Does Unopened Tahini Go Bad? Mighty Sesame Explains

Hey there, tahini lovers! Ever wondered if that jar of unopened tahini goes bad after sitting in your pantry for a while? You’re not alone! Let’s talk about this creamy sesame paste and how long it lasts. At Mighty Sesame Co., we want to help keep your tahini fresh and yummy, so let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

Aspect	Details
Shelf Life	Unopened tahini can last 1-2 years past its best-by date
Storage	Best kept in a cool, dark place; refrigeration can extend shelf life
Signs of Spoilage	Bad / odd smell, mold, unusual color or texture
Quality Factors	Proper storage, ingredient quality, packaging integrity
Best Practices	Check before use, even if unopened; when in doubt, throw it out

What is Tahini and How is it Made?

Tahini is a smooth paste made from ground sesame seeds. It’s used a lot in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods. At Mighty Sesame Co., we make our tahini from 100% roasted and pressed sesame seeds.

We pick the best sesame seeds, roast them just right, and then grind them into a smooth paste. That’s it. We don’t add anything else – it’s just pure sesame goodness. This makes a tasty tahini that’s great for lots of dishes, from hummus to salad dressings and even baked treats.

The Shelf Life of Unopened Tahini

Unopened tahini lasts a long time! Does tahini expire if unopened? Well, eventually (like everything else), yes – but when stored properly, an unopened jar of tahini can remain good even up to 1-2 years past its best-by date. That’s pretty impressive!

But remember, the best-by date is just a guide for quality, not safety. As long as your tahini has been stored right and looks and smells okay, it may well still be good to use.

The oil in tahini helps it last longer – nevertheless, over time the oils can start to break down, which might change the tahini’s taste and texture. At Mighty Sesame Co., we suggest using our organic tahini within two years of the date of manufacture to make sure you’re getting the very best.

Proper Storage Techniques for Unopened Tahini

To keep your unopened tahini fresh for as long as possible, here’s how to store it:

Keep it cool: Store your tahini in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. The ideal temperature range is between 50°F and 70°F (10°C to 21°C). Avoid storing near heat sources like ovens or radiators, as heat can make the oils in the tahini go bad faster.
Avoid heat and light: Sunlight and heat can make tahini go bad quicker. This is why it’s best to store it in a dark place or in an opaque container wherever possible.
Keep it sealed: Make sure the lid is on tight to keep air and moisture out. If the original seal is broken, think about putting the tahini in an airtight container.
Avoid moisture: Keep your tahini away from damp areas. If you live somewhere very humid, storing your unopened tahini in the fridge might be a good idea.

Signs of Spoilage in Tahini

As we’ve seen then, sadly yes, eventually tahini does expire if unopened. For that reason it’s important to know when it’s gone bad. Here’s what to look for:

Signs of Spoilage

A bad smell
An odd taste
Visible presence of mold
Unusual dryness / thickness
A change in color

Any of these could mean that sadly your tahini has gone bad. If you’re not sure, play it safe and throw it out.

The Importance of Proper Storage

We often get asked, “Does tahini expire unopened?” and that can be tough to answer because the truth is this: While unopened tahini has a longer shelf life, its freshness depends on how it’s stored and the quality of the ingredients. Ingredient quality is something we can control, and we always use the best ingredients available – but storage sadly isn’t. As a result, you could buy two bottles of tahini on the same day, never open either of them, and two years later one might have gone bad while the other hasn’t – purely as a result of the environment they’ve been stored in.

