Tahini Coffee: The Unique Nutty Latte You’ll Want Every Day

If your morning brew feels a little… well, predictable, let me introduce you to a game-changer: tahini coffee. Yep, the same sesame seed paste you whisk into dressings or swirl over falafel can cozy up right inside your cup of joe. Sounds strange? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely. Imagine your latte went on vacation, came back with a nutty tan, and now insists on telling everyone about it. That’s tahini coffee in a nutshell (or in a sesame seed, I guess).

Tahini Coffee Recipe

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• Author: David Tag
• Total Time: 10 minutes

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup hot brewed coffee (strong or medium roast)

• 1 tablespoon tahini (stirred well)

• 1–2 teaspoons honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice (optional)

• ½ cup milk of choice (dairy, oat, almond, or soy)

• Pinch of cinnamon, cocoa, or cardamom (optional, for garnish)

• Ice cubes (optional, for iced coffee or slushie version)

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Instructions

Hot Tahini Coffee

1. Brew your coffee as usual.

2. In a mug, whisk 1 tablespoon of tahini with a small splash of hot coffee until smooth.

3. Pour the remaining coffee into the mug, stirring to combine evenly.

4. Add sweetener if desired.

5. Steam or warm ½ cup milk, then pour into the coffee for a creamy tahini latte.

6. Sprinkle with cinnamon, cocoa, or cardamom on top. Serve immediately.

Iced Tahini Coffee / Tahini Coffee Slushie

1. Brew strong coffee and let it cool.

2. Blend tahini, coffee, and sweetener with ice cubes until smooth.

3. Add milk if desired and blend lightly for a creamy iced version.

4. Pour into a glass and enjoy a refreshing tahini coffee slushie.

Notes

For a richer flavor, lightly toast the tahini before blending.

Try blending in cocoa powder for a tahini mocha or matcha powder for a sesame-matcha latte.

Adjust the sweetness and milk type according to your preference.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup

What is Tahini Coffee?

The Surprising Rise of Tahini in Coffee Culture

When you think of coffee, the usual suspects come to mind: cream, milk, maybe oat milk if you’re trendy. But tahini coffee is rewriting the rules. Made by blending a spoonful of tahini—smooth sesame seed paste—into your brew, this drink creates a velvety, nutty sip that feels indulgent without being overly heavy. What started as a quirky café experiment is now becoming a morning ritual for coffee lovers who want something both unique and nourishing. And yes, tahini coffee NYC shops are leading the charge, popping up on menus from Brooklyn to Manhattan as baristas test the limits of what belongs in a latte.

From Sesame Seeds to Sips: A Quick History

Tahini isn’t new—it’s been a staple in Middle Eastern kitchens for centuries, used in hummus, dressings, and sauces. What is new is the clever twist of stirring it into coffee. Think of it as the natural evolution of the nut milk craze. Just as almond and cashew milk carved their place in cafés, sesame’s turn was bound to come. The result? A drink that pairs the earthy richness of tahini with the bold kick of coffee, making a cup that’s both comforting and adventurous.

Why People Are Raving About Tahini Coffee in NYC Cafés

If you wander into a trendy coffee spot in NYC, chances are you’ll spot tahini lattes or even frozen tahini coffee slushies on the menu. Why the hype? For one, sesame has a savory-sweet balance that plays well with espresso. Add the health halo of sesame seeds—rich in calcium, iron, and good fats—and you’ve got a beverage that feels both gourmet and guilt-free. It’s the kind of drink that food bloggers Instagram, dietitians approve, and flavor-seekers line up for.

What Does Tahini Coffee Taste Like?

Creamy, Nutty, and a Little Earthy: Flavor Breakdown

So, what’s the verdict on tahini coffee flavor? Imagine your usual latte, but with a toasted sesame edge that makes each sip taste richer and more complex. The tahini adds a creamy body—almost like melted nut butter—but without overpowering the boldness of the coffee. The nuttiness is subtle, lingering in the background, while the earthiness rounds out any sharp bitterness. It’s smooth, slightly savory, and surprisingly comforting.

How It Compares to Almond Milk, Oat Milk, and Traditional Creamers

If you’ve experimented with nut milks in coffee, you already know how tricky it can be to find a balance. Almond milk can sometimes taste watery. Oat milk leans sweet. Regular dairy creamers make things rich but heavy. Here’s where tahini coffee with milk wins: it keeps the creaminess of a latte but adds a sesame flavor that’s unique and satisfying. Think of it as a middle ground—indulgent without being cloying, plant-based without tasting thin.

