Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte: Origins, Recipe, and Why It’s Going Viral

⏩ Jump to Recipe

A salted tahini honeycomb latte might sound like a mouthful, but once I heard about it, I couldn’t stop thinking, “Excuse me, what now?”

Tahini… in coffee? Salted? With honeycomb? My curiosity was piqued. Not because I’m a trend chaser (okay, maybe just a little), but because it sounded like something both bizarre and genius at the same time.

Close-up of a salted tahini honeycomb latte in a ceramic mug with honeycomb topping, flaky sea salt, and creamy foam — a cozy sesame coffee drink.

You see, I’ve always been the kind of person who starts her day in the kitchen, coffee in one hand, pan sizzling in the other, usually barefoot, sometimes still in pajama pants. Food, for me, is more than nourishment—it’s storytelling. And when a drink starts going viral on TikTok and happens to include one of my favorite pantry ingredients (hello, tahini!), you bet I’m diving in headfirst.

This article’s your cozy little guide to the now-viral salted tahini honeycomb latte. We’ll talk about where it came from, what makes it such a surprising hit, how to make it at home (with or without fancy gear), and how you can tweak it to match your taste. I’ve also gathered FAQs, pairing tips, and even a few ideas to impress your brunch crowd.

So whether you’re sipping this from a Brooklyn café or your small-town kitchen table, get ready. You’re about to discover your new favorite latte.

What is a Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte?

Origin and Popularity of the Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte

Every now and then, a drink sweeps the internet and leaves all of us wondering how we ever lived without it. That’s exactly what happened with the salted tahini honeycomb latte. Thanks to Maman Bakery, a charming café with roots in New York City, this unexpected twist on a traditional latte went viral—and fast. Before long, food bloggers, baristas, and home coffee lovers alike were recreating it, sharing their versions on Instagram and TikTok.

So what makes this drink so buzzworthy?

Well, it’s not just about being trendy. It’s about flavor. The magic lies in the way it balances the nutty richness of tahini, the sweet, floral depth of honey, and just a kiss of sea salt to make it pop. Add a splash of espresso and steamed milk, and you’ve got a drink that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Why Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte Became a Viral Coffee Trend

The beauty of this latte isn’t just in the taste—though trust me, it’s swoon-worthy. It’s also in the look. Picture this: silky steamed milk swirling with golden honey and espresso, topped with a drizzle of tahini and a shard of honeycomb. Yep, it’s made for social media.

Plus, people love discovering something they didn’t know they needed. The combination of savory sesame and sweet honey feels exotic but accessible. It’s no surprise that this latte became one of the most shared drinks in the artisan coffee scene.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Recipe card photo of a salted tahini honeycomb latte in a neutral mug with honeycomb and sesame seeds — creamy, nutty, and visually stunning.

Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte (Homemade Maman-Inspired)


  • Author: judi
  • Total Time: 8 minutes
  • Yield: 1 latte 1x

Description

This rich and creamy Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte blends nutty tahini, sweet honey, a dash of sea salt, and bold espresso into one viral-worthy drink. Inspired by the famous Maman Bakery version, this homemade latte is both cozy and café-quality—perfect hot or iced!


Ingredients

Scale

2 shots espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)

1 cup milk of choice (dairy, oat, almond, etc.)

2 tablespoons tahini (smooth and pourable)

1 tablespoon honey (raw or floral preferred)

Pinch of flaky sea salt

Optional: Ice (for iced version)

Optional garnish: Honeycomb, toasted sesame seeds, or extra tahini drizzle


Instructions

1. Brew espresso and set aside. If making iced, let it cool.

2. In a small saucepan (or blender), combine milk, tahini, honey, and a pinch of salt. Warm gently if serving hot.

3. Blend the mixture using an immersion blender, milk frother, or regular blender until frothy.

4. Pour the frothy tahini milk into a mug or glass.

5. Add the espresso over the milk and gently stir.

6. Top with honeycomb, sesame seeds, or an extra swirl of tahini, if desired.

7. Serve hot or over ice and enjoy!

Notes

For a vegan version, swap honey with maple syrup or agave.

Adjust sweetness and salt to taste.