Extending the Shelf Life of Tahini

Even though unopened tahini does go bad given enough time, proper storage is key to preserving its freshness for longer. Here are some tips:

Refrigerate after opening: While not necessary, putting tahini in the fridge after opening can make it last longer as a cold temperature slows down the process that makes oils go bad. Just know that refrigeration might make the tahini thicker, so let it warm up before using for easier spreading and mixing.
Use clean utensils: Always use clean spoons or knives when scooping out tahini to keep it from getting contaminated. Using dirty utensils can make it go bad faster by introducing contaminants that may then propagate and spread through the jar or bottle.
Consider freezing: For long-term storage, you can freeze tahini in small amounts. Use ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers to freeze individual servings. Frozen tahini can last up to 6 months – just remember to thaw it in the fridge and give it a good stir before using to mix any separated ingredients back together.
Vacuum sealing: If you have a vacuum sealer, try putting your tahini in a vacuum-sealed container. This takes out extra air (and along with it, moisture, bacteria and other elements that can make your tahini go bad), and make it last longer.

Mighty Sesame Co.'s Tahini Products and Their Shelf Life

At Mighty Sesame Co., we want to give you the freshest, best-quality tahini. Our products are made to stay fresh for a long time when stored properly. Here’s a quick look at our tahini range and how long they typically last:

Classic 1 lb Tahini Jar: Great for everyday use, this jar usually lasts 18-24 months unopened when kept in a cool, dry place.
Organic Tahini Squeeze Bottle: Easy to use, our squeeze bottles are designed to let in less air, which can make them last 24-30 months unopened.
Harissa Tahini Squeeze Bottle: For those who like it spicy! The added spices might make it last a bit less time than plain tahini, but it should still be good for 18-24 months unopened.

All our products have a best-by date, but as we’ve said, while unopened tahini does go bad eventually, it can often last longer than the best-by date if stored correctly.

Using Tahini Past Its Best-By Date

So, what if you find an unopened jar of tahini that’s past its best-by date? Don’t worry! As long as it’s been stored properly and looks and smells okay, it’s probably still good to use. Here’s what to do to check that:

Check the smell: If it smells fresh and nutty, that’s good. Any odours that you wouldn’t expect to detect as part of the natural aroma of tahini likely mean that it has gone bad.
Look at the texture: A little separation is normal, but it should mix back together easily. If the tahini is very dry or has any other kind of strange texture to it is probably a bad sign.
Check the color: Fresh tahini should be light beige. If it’s much darker or has any other colour notes, then sadly it might be spoiled.
Taste a small amount: If it smells and looks okay, try a little taste. If it tastes good and doesn’t have any bitter or unexpected flavors, you’re probably good to go!

Creative Ways to Use Tahini Before It Expires

You can avoid the question of “does unopened tahini go bad?” altogether by giving yourself lots of opportunities to open and use it up before that ‘best by’ date. Here are some tasty ideas to help you use up your tahini:

Dips and spreads

Great for hummus and baba ganoush. Mix tahini with roasted garlic, lemon juice, and herbs for a quick and yummy dip.

Salad dressings

Makes dressings creamy. Mix tahini with olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs for a healthy dressing.

Baked goods

Tahini just makes cookies and cakes taste better. Replace some of the butter or oil in your favorite recipes with tahini for a nutty flavor.

Marinades

Makes meat tender and tasty. Mix tahini with soy sauce, honey, and spices for a delicious marinade for chicken or tofu.

For even more ideas, check out the recipes section of our site!

Conclusion: Keeping Your Tahini Fresh and Tasty

So, yes, unopened tahini does go bad eventually – but by storing it properly in a cool, dark place, you can enjoy your unopened tahini for up to 2 years past its best-by date. Always check for signs that it might have gone bad before using any tahini that is past it’s ‘best by’ date, and if you’re not sure, don’t take the risk – it’s always better to get a new jar or bottle than get sick.

More About Our Products

At Mighty Sesame Co., we love making the best tahini possible. From our classic tahini to our new flavored varieties, we have something for everyone who loves tahini. We work hard to make sure each jar of tahini is as fresh as can be when you get it. Remember, fresh tahini isn’t just about taste – it’s about getting all the good nutrition too!

Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest updates, recipes, and tips featuring our tahini! Stay connected with Mighty Sesame Co. for more inspiration.