The tahini latte is currently making waves in the coffee world. This innovative beverage merges espresso or brewed coffee with tahini—an oil-rich paste derived from sesame seeds—alongside milk and optional sweeteners such as honey. Its unique blend of flavors has enchanted coffee enthusiasts looking for a less sugary option, capitalizing on the nutty and savory essence of tahini to balance coffee’s natural bitterness.
Statistics from Yelp’s April 2025 Trends Report reveal a staggering 900% year-over-year increase in searches for “tahini latte,”largely driven by viral hits such as Maman’s Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte. As consumers pursue healthier choices, this refreshing alternative aligns perfectly with the trend of incorporating Middle Eastern ingredients.
The Growing Popularity of Tahini Lattes
According to Yelp’s April 2025 findings, there was a remarkable 678% surge in searches for “tahini coffee”and an impressive 900% jump for “tahini latte”compared to March 2024 metrics. Key players such as Maman and Tatte Bakery & Café have actively promoted this trend, with Maman’s Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte being heralded as a significant factor in its rise.
This trend also coincides with a growing consumer interest in diverse global flavors, particularly from Middle Eastern cuisine, which includes ingredients like halva and cardamom. Seasonal offerings, such as Edith’s Tahini Frozen Cold Brew, have further fueled buzz, encouraging people to experiment with this flavor at home.
Exploring Flavor Profiles and Preparation Techniques
A tahini latte offers a delightful combination of espresso or rich coffee fused with tahini and milk, either dairy or plant-based. Often sweetened with honey or simple syrup, the tahini lends a distinctive nutty yet slightly bitter flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the beverage’s sweetness. At establishments like Maman, this drink is frequently served hot or iced and is creatively topped with honeycomb and sesame seeds.
Tatte Bakery adds a twist to their house latte by incorporating halva and cardamom, while home versions often feature innovative blending techniques. As noted by EatingWell editors, the adaptability of tahini lattes is remarkable; Senior Editor Megan Ginsberg crafts a tahini-cardamom syrup, while Assistant GM Penelope Wall blends tahini into chilled coffee mixed with milk and honey.
Crafting Your Own Tahini Latte
When it comes to making a tahini latte at home, there are two popular methods:
- Syrup-based method: Combine tahini with hot water, honey, and spices such as cardamom to create a flavorful syrup, which you then pour into espresso and steamed milk.
- Blended method: Mix cooled coffee with tahini, milk, ice, and your choice of sweeteners in a blender for a refreshing, frothy iced version.
Baristas recommend opting for high-quality tahini that has a smooth consistency to ensure a pleasurable drinking experience without any graininess. While sweeteners can be tailored to personal preferences, honey or maple syrup can enhance the drink’s nutty and savory harmony. The addition of garnishes like sesame seeds or a sprinkle of cinnamon is entirely optional but can add a lovely finishing touch.
Health Benefits and Creative Uses for Leftover Tahini
Tahini is not just flavorful; it’s also nutritious. Packed with healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like calcium and iron, a typical tahini latte contains about 1 to 2 tablespoons of tahini, contributing approximately 90 to 180 calories to the drink. For those preferring non-dairy options, substitutions like oat or almond milk can maintain the beverage’s richness.
If you find yourself with leftover tahini, consider its versatility in other recipes. It can be used in salad dressings, such as a tangy Lemon-Tahini Dressing, or in baked delights like Tahini Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, helping to minimize food waste.
The tahini latte’s viral rise represents a clear shift in consumer preferences towards savory, globally inspired coffee drinks. Its adaptability—suitable for enjoyment hot, iced, or blended—makes this latte appealing not only to café enthusiasts but also to those who love crafting beverages at home.
With its combination of minimal ingredients and extensive room for customization, the tahini latte effectively merges traditional Middle Eastern flavors with contemporary coffee culture, catering to both adventurous palates and health-conscious drinkers.