Store the tahini-honey-milk mix in the fridge (without espresso) for up to 2 days.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes

Inside the Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte Ingredients

Tahini in Beverages: A Nutty Twist

If you’ve only used tahini in hummus or salad dressings, get ready to be amazed. Tahini, a smooth paste made from ground sesame seeds, brings a rich, earthy flavor that works surprisingly well in drinks. When added to a latte, it delivers a creamy, nutty base that’s both comforting and bold.

In the salted tahini honeycomb latte, tahini plays the role of the unexpected hero. It cuts through the sweetness of the honey while adding depth and body to every sip. And if you’ve ever enjoyed sesame candy or halva, this combo will feel like a warm hug in a cup.

Better yet, tahini is plant-based and full of healthy fats, which means you’re not just getting flavor—you’re getting a nutrient boost too.

Honeycomb and Salt: The Sweet-Salty Balance

Let’s talk about that drizzle of honey and the pop of salt. Honey—especially raw or floral varieties—adds a natural sweetness that’s far more complex than plain sugar. When paired with tahini, the combo leans into the classic Middle Eastern pairing of sesame and honey. It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly balanced.

Then there’s the salt. Just a pinch sharpens all the other flavors, making each ingredient shine. The salt offsets the sweet and enhances the nuttiness of the tahini, creating that crave-worthy contrast you’ll come back for again and again.

How to Make a Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte at Home

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide (Hot and Iced Variations)

The good news? You don’t have to live in NYC or stand in line at a fancy café to enjoy a salted tahini honeycomb latte. Making it at home is easy—and you probably have most of the ingredients already.

Overhead view of ingredients for a salted tahini honeycomb latte, including tahini, honey, espresso, milk, and salt, arranged beautifully for a recipe blog.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 shots of espresso or strong brewed coffee
  • 1 cup of milk (any kind—dairy, almond, oat, etc.)
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • A pinch of flaky sea salt
  • Optional: honeycomb, toasted sesame seeds, ice

To make it hot:

  1. Brew your espresso and set it aside.
  2. In a small saucepan or blender, warm the milk, tahini, honey, and salt.
  3. Blend until frothy or steam using a frother.
  4. Pour the frothed mix into a mug and top with espresso.
  5. Garnish if desired.

To make it iced:

  1. Brew espresso and let it cool.
  2. Blend tahini, honey, salt, and milk until creamy.
  3. Pour over ice and top with espresso.

Tips for Perfect Texture and Froth Using Blenders and Steamers

Use a milk frother, immersion blender, or even a mason jar and shake it up! Smooth blending is key—so the tahini doesn’t settle or clump. Always blend tahini with warm milk before adding to coffee.

Health Benefits of a Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte

Nutritional Profile of Tahini and Honey

The salted tahini honeycomb latte isn’t just a tasty treat—it packs some nutritional perks too. Tahini provides healthy fats, protein, and minerals like calcium and iron. It’s plant-based and naturally dairy-free.

Honey, especially raw honey, contains antioxidants and trace nutrients. When used in moderation, it’s a smarter sweetener than refined sugar. Together, they make your latte nourishing and energizing.

Is It a Healthy Alternative to Traditional Coffee Drinks?

Definitely. Unlike many café drinks full of syrups and artificial flavors, this latte uses real, whole ingredients. Plus, the fat in tahini helps balance the sugar in honey, which means fewer energy spikes.

Use non-dairy milk and adjust the sweetener to your needs—this latte can be as light or rich as you want.

What to Serve with Your Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte

Middle Eastern-Inspired Breakfast and Brunch Pairings

Pair your salted tahini honeycomb latte with warm, spiced flavors. Think za’atar toast, labneh with olive oil, or a flaky spinach pastry. Sesame and honey love herbs and savory bites.

For something sweet, try a slice of date bread or a fig and walnut muffin. The natural sugars in dried fruit go hand-in-hand with the latte’s rich profile.

Want something unique to serve with it? Try our Earl Grey Cookies—they’re light, citrusy, and perfect alongside a salted tahini honeycomb latte.

Best Baked Goods and Cookies to Serve With This Latte

A salted tahini honeycomb latte served with sesame cookies on a rustic wooden tray — perfect pairing for this nutty and sweet tahini coffee latte.

This latte begs for a cookie on the side. Sesame shortbread, pistachio biscotti, or almond bars are all great options. Moroccan sesame cookies or even peanut butter cookies with sea salt would also work beautifully.

If you love warm drinks with cookies, don’t miss our guide on tea and cookie pairings—you’ll find more ideas that work beautifully with nutty lattes like this one.

Maman’s Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte: A Trendsetter’s Story

Behind the Trend: Maman’s Role in Popularizing the Drink

The viral moment began at Maman Bakery, a beloved NYC café known for cozy French vibes and beautiful food. Once they introduced the salted tahini honeycomb latte, the internet went wild.

The drink quickly made the rounds on TikTok and Instagram, admired for its rich layers, aesthetic appeal, and unusual—but delicious—ingredients. From there, it became a DIY favorite.

Customer Reactions and Media Buzz

People shared videos of themselves sipping, swirling, and recreating the latte at home. BuzzFeed and Food & Wine took notice, and before long, this sesame-infused sensation was on every foodie’s radar.

It’s not just a trend—it’s a whole vibe.

Creative Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte Variations

Vegan, Low-Sugar, and Dairy-Free Options

Customize away! Use almond, oat, or coconut milk for a plant-based version. Swap honey for maple syrup or agave if you’re vegan. Want to cut sugar? Reduce the sweetener or skip it entirely.

Some tahinis are smoother and milder—taste-test and adjust as needed.

Seasonal Variations: Adding Spices like Cinnamon or Cardamom

You can spice it up too. Add cinnamon or nutmeg in fall, or cardamom for a cozy winter twist. Want something cool for summer? Blend the latte with ice cream or turn it into a frappé.

How It Compares to Matcha, Chagaccino, and Spanish Lattes

Compared to matcha’s grassy edge or chaga’s earthiness, the salted tahini honeycomb latte is smooth, rich, and deeply satisfying. It’s not as sugary as a Spanish latte, either—its sweetness comes from honey, not syrup.

Why Salted Honey Tahini Coffee Is More Than a Trend

What makes this drink special is its balance. Sweet, salty, nutty, and creamy—it feels indulgent, but it’s also wholesome. And because it’s so customizable, it’s here to stay.

Conclusion

The salted tahini honeycomb latte might sound fancy, but at its heart, it’s just really good coffee with a creative twist. It blends old-world flavors with modern-day vibes, making it both nostalgic and new. Whether you’re into bold café drinks or just curious to try something different, this latte deserves a spot in your rotation.

And hey, now you know how to make it from scratch, customize it to your taste, and even pair it with the perfect cookie.

Ready to upgrade your coffee game? Grab the tahini, heat the milk, and make magic in a mug.

Looking for more delicious drinks and pairings? Be sure to check out our Strawberry Blueberry Banana Smoothie—a refreshing option when you’re not in the mood for coffee.

FAQs

What does a salted tahini honeycomb latte taste like?

It’s creamy, nutty, lightly sweet, and has a gentle hint of salt. The tahini gives it depth and richness, while the honey adds a soft floral sweetness. Together, it’s like sipping a warm, velvety sesame dessert in latte form.

Can I make this drink without an espresso machine?

Yes! You can use strong brewed coffee, a Moka pot, French press, or instant espresso. While espresso gives the drink more body, these options still work great for a homemade version.

Is tahini bitter in coffee?

Not at all—at least not when used correctly. When blended well with milk and honey, tahini’s slightly bitter edge becomes smooth, rich, and nutty. It adds depth without overpowering the drink.

What is the difference between honeycomb and honey?

Honey is the liquid you’re used to, while honeycomb is the raw, waxy structure bees store honey in. Honeycomb is edible and adds texture and visual flair, but regular honey offers the same flavor and is easier to use.

How long does homemade tahini latte last?

You can mix the tahini, milk, honey, and salt ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Just shake or stir well before serving and add fresh espresso for the best flavor.

Is the salted tahini honeycomb latte sweet or savory?

It’s a perfect balance of both. The tahini brings savory nuttiness, the honey offers sweetness, and the sea salt ties it all together for a rich and complex flavor experience.

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating