Tahini Iced Coffee The Creamy Cold Brew Trend You Need to Try

Tahini iced coffee is quickly becoming one of the most unexpected yet delicious coffee trends to take over TikTok and café menus in the U.S. In a world where people are constantly looking for unique, plant-based, and bold flavor profiles, this sesame seed-based drink delivers in every way. It’s creamy, nutty, energizing, and surprisingly balanced blending the richness of tahini with the punch of cold brew.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything from what tahini iced coffee is, why it’s so popular, how to make it at home, flavor pairings, milk alternatives, and much more. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or someone just tired of the same old iced latte, this is your ultimate deep dive into the trendiest new drink.

Looking for inspiration? Try this creamy Japanese tea-based drink that’s also going viral on social media!

What is Tahini Iced Coffee?

The Origin of Tahini in Beverages

Tahini, a paste made from toasted ground sesame seeds, has been a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines for centuries. Traditionally found in savory dishes like hummus or baba ganoush, tahini is now finding a new home in the world of beverages. What began as a bold experiment in niche coffee shops has turned into a full-blown trend embraced by baristas and home brewers alike.

While sesame-based drinks aren’t new globally especially in countries like Korea and China where sesame milk is common the combination of tahini and coffee is a relatively modern Western adaptation. The nutty, earthy depth of tahini enhances coffee’s natural bitterness, making it a natural pairing.

How Tahini Became a Coffee Trend

The trend likely found its legs on social media platforms, where creators began blending tahini into iced coffee to create ultra-creamy, dairy-free alternatives. With the rise of health-conscious lifestyles and plant-based diets, people were eager to explore unique, nutritious coffee hacks.

What really catapulted this drink into the spotlight was how photogenic and indulgent it looked. Thick swirls of tahini against the dark backdrop of cold brew made for an eye-catching pour that coffee lovers couldn’t resist sharing.

Don’t miss our guide on watertok-flavored water to explore another trend in functional beverages.

Bina stazya

Tahini Iced Coffee

This creamy Tahini Coffee Smoothie is a bold, energizing blend of cold brew (or espresso), ripe bananas, and nutrient-rich tahini. Naturally sweetened with Medjool dates and flavored with cinnamon, it’s the perfect dairy-free drink to jumpstart your day. Whether you're sipping it as a breakfast smoothie or an afternoon pick-me-up, this vegan coffee shake delivers smooth texture, balanced sweetness, and a satisfying nutty finish all in just 5 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Course: Beverage, Smoothie

Cuisine: American

Calories: 240

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1½ cups non-dairy milk
• 2 shots of espresso or 1 cup strong brewed coffee
• 2 tbsp creamy tahini sesame paste
• 2 large Medjool dates pits removed
• Use 4 if using smaller dates
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup ice
• Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

• Cinnamon
• Whipped cream dairy-free or regular
• Shaved dark chocolate

Method

 

1. Add bananas, non-dairy milk, espresso (or coffee), tahini, dates, cinnamon, salt, and ice into a blender.
2. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour into two serving glasses.
4. Top with your choice of cinnamon, whipped cream, or shaved chocolate.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Use frozen bananas for a thicker, creamier smoothie.
• To skip caffeine, simply omit the coffee and enjoy it as a tahini banana shake.
• Medjool dates offer the best sweetness and texture but adjust quantity if using smaller ones.
• This smoothie is ideal as a breakfast drink, afternoon snack, or a light lunch on hot days.

Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving)

⚠️ Not officially provided on source page estimated values based on typical ingredient profile:

• Calories: ~240
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 18g
• Caffeine: ~90–150mg (depending on espresso)

What Makes It Different from Regular Iced Coffee?

Unlike typical iced lattes or cold brews that rely on milk or cream for richness, tahini iced coffee gets its luxurious texture from the sesame paste. This gives it a denser mouthfeel and a slightly savory finish, which balances the acidity of cold brew perfectly.

What sets it apart:

It’s also a fantastic option for those looking for vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free coffee drinks without sacrificing richness or flavor.

Why Tahini Works So Well in Iced Coffee

Flavor Profile of Tahini in Cold Drinks

The beauty of tahini iced coffee lies in its balance bittersweet coffee meets buttery sesame paste. Tahini has a rich, roasted flavor that elevates the sharpness of cold brew. It adds a silky smoothness and subtle complexity that’s often missing from standard iced coffee.

What makes tahini coffee special:

• It tones down coffee’s acidity without diluting the taste
• It brings nutty depth similar to peanut or almond butter but more refined
• It pairs well with natural sweeteners and spices

When blended right, tahini iced coffee doesn’t feel like a health drink it feels like dessert in a cup.

Looking for inspiration? Try it with lemon blueberry macarons for a café-style treat.

Nutritional Benefits of Tahini in Coffee

When you add tahini to coffee, you’re doing more than changing the flavor you’re boosting its nutritional value. Tahini is loaded with:

• Plant-based protein
• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
• Calcium, magnesium, and iron

Here’s a quick breakdown:

That means your tahini iced coffee becomes more than a caffeine fix it’s a nourishing beverage that supports energy and satiety, especially for people following vegan, paleo, or keto lifestyles.

Discover great ideas like this pink Himalayan salt weight loss recipe to complement your healthy drink routine.

Step-by-Step: How to Make the Perfect Tahini Iced Coffee at Home

Ingredients You’ll Need (with Vegan & Keto Options)

Making tahini iced coffee at home is easier than it sounds, and it takes less than 5 minutes. The best part? You can customize it based on your dietary preferences—vegan, keto, dairy-free, or gluten-free.

Here’s what you need:

This simple ingredient list creates a balanced tahini iced coffee that’s not only satisfying but also totally customizable to your taste.

Don’t miss our guide on orange creamsicle overnight oats for a delicious breakfast pairing.

Brewing Guide: Cold Brew vs. Espresso-Based

There are two main ways to make the base of your tahini iced coffee: cold brew or espresso. Here’s how they compare:

How to make a cold brew base:

1. Add 1/3 cup of coarsely ground coffee to 1 cup cold filtered water.
2. Steep overnight (12–16 hours) in the fridge.
3. Strain through a fine mesh or cheesecloth.
4. Store in a mason jar for up to 5 days.

Want it faster? Use a strong shot of espresso and cool it over ice before blending.

Tahini Blending Techniques for Smooth Texture

The key to a smooth, rich tahini iced coffee is getting that tahini fully incorporated without separating or clumping. Here’s how to do it right:

Blender Method (Best for Creaminess)

• Add cold brew, tahini, sweetener, milk, and ice to a blender.
• Blend on high for 20–30 seconds.
• Pour into a chilled glass. Top with cinnamon or sesame seeds.

Shaker Bottle Method (On-the-Go)

• Combine ingredients in a protein shaker or mason jar with a tight lid.
• Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
• Pour over fresh ice. Enjoy immediately.

Hand Whisk or Frother (Quick Fix)

• Use a small hand whisk or milk frother.
• Mix tahini with a splash of warm water first (emulsification helps).
• Then stir in coffee, milk, and sweetener.

Pro Tip: Always stir or shake before each sip the natural fats in tahini tend to settle!

Check out our creamy chamomile lemon balm tea if you’re in the mood for a calming alternative beverage.

Sweeteners and Flavor Pairings for Tahini Iced Coffee

Best Natural Sweeteners (Dates, Maple, Agave)

One of the most enjoyable things about tahini iced coffee is how well it pairs with natural sweeteners. Since tahini brings a deep, earthy flavor, it benefits from a touch of sweetness to round things out. Artificial sweeteners can clash with its complexity, so it’s better to go with natural, minimally processed options.

Here are the top sweeteners that elevate your tahini coffee game:

When making tahini iced coffee, avoid granulated sugar. It doesn’t dissolve well in cold liquids and leaves a gritty texture. Instead, stir your sweetener into the tahini first, then mix with coffee and milk. That creates a smoother, more emulsified drink.

Looking for something indulgent? Add a drizzle of maple syrup on top and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt barista-level vibes at home.

Spice Additions: Cinnamon, Cardamom, and More

Want to take your tahini iced coffee up a notch? Add spices.

The richness of tahini welcomes aromatic spices that bring warmth and complexity. These not only boost flavor but also add potential health benefits.

Top flavor pairings to try:

• Cinnamon Adds warmth and sweetness; helps balance blood sugar.
• Cardamom Brings floral and citrusy notes; enhances nuttiness.
• Vanilla Extract Smooths out bitterness with a comforting touch.
• Nutmeg Just a pinch makes it feel like a dessert.
• Ginger (ground or fresh) For a spiced, chai-like twist.

