Exploring Tahini Lattes: A Creamy, Nutty Twist on Your Daily Brew

Coffee trends are constantly evolving, and each new wave seems to bring fresh flavors, creative pairings, and unique cultural influences to our cups. In 2025, one such trend has been quietly brewing into the spotlight: the tahini latte. Born from the subtle richness of sesame seed paste, tahini lattes offer a luxurious, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with coffee’s natural bitterness and complexity. Popularized in artisanal cafes and highlighted across social media, this innovative drink is redefining how we think about non-dairy lattes and coffee-based indulgence. Let’s dive into the origins, the flavor profile, and how you can create your own tahini latte at home.

The Rise of Tahini Lattes

Tahini, a smooth paste made from ground sesame seeds, has long been a staple in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African cuisine. Its creamy texture and nutty, slightly bitter flavor make it incredibly versatile—not just for savory dishes but also for sweet applications. Over the past few years, chefs and baristas in trendsetting cafés began experimenting with tahini in desserts, pastries, and beverages, intrigued by its ability to add depth and richness without being overly sweet.

In the United States, major cities saw tahini lattes debut in boutique coffee shops like Edith’s in Brooklyn and Maman in New York City. These establishments introduced menu items such as the Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte and Tahini Frozen Cold Brew, marrying tahini’s creamy texture with honey, espresso, and steamed milk (or plant-based alternatives). Social media platforms quickly picked up on the aesthetic appeal and unique flavor combination, driving a surge in popularity. According to Yelp data, searches for tahini lattes spiked by 900%—a clear sign that this once niche drink is becoming a mainstream favorite.

Why Tahini Works in Coffee

One of the key reasons tahini has found a home in the coffee world is its balance of rich, earthy, and slightly bitter notes. When paired with coffee, tahini amplifies the natural nuttiness and smoothens the acidity, resulting in a full-bodied, creamy latte with a unique flavor profile. Unlike nut milks or other common latte bases, tahini adds a subtle complexity without overwhelming sweetness, making it an appealing option for coffee purists and adventurous drinkers alike. Additionally, tahini is nutrient-dense, packed with healthy fats, protein, and minerals such as calcium and iron. This nutritional boost aligns with modern consumers’ desire for functional beverages—drinks that not only taste great but also provide some health benefits. Whether enjoyed hot, cold, or blended into a frothy iced drink, tahini lattes deliver a creamy, nutty indulgence that feels both comforting and contemporary.

Crafting a Tahini Latte at Home

The beauty of a tahini latte lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and a little practice, you can create a café-quality drink in your own kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started

Ingredients:

• 1–2 tablespoons tahini
• 1–2 teaspoons honey, maple syrup, or date syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1–2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee)
• 1 cup of steamed milk (dairy or plant-based alternatives like oat, almond, or soy)
• A pinch of sea salt
• Optional: a sprinkle of cinnamon or sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, sweetener, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth.
2. Brew your espresso or strong coffee and pour it into a mug.
3. Slowly whisk the tahini mixture into the hot coffee, ensuring it’s well blended.
4. Steam your milk until frothy and creamy, then pour it over the tahini-coffee mixture.
5. Stir gently, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or sesame seeds, and enjoy.

Pairing Suggestions

Tahini’s versatility means it pairs wonderfully with a range of pastries and snacks. For a full sensory experience, try enjoying your tahini latte alongside:

• A honey-drizzled sesame cookie
• A slice of halvah or sesame nougat
• A flaky croissant filled with almond or sesame paste
• A piece of dark chocolate sprinkled with sea salt

These pairings enhance the drink’s nutty, creamy notes while adding complementary textures and flavors.

The Future of Tahini Lattes

As the coffee industry continues to innovate, drinks like the tahini latte showcase how global culinary traditions can inspire new approaches to specialty coffee. With its unique flavor profile, creamy texture, and nutritional appeal, the tahini latte aligns perfectly with the modern coffee consumer’s desire for drinks that are both indulgent and wholesome.

As more coffee lovers embrace this trend, we may see it evolve into new forms: iced tahini espresso shakes, tahini affogatos, or even tahini-spiked cold brews served in chic café settings. For home baristas, the tahini latte provides an accessible way to experiment with new flavors, elevating the everyday coffee ritual into something truly special.

By exploring this creamy, nutty trend, you can introduce a touch of luxury and innovation to your daily brew—no café visit required. So why not give tahini lattes a try? You might just discover your next favorite coffee indulgence.