Balancing Bitterness of Coffee with Sesame Richness

Coffee on its own can sometimes feel too acidic or bitter. The beauty of tahini is that it softens the edges. The natural oils in sesame create a silky texture that smooths out bitterness, while its earthy undertone adds depth to the cup. Whether you sip it hot as a latte or chilled as a tahini coffee slushie, you’ll notice how well the flavors work together. It’s not just a novelty—it’s a pairing that makes sense once you taste it.

For a fun, crunchy twist, try pairing your tahini coffee with a sweet treat like tanghulu crunchy candied fruit for a perfect breakfast or snack combo.

Tahini Coffee Recipe Basics

Simple Homemade Tahini Coffee Recipe

Making tahini coffee at home is way easier than it sounds. You don’t need fancy equipment or a barista’s touch—just a good cup of brewed coffee and a jar of tahini from your pantry. Here’s a quick starter recipe you can whip up in minutes:

Ingredients

• 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
• 1 tablespoon tahini (stirred well)
• 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• A pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brew your coffee as usual. Stronger coffee works best to balance the sesame.
2. In a small bowl or mug, whisk the tahini with a splash of hot coffee until smooth.
3. Pour in the rest of the coffee, stirring until creamy.
4. Add sweetener if you’d like, then dust with cinnamon or cocoa for a café-style finish.

That’s it! A rich, nutty tahini coffee recipe in under five minutes.

Tahini Coffee with Milk: Creamier Variations to Try

If you like your morning cup more on the latte side, try tahini coffee with milk. Adding steamed milk (dairy, oat, almond, or soy) gives the drink a smoother, creamier texture. To make a tahini latte:

• Prepare the base tahini mix (tahini + hot coffee).
• Steam or warm up ½ cup of milk of your choice.
• Blend or froth the milk into the tahini coffee until foamy.

The result? A tahini latte recipe that tastes nutty, indulgent, and cozy—perfect for slow mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Sweeteners and Spices That Work Best

One of the best things about tahini coffee is how well it plays with flavors. Honey, maple syrup, or date syrup all bring out tahini’s natural sweetness. Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg add warmth, while a touch of vanilla makes the drink feel like dessert in a mug. If you’re feeling bold, try whisking in a spoon of cocoa powder—it turns into a tahini mocha that tastes like comfort on a rainy day.

Don’t miss our mini egg cheesecake recipe for a nutty, creamy dessert that pairs perfectly with a warm tahini latte.

Creative Variations of Tahini Coffee

The Iced Tahini Coffee Slushie

When summer rolls around, hot drinks take a backseat. Enter the tahini coffee slushie—the cool, frosty cousin of your morning brew. To make it, brew strong coffee, blend it with a spoonful of tahini, a touch of sweetener, and plenty of ice. The result is a creamy, nutty frappe that beats the sugar-loaded versions at coffee chains. Bonus: it actually keeps you full thanks to the healthy fats in sesame. Think of it as your adult milkshake—refreshing but grown-up.

If you love cold coffee treats, experiment with a tahini twist on a Ninja Creami coffee ice cream for a creamy, nutty frozen indulgence.

Cozy Tahini Latte Recipe for Fall Mornings

For those chilly mornings when iced drinks are out of the question, a warm tahini latte recipe is pure comfort. The tahini blends with steamed milk and espresso to create a drink that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Top it with frothed milk and a dusting of cinnamon or cardamom, and suddenly you’ve got a café-quality drink in your own kitchen. It’s the perfect alternative to a pumpkin spice latte if you want something nutty, toasty, and slightly savory-sweet.

Blending Tahini with Cocoa, Cinnamon, or Matcha

One of the beauties of tahini coffee is how versatile it is. Here are a few variations worth experimenting with:

• Tahini Mocha – Add cocoa powder or a square of dark chocolate for a sesame-meets-chocolate combo.
• Cinnamon Tahini Latte – Stir in a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth and aroma.
• Matcha-Tahini Fusion – For green tea lovers, blend matcha powder into a latte with tahini for a vibrant, antioxidant-packed twist.

