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.
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)
- Soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and Asian-style sauces (often contain sesame oil)
- Barbecue sauces, marinades, and spice blends (sesame used as an emulsifier)
- Mustard (some varieties contain sesame flour)
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 (dim sum, tempura batter, sushi rolls)
- 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)
- Herbal teas and spice-infused beverages (sesame may be a hidden ingredient)
- 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)
- Benne (an alternative name for sesame)
- Sesamol, sesamin, sesamum indicum (scientific name for sesame)
- Natural flavors, vegetable oil (if unspecified, may include sesame)
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.