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Best Substitutes for Tahini

Out of tahini? Here are three ranked substitutes for hummus, sauces, and baking.
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  1. #1

    Sunflower seed butter — 1:1

    Best for: Nut-free needs, hummus, sauces

    The closest nut-free substitute, though it lacks tahini's distinct roasted-sesame flavor.

  2. #2

    Almond butter — 1:1

    Best for: Sauces and dressings, not traditional hummus

    Sweeter and richer; changes the flavor character noticeably.

  3. #3

    Peanut butter (unsweetened, natural) — 1:1

    Best for: Sauces where a peanut flavor is welcome

    Works well in noodle sauces and dressings, but tastes distinctly like peanut butter rather than tahini.

For hummus specifically, sunflower seed butter is by far the closest substitute in both texture and neutral-enough flavor. For dressings, noodle sauces, and baking, any of the three work fine since the flavor shift is less central to the dish.

FAQ

Can I make hummus without tahini or any substitute at all?

Yes, a tahini-free hummus made with just chickpeas, lemon, garlic, and olive oil is still genuinely good, just missing tahini's nutty depth rather than tasting unfinished.

Is sunflower seed butter as thick as tahini?

Generally yes, similar pourable-paste consistency, though brands vary, thin it with a small amount of water or oil if it's noticeably thicker than the tahini a recipe expects.