Spices work best when blended with tahini before mixing the drink. You can even brew them into your cold brew for a layered flavor.

Don’t miss our bold hibiscus tea recipe if you enjoy unique, herbal infusions with bold flavor.

Toppings and Add-Ins to Elevate Your Cup

Once you’ve got your tahini iced coffee base nailed, dress it up! Presentation adds to the experience, especially when serving guests or posting that café-worthy shot online.

Tasty topping ideas:

• Toasted sesame seeds Double down on the sesame flavor
• Coconut whipped cream For a creamy dessert vibe
• Cacao nibs Crunch and antioxidants in one
• Shaved dark chocolate A mocha-tahini twist
• Crushed pistachios Adds color, crunch, and protein

For texture lovers, try adding chia seeds or a scoop of plant-based protein powder to turn your tahini iced coffee into a functional breakfast drink.

Looking for bold pairings? Try our curdled crème brûlée guide for tips on balancing rich desserts with coffee drinks.

Best Plant-Based Milk Choices for Tahini Iced Coffee

Oat Milk vs. Almond Milk vs. Coconut Milk

When making tahini iced coffee, the milk you choose can dramatically affect the final flavor, texture, and creaminess. Since tahini is already rich and nutty, pairing it with the right plant milk can either enhance or overpower the drink.

Let’s break down the most popular choices:

If you’re going for a classic, smooth tahini iced coffee, oat milk is your safest bet. It’s creamy without being overpowering and has just enough sweetness to complement the tahini.

For low-carb or keto-friendly versions, opt for unsweetened almond milk or even macadamia milk, which is both rich and low in carbs.

Learn more about nutrient-dense ingredients in our mounjaro meal plan ideas for wellness-friendly eating.

How Milk Affects Taste and Consistency

The choice of milk can transform your tahini iced coffee from a light afternoon refreshment into a decadent breakfast shake.

Here’s how it changes the game:

• Thicker milk (like coconut or oat) = Creamier texture, perfect for dessert-style drinks
• Lighter milk (like almond or rice) = Cleaner finish, more “coffee-forward” flavor
• Higher-fat content = Better emulsification with tahini, smoother mouthfeel

Keep in mind: the natural oils in tahini can separate when mixed with watery or overly acidic milks. That’s why using a milk with medium to high fat content is ideal it stabilizes the drink and prevents gritty separation.

Tips to Avoid Curdling or Separation

Curdling is a common issue when mixing tahini, cold brew, and plant-based milks especially if the pH balance is off or if the tahini isn’t blended properly. Here are expert tips to prevent it:

1. Warm up the tahini slightly before mixing it makes emulsification easier.
2. Add milk slowly while stirring or blending; don’t dump everything at once.
3. Blend tahini with sweetener first, then coffee, then milk.
4. Use neutral or slightly alkaline milk (like oat or cashew) instead of acidic ones like some almond brands.
5. Add a pinch of baking soda (1/8 tsp) if you’re working with high-acid cold brew.

Don’t miss our guide on herbal tea and fasting to discover how sesame-based drinks fit into holistic diets.

Where to Buy or Try Tahini Iced Coffee

Popular Cafés in the U.S. Serving Tahini Iced Coffee

If making tahini iced coffee at home isn’t your thing, you’re in luck. The trend has made its way into a number of trendy cafés, especially in health-conscious cities and neighborhoods. Here are some hotspots across the U.S. where you can sip this sesame-infused sensation:

• Cafe Mogador – New York, NY
  Known for its Moroccan-inspired menu, Cafe Mogador has introduced tahini iced coffee with local cold brew and artisanal sesame paste.
• Goodboybob – Los Angeles, CA
  This west coast café is known for experimental brews, and their tahini iced cold brew with oat milk and cardamom is a fan favorite.
• Sawada Coffee – Chicago, IL
  With a bold coffee program, they offer a limited-edition sesame latte, which you can request iced and sweetened with date syrup.
• Blue Bottle Experimental Bar – San Francisco, CA
  Occasionally releases a seasonal tahini iced coffee drink made with small-batch sesame paste.

Always call ahead or check menus online as some of these drinks are seasonal or available by request.