These combinations show that tahini coffee isn’t just a one-note wonder—it’s a canvas for flavors. Whether you crave refreshing, cozy, or adventurous, there’s a variation to match your mood.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

Tahini Coffee Calories: What You Need to Know

A big question for health-conscious coffee lovers is: how many calories are in tahini coffee? On average, a tablespoon of tahini adds around 90 calories. When blended into coffee, that makes a cup richer but still reasonable compared to heavy cream or flavored syrups. If you go the tahini coffee with milk route, calories will vary based on whether you use dairy, almond, or oat milk. The key here? You’re getting more than just energy—you’re adding nutrition.

Is Tahini Good for Your Body?

The short answer is yes. Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds, which are packed with heart-healthy fats, plant-based protein, and minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. When stirred into coffee, it not only enhances flavor but also adds staying power—keeping you fuller longer than plain coffee. Plus, the healthy fats help balance caffeine’s jitters, giving you energy that feels smoother and more sustained.

Nutrient-Rich Sesame Seeds and Their Health Perks

Sesame seeds might be tiny, but they’re nutritional powerhouses. Here’s what they bring to your morning cup:

• Calcium for strong bones
• Iron for better energy and blood health
• Magnesium for heart and muscle function
• Healthy fats that support brain function
• Antioxidants that help reduce inflammation

So while a tahini latte recipe might sound like an indulgence, it’s actually a smart way to sneak extra nutrients into your daily routine. Your morning coffee just got a healthy upgrade.

Pairing Tahini Coffee with Foods

Sweet Pairings: Pastries, Pancakes, and More

The nutty richness of tahini coffee pairs beautifully with baked goods. Think croissants, pancakes, or a slice of banana bread. If you want to keep the flavor theme going, drizzle a little tahini over your pancakes or waffles and sip your sesame-infused brew alongside—it’s a double hit of nutty goodness.

Savory Pairings: Breakfast Bowls and Breads

Unlike most flavored coffees, tahini’s earthy edge means it also plays well with savory dishes. A breakfast bowl topped with roasted veggies, eggs, or avocado toast pairs surprisingly well with the drink. For a lighter option, try it with a slice of seeded sourdough bread spread with hummus. The sesame notes in both the coffee and the food complement each other beautifully, giving your breakfast a balanced flavor profile.

Discover Great Ideas Like Yogurt Pairings

If you prefer creamy sides, yogurt is another great option. The tanginess of yogurt balances the nuttiness of sesame in the coffee. Looking for inspiration? Try our stretchy yogurt guide, which offers fun, creative ways to enjoy yogurt that can pair right next to your cup of tahini coffee.

FAQs About Tahini Coffee

What Does Tahini Coffee Taste Like?

Tahini coffee has a creamy, nutty flavor with a subtle earthy undertone. It smooths out the bitterness of coffee while adding a rich, slightly savory note. Sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can balance the taste, and spices like cinnamon or cocoa elevate the overall experience.

How Do You Make Tahini Iced Coffee?

To make a refreshing iced version:

1. Brew strong coffee and let it cool.
2. Blend 1 tablespoon of tahini with the coffee and a little sweetener.
3. Add ice cubes and a splash of milk if desired.
4. Stir or shake until frothy.
   The result is a smooth, nutty, and energizing cold coffee that’s perfect for warm days.

What Does Tahini Go Well With?

Tahini pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory foods. Try it alongside pastries, pancakes, or banana bread, or with savory breakfast bowls, avocado toast, and roasted vegetables. Its earthy, nutty profile complements a wide variety of dishes.

What Is Tahini Made Of?

Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds, sometimes lightly toasted. It’s a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is known for its creamy texture and nutty flavor. When added to coffee, it transforms your drink into a rich, flavorful experience.

Is Tahini Good for Your Body?

Yes! Tahini is packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats, calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants. Stirred into coffee, it not only enhances flavor but also adds nutrients that support heart, bone, and overall health.

What the Heck Is Tahini?

Simply put, tahini is ground sesame seeds. While it’s commonly used in hummus and dressings, tahini’s versatility makes it perfect for coffee, smoothies, and desserts. It adds a creamy, nutty flavor and a nutritional boost wherever it’s used.

Conclusion – Why Tahini Coffee Deserves a Spot in Your Mug

From its creamy, nutty flavor to its nutrient-rich sesame base, tahini coffee is more than just a trendy beverage. Whether served hot as a tahini latte recipe, iced as a tahini coffee slushie, or paired with your favorite pastries, it’s a drink that balances taste, texture, and health benefits in every sip.

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