The tahini latte is taking over TikTok and coffee shops alike—and once you try it, you’ll understand why. There’s something oddly comforting about discovering a new recipe that feels both trendy and timeless. That’s how I felt the first time I sipped a tahini latte. Yep, tahini—the same sesame paste you might’ve stirred into hummus—is now finding its way into morning mugs across TikTok and coffee shops from Brooklyn to Berkeley.
If you’re anything like me—a home cook who loves experimenting but still wants her coffee to taste good—this cozy, nutty latte will hit all the right notes. It’s a little creamy, a touch savory, and sweet enough to make you pause and say, “Wait, what is this?”
In this article, we’re diving deep into the tahini latte wave:
- What it is
- Why it’s trending
- Its health perks
- How to make it (hot, iced, or spiced!)
- Plus some tips, common mistakes, and FAQs to help you master it at home
So grab your favorite mug and settle in—you’re about to fall in love with sesame in a whole new way.
What Is a Tahini Latte?
Understanding the trend
You’ve probably seen this velvety drink swirling its way through TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest—and it’s not just hype. Tahini lattes are making waves for good reason. They take everything you love about your morning coffee (comfort, caffeine, creaminess) and add a surprising twist: nutty, toasty sesame flavor. Imagine a warm, nutty hug in a cup. That’s the magic.
It all started catching fire when boutique cafés like Maman introduced their now-iconic Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte, quickly followed by DIY versions popping up on TikTok. Yelp even reported a whopping 900% increase in tahini latte searches—clearly, this little drink isn’t just a phase.
Why tahini latte is viral on TikTok and beyond
But why tahini? Simple—it’s a pantry staple with big personality. From its creamy texture to its Mediterranean roots, tahini brings depth and a grown-up edge to your daily caffeine fix. People love it because it feels a bit indulgent yet secretly healthy. Plus, when topped with frothy plant milk, a drizzle of honey, or even a pinch of sea salt, it’s seriously Instagram-worthy.
So whether you’re a longtime tahini fan or just latte-curious, this new drink might just become your next obsession.
Creamy Tahini Latte (Hot or Iced)
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
This creamy, nutty tahini latte is your next cozy drink obsession—rich, dairy-free, and naturally sweetened. Whether served hot or iced, it’s smooth, comforting, and packed with a surprising sesame twist. Perfect for slow mornings or refreshing afternoon pick-me-ups!
Ingredients
For One Serving:
1 shot espresso or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
1 cup plant-based milk (oat, almond, or soy)
1 tablespoon tahini (smooth, pourable)
1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Cinnamon or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm (not boiling).
2. Whisk in tahini, sweetener, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
3. Brew espresso or strong coffee and pour it into a mug.
4. Add the warm tahini milk mixture over the coffee.
5. Optional: Use a milk frother or whisk to create foam on top.
6. Garnish with cinnamon or sesame seeds if desired.
7. For an iced version, blend all ingredients and pour over ice and cold coffee. Stir and enjoy!
Notes
You can batch-prep the tahini creamer by mixing 1/2 cup plant milk, 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp vanilla. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week and use as needed in coffee or lattes.
Want to try a twist? Add cardamom, cinnamon, or a dash of reishi powder for a spiced or wellness variation!
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Health Benefits & Flavor Profile of Tahini Latte
Nutritional perks of tahini in coffee
Adding tahini to your latte isn’t just a flavor upgrade—it’s a smart move for your health. Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds, which are packed with nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, and healthy fats. So with each sip of your tahini latte, you’re giving your body a subtle nutritional boost.
It’s also a great plant-based protein source. If you’re cutting back on dairy or just trying to eat more whole foods, this drink gives you that smooth, creamy feel—without the extra processed stuff. That’s a win in my book.
Plus, because tahini contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, it may even help support heart health. Who knew a coffee craving could do your body good?
And if you’re into nutrient-packed morning drinks, check out my Matcha Overnight Oats – A Delicious Way to Start Your Day, which pairs perfectly with your new favorite tahini latte.
Taste notes: nutty, savory, subtly sweet
Now let’s talk taste. A tahini latte is anything but boring. The flavor is warm, earthy, and just a little nutty—think peanut butter’s more refined cousin. Add your favorite sweetener, like maple syrup or honey, and it gets that perfect balance of sweet and savory.
