Sesame is a major food allergen that can appear in unexpected places due to its use as a flavoring agent, oil, or hidden ingredient in various food products. Recognizing these hidden sources is essential for individuals with sesame allergies. On US packaged foods, sesame must be declared by name (required since January 1, 2023), including when it is part of flavorings or spice blends, so the label is your main tool. The real gaps are restaurant and unpackaged foods, imported foods, voluntary "may contain" statements, and cosmetics.
Baked Goods & Breads
- Hamburger buns, bagels, and sandwich bread (may have sesame seeds or flour)
- Crackers, breadsticks, and flatbreads (sometimes dusted with sesame)
- Gluten-free bread (sesame flour may be used as a substitute)
- Pita bread and naan (often contain sesame or are cooked on shared surfaces)
Processed and Packaged Snacks
- Granola bars and protein bars (sesame seeds or tahini as an ingredient)
- Rice cakes, multigrain chips, and crackers (may contain sesame flour or oil)
- Trail mix and snack mixes (sesame seeds or oil may be added)
- Popcorn seasonings (sesame powder is sometimes used)
Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments
- Tahini (sesame paste) used in hummus and Mediterranean dishes
- Salad dressings (sesame oil is a common ingredient)
- Teriyaki, stir-fry and other Asian-style sauces and dressings (often contain sesame oil or seeds)
- Marinades and spice blends (may contain sesame seeds, paste or oil)
- Dukkah, za’atar and gomasio seasoning blends (usually contain sesame seeds)
Meat, Poultry & Plant-Based Proteins
- Burgers, sausages, and processed meats (sesame-based seasonings or binders)
- Breaded chicken or fish (breading may contain sesame flour or oil)
- Plant-based meat alternatives (may use sesame protein as a binder)
- Sushi and poke bowls (sesame seeds or sesame oil used as garnish)
Dairy & Dairy Alternatives
- Non-dairy milk (sesame milk is a growing alternative)
- Vegan cheese and yogurt (may contain sesame-based thickeners)
- Plant-based butter and spreads (sometimes made with sesame oil)
- Protein shakes and fortified drinks (sesame protein as an ingredient)
Ethnic Foods & Seasonings
- Middle Eastern foods (falafel, baba ganoush, shawarma seasoning)
- Asian dishes (sushi rolls, dim sum, dishes finished with sesame oil or seeds)
- Indian and African spice blends (sesame is common in spice mixtures)
- Curry pastes and powders (sesame used as a thickener or flavor enhancer)
Unexpected Grocery Items & Packaged Foods
- Energy bars, breakfast cereals, and granola (may contain sesame seeds)
- Some chocolate bars and candies (sesame paste or oil may be used)
- Protein powders and meal replacements (sesame protein may be included)
- Ice cream and frozen desserts (sesame-based flavors or mix-ins)
Hidden Sesame Ingredients on Labels
When checking food labels, look for these terms
- Sesame flour, sesame seeds, sesame oil
- Tahini (sesame paste), gomasio (sesame salt blend)
- Other names for sesame: benne, gingelly or gingili, til, simsim, ajonjolí
- Sesamol, sesamin, sesamum indicum (scientific name for sesame)
- “Natural flavors”, “spices” and “vegetable oil”: since January 1, 2023, sesame in these must be declared on US labels (only highly refined oils are exempt). Imported and restaurant foods may not follow US rules.
Final Tips for Avoiding Hidden Sesame
- Always read ingredient labels carefully – Look for hidden sesame-derived ingredients.
- Be cautious of cross-contamination – Sesame is often used in shared cooking spaces.
- Ask about ingredients when dining out – Many restaurants use sesame oil in cooking.
- Opt for allergy-friendly brands – Some manufacturers offer sesame-free products.
- Recheck familiar products – Since US sesame labeling began in 2023, some manufacturers have added sesame to products on purpose.
- Look beyond food – Sesame oil is used in cosmetics and skin-care products (listed as Sesamum indicum seed oil) and in some injectable medicines, such as certain progesterone injections. Tell your doctors and pharmacist about your allergy.