Tahini Paste
The pure elixir of sesame: healthy plant fats with concentrated calcium and magnesium and a very low glycemic index (12). Its real magic is its ability to slow the absorption of sugars eaten with it.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
A great friend for people with diabetes when eating dates or fruit; spreading half a spoon of tahini on a date slows the flow of sugar into the blood and helps prevent a sudden insulin rise.
Best preparation methods
Choose tahini made from 100% pure sesame seeds with no added flour or cheap vegetable oils (a layer of natural sesame oil floating on top is a good sign).
Important Nutritional Note
For people with diabetes or insulin resistance, it is always recommended to consider the total glycemic load (GL) of the meal rather than relying on the glycemic index alone.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (15 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 595 kcal | 89.2 kcal |
| Protein | 17 g | 2.5 g |
| Carbohydrate | 21 g | 3.1 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 11.7 g | 1.8 g |
| Fat | 54 g | 8.1 g |
| Dietary fibre | 9.3 g | 1.4 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Healthy fats with a glycemic index (1), it ranks 1 (lowest first). This is one of the lowest-GI foods in its group.
Smart alternatives from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is Tahini Paste good for weight loss?
Tahini Paste provides 595 kcal per 100 g, so it is high in calories and fits a weight-loss plan only in small, measured amounts; a 15 g portion gives 89 kcal.
How does Tahini Paste affect blood sugar?
Its glycemic index is 12 (Low), a clinically reviewed estimate rather than a laboratory measurement. A typical 15 g portion has a glycemic load of 0.2 (Low), so the effect of this portion on blood sugar is limited.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Tahini Paste?
A typical 15 g portion of Tahini Paste provides about 89 kcal, 2.5 g protein, 3.1 g carbohydrate, 8.1 g fat and 1.4 g fibre.
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.