With the right plant milk (I’m partial to oat or almond), the drink turns creamy and cozy—just the thing for a mid-morning pick-me-up. Want to level it up? Try a dash of cinnamon or vanilla. The flavors play so well together, it’s like your latte learned to dance.
Vegan and dairy-free appeal
If you’re vegan, dairy-sensitive, or just trying to shake up your usual routine, the tahini latte fits right in. Since it’s made with plant milk and a seed-based paste, it skips all the dairy without losing that café-style richness.
Many people find traditional lattes too heavy or sugary. But this version? Light, smooth, and totally customizable. It’s the kind of drink you’ll crave even when you’re not reaching for coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need for a Tahini Latte
Core ingredients – tahini, coffee, milk, sweetener
Making a tahini latte at home is surprisingly easy. You only need a few staples to get started:
- Tahini – Go for a smooth, pourable one
- Coffee – Espresso or strong brewed
- Milk – Oat, almond, or soy milk
- Sweetener – Maple syrup, honey, or agave
Optional flavor enhancers: honey, maple, vanilla, salt, spices
Want to elevate your tahini latte? Try:
- A drizzle of honey or maple
- A splash of vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
- A dash of cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg
These small tweaks pack a big flavor punch.
Dairy-free milk options
Different plant milks = different textures. Oat milk is thick and slightly sweet. Almond milk is light with a nutty finish. Coconut milk adds a tropical hint. Pick the one that suits your vibe.
How to Make a Tahini Latte (Step-by-Step)
Hot tahini latte recipe
You’ll need:
- 1 shot espresso or ½ cup strong coffee
- 1 cup plant milk
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 1–2 tsp maple syrup or honey
- Vanilla extract and pinch of sea salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat milk in a saucepan.
- Whisk in tahini, sweetener, and extras.
- Brew coffee and pour into mug.
- Top with tahini milk blend.
- Froth or whisk for that silky finish.
Iced tahini latte variation
- Blend cold milk, tahini, sweetener, and vanilla
- Pour over ice and chilled coffee
- Stir well and sip away
Creative Tahini Latte Variations
Maple tahini latte for cozy mornings
Use dark maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Rich, warm, and fall-ready.
Honey or date-sweetened tahini latte
Blend dates into the milk or stir in raw honey for natural sweetness and a hint of caramel.
Spiced or reishi mushroom tahini latte
Add cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, or reishi powder. Great for morning energy with added wellness.
Batch-prep tahini creamer
Mix milk, tahini, syrup, vanilla, and salt in a jar. Shake and refrigerate for ready-made latte bliss.
Tips & Troubleshooting Your Tahini Latte
Emulsification tips: whisk, frother, blender
Blend tahini well into warm milk. Frother or blender works best. Cold tahini? Let it warm up first.
Preventing separation & clumping
Warm ingredients mix better. Blend before pouring over ice. Stir well before sipping.
Adjusting sweetness and salt levels
Taste and tweak. Some tahini is strong—so add more syrup or salt to balance flavors.
Equipment essentials
- Milk frother
- Saucepan
- Whisk or blender
- Mason jar for prepping
Conclusion
And there you have it—your ultimate guide to the creamy, nutty, and totally satisfying tahini latte. Whether you’re sipping it hot on a slow morning or blending it cold for a sunny pick-me-up, this trendy drink fits perfectly into your home barista lineup. It’s wholesome, full of character, and honestly, kind of addictive (in the best way). So go ahead, grab that jar of tahini and make some latte magic. Your mug will thank you.
If you love starting your day with something fresh and wholesome, you might also enjoy my Strawberry & Blueberry Banana Smoothie or the energizing Apple Banana Smoothie.
FAQs
Yes! Tahini blends beautifully into coffee when prepared right. In a tahini latte, it adds a nutty, creamy depth that’s both comforting and unique. Just be sure to whisk or blend it well to avoid separation.
Yes, it absolutely can be! Just use plant-based milk like oat, almond, or soy, and a vegan sweetener like maple syrup or agave. Skip the honey if you’re strictly plant-based.
Tahini in coffee tastes nutty, earthy, and slightly savory. When paired with sweetener and milk, it becomes smooth and balanced—think of it like a grown-up nut butter latte.
To avoid separation, always mix warm milk and tahini together thoroughly before adding to coffee. Using a blender or frother helps create a smooth, unified texture. For iced versions, blend all ingredients before pouring over ice.