It All Started With a Spoonful of Tahini…
Let’s be real — I didn’t grow up thinking “One day, I’ll be drinking sesame paste in a latte.”
Tahini, to me, was for hummus, maybe the occasional drizzle over roasted veg, and certainly not for coffee.
But then came a rainy morning last October. I was visiting a friend in Berlin, jet-lagged, sluggish, and resisting my third cup of coffee. She handed me a warm mug topped with cinnamon, and whispered, “Just try this — tahini latte with oat milk.” I sipped. I paused. I blinked.
Creamy. Nutty. Subtly sweet. Comforting.
And — surprisingly — satisfying.
Since then, I’ve tested dozens of tahini-based drinks and alternative lattes — some heavenly, some… interesting. But the truth is, there’s something special happening in the wellness world right now. And it’s brewing in our mugs.
What Are Alternative Lattes?
Alternative lattes are warm or iced beverages made without traditional coffee, often using:
- Plant milks (almond, oat, soy, coconut)
- Functional ingredients (tahini, adaptogens, turmeric, matcha, mushrooms)
- Natural sweeteners (maple, dates, monk fruit)
They’re designed to comfort without the crash, and many also support immunity, hormones, digestion, and mood.
“These drinks are less about caffeine and more about connection — to your body and your mood,” says holistic nutritionist Dr. Melina Kavros.
Is Tahini Healthy?
Let’s break it down.
Per 1 tablespoon (15g) of tahini:
- Calories: 89
- Fat: 8g (mostly heart-healthy unsaturated fats)
- Protein: 2.6g
- Calcium: ~64mg
- Iron, Magnesium, B vitamins — naturally occurring
- Sugar: 0g
- High in antioxidants
- Anti-inflammatory compounds (sesamin, sesamolin)
- May support hormone health and satiety
“Used in moderation, tahini is a fantastic source of healthy fats that won’t spike blood sugar like syrups or creamers,” notes dietitian Yasmin Farley.
But here’s the key word: moderation. If you’re adding 3 tablespoons + honey + full-fat milk, yes — the calories will sneak up.
Top 3 Tahini Latte Recipes (With Full Nutrition Info)
Classic Tahini Cinnamon Latte (Hot or Iced)
Creamy, cozy, subtly sweet. Perfect morning or mid-afternoon sipper.
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 1 cup oat milk (unsweetened)
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp maple syrup (or monk fruit)
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional: espresso shot or dandy blend (for caffeine)
Instructions:
- Warm milk in a saucepan.
- Whisk in tahini, cinnamon, sweetener, and salt.
- Froth with handheld frother or blender until creamy.
- Serve hot or pour over ice.
Nutrition per cup:
150 kcal | 9g fat | 4g protein | 6g carbs | 0g added sugar (if unsweetened)
Tahini Matcha Glow Latte
Earthy meets nutty with a green boost.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp maple syrup or date syrup
Instructions:
- Whisk matcha with 1/4 cup warm water until smooth.
- Warm milk, whisk in tahini, vanilla, and sweetener.
- Pour milk over matcha base. Froth. Serve.
Nutrition:
140 kcal | 8g fat | 4g protein | Antioxidant-rich & caffeine-light
Iced Tahini Cold Brew Latte
For those who still want a caffeine kick but with creamy calm energy.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cold brew coffee
- 1/2 cup almond or oat milk
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 1 tsp honey or monk fruit
- Ice + cinnamon to finish
Instructions:
- Shake all ingredients in a mason jar or blend.
- Pour over ice. Dust with cinnamon.
Nutrition:
120 kcal | 7g fat | 2g protein | No added sugar if using monk fruit
Do Tahini Lattes Make You Gain Weight?
Not by themselves. But like anything, context and portion matter.
If you’re replacing a sugary frappuccino or dessert-like latte with a tahini latte, you’re lowering sugar, increasing healthy fats, and improving satiety — all positives for blood sugar balance and cravings.
“Healthy fats like those in tahini actually help regulate appetite and reduce the urge to snack,” says endocrinologist Dr. J. Lamas.
However, drinking 3 large tahini lattes a day on top of everything else? That’s where the wellness train turns into a calorie rollercoaster.
Bottom line: 1 well-balanced tahini latte = a great addition to your daily ritual.
Several sugary, creamy tahini drinks with no movement? Not ideal.
Final Thoughts: Warm, Creamy, and Comforting Without the Crash
Tahini drinks blend nostalgic flavor with modern wellness. With just one spoonful of sesame paste, you’re discovering a new way to show your body a little kindness.
So whether you’re easing into the morning or winding down after a busy day — pour a mug, take a breath, and sip slowly.
Wellness can be that simple.
Because sometimes, one creamy, nutty sip is all it takes to say: I’m taking care of myself today.
