Sesame allergy: where it hides in an ingredients list
Sesame became a mandatory allergen to disclose relatively recently, and in older recipes, it is often hidden under the name of oil or paste.
Names it appears under
- tahini
- tahina
- sesame oil
- sesame
- benne
- gomashio
Where you expect it
- burger buns
- halva
- hummus
- gozinaki
- sushi
Where you do not
- hummus and baba ganoush (via tahini)
- spice blends, e.g., za'atar
- salad dressings
- protein bars
- margarine
- falafel
Frequently asked questions
- Is sesame oil safer than seeds?
- No. Sesame oil is usually unrefined and contains protein, so it is significant for those with an allergy.
- How do I check whether a product contains sesame?
- Photograph the barcode or the ingredients panel — the app reads the list and warns you if it finds anything you have flagged. Three checks are free, with no account.
- How do I avoid ordering a dish with sesame in a restaurant?
- Photograph the menu — the app reads the items and marks the ones whose name suggests an allergen you flagged. A menu carries no ingredients list, so the check is approximate: hidden ingredients are visible only in the kitchen.
Check the package rather than remember the list. Photograph the barcode and the app reads the ingredients and flags what you marked.
Other allergens: Milk · Egg · Peanut · Tree nuts · Fish · Crustaceans · Mollusks · Soy · all fourteen
This reference is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor.