthy fats for sustained energy, but with different profiles. Tahini coffee provides 3g protein vs 0g in bulletproof; tahini adds copper, magnesium, and sesame lignans; bulletproof has more calories (230 vs 155) and higher fat content; tahini coffee is more versatile for non-keto diets; bulletproof may be better for strict keto adherence; tahini coffee offers more nutritional variety overall.
Can I make tahini coffee at home?
Tahini coffee is simple to make at home. Brew 1-2 shots of espresso or strong coffee; add 1 tablespoon of quality tahini (100% sesame); blend or whisk vigorously until smooth and creamy; optional additions include honey, cinnamon, vanilla, or a pinch of salt; serve hot or blend with ice for iced version; use unsweetened tahini for lowest sugar content.
Are there any side effects of tahini coffee?
Tahini coffee is generally safe for most people. Sesame allergy is a concern (designated major allergen in US since 2023); caffeine sensitivity may cause jitters or sleep issues; high fat content may cause digestive discomfort if consumed in excess; pregnant women should monitor total caffeine intake; those with IBS may need to introduce gradually; consult healthcare provider if you have specific medical conditions.