Looking for more refreshing drink options? Don’t miss our alfort mini chocolate matcha review another bold, viral flavor you’ll want to explore.

Viral TikTok and Instagram Trends

Tahini iced coffee isn’t just a café trend it’s a full-on social media phenomenon. Videos tagged with #tahiniicedcoffee and #sesamecoffee have been gaining thousands of views as users experiment with their own versions at home.

Here’s what makes these videos trend:

• Satisfying swirl of tahini into dark cold brew
• Vegan-friendly ingredient callouts
• Bold aesthetic with sesame seeds, drizzle, and fancy ice
• “What I eat in a day” creators using it as a dairy-free coffee hack

Popular variations going viral include:

• Protein tahini cold brew smoothies
• Iced tahini coffee with cinnamon date syrup
• Salted tahini mocha shakes

Most creators favor plant-based milks and emphasize using organic tahini for the best blend.

Discover great ideas like this natural Zepbound recipe if you’re into functional drinks with viral appeal.

Pre-Made Bottled Options You Can Order Online

While not as common as other flavored coffees, a few artisan beverage brands have started experimenting with tahini-based bottled or canned drinks. These are great if you want convenience without sacrificing quality.

Top Picks for Ordering Online:

• Sesame NYC: Offers a tahini cold brew concentrate in 12oz bottles. Ships nationally.
• Sown & Grown: A startup offering plant-based bottled lattes with unusual flavor combos including tahini.
• Goldie: A Philadelphia-based brand with a limited-release tahini iced coffee you can find in local stores or order in seasonal boxes.

Note: Always check ingredients. Some bottled options contain gums or added sugar.

Looking for homemade options instead? Check our full guide on what ingredients are in the Brazilian mounjaro recipe for more natural, bold drink combos.

Is Tahini Iced Coffee Healthy?

Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds and Cold Brew

At first glance, tahini iced coffee might seem like a trendy, indulgent drink but when you break it down, it actually offers a range of nutritional perks. Both cold brew and tahini come with health benefits that go far beyond flavor.

Here’s why it’s a smart choice:

The sesame seeds in tahini are nutrient-dense. They provide:

• Anti-inflammatory compounds like sesamin and sesamol
• Heart-healthy unsaturated fats
• Bone-building minerals like phosphorus and calcium
• Plant-based protein, ideal for vegan diets

When combined with cold brew known for its smooth taste and gentle acidity this drink becomes a functional beverage perfect for morning energy or an afternoon recharge.

Learn more about how drinks support weight loss in our natural Zepbound drink recipe post.

Low-Sugar & Dairy-Free Alternatives

Most homemade tahini iced coffee recipes can easily be adjusted to fit into low-sugar, keto, paleo, or dairy-free diets.

To keep it healthy:

• Use unsweetened tahini (check labels for no added oils or sugars)
• Choose zero-calorie sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia if keto
• Swap dairy milk with unsweetened almond or macadamia milk
• Add protein powder for a complete breakfast beverage

You can also boost the nutritional profile with:

• Chia seeds for omega-3s
• Cinnamon to regulate blood sugar
• Collagen peptides for skin and joint support

This turns your tahini iced coffee into a satisfying, nutrient-packed drink with more staying power than a typical latte.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

No drink is perfect for everyone. While tahini iced coffee is generally healthy, there are a few things to consider:

1. Calories Tahini is calorie-dense due to its fat content. If you’re watching intake, measure portions carefully.
2. Allergies Some people may have sesame allergies. Always introduce new ingredients cautiously.
3. Separation Issues Tahini can separate in cold liquids if not blended properly, which can affect texture.
4. Oxalates – Sesame seeds contain natural compounds that can affect mineral absorption. Balance with other foods.

Bottom line? When enjoyed in moderation and made with mindful ingredients, tahini iced coffee is a unique and health-forward alternative to sugary iced lattes.

Check out our guide on how to make lemon balm drink for weight loss if you’re exploring more healthy beverage swaps.

Creative Variations and Recipes You Must Try

Chocolate Tahini Iced Coffee

Want to transform your morning coffee into dessert? Enter chocolate tahini iced coffee a rich, mocha-style drink that blends cocoa with creamy sesame flavor. It’s like a nutty chocolate shake with a caffeine kick.

How to make it:

• 1 cup cold brew or chilled espresso
• 1 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder or chocolate syrup
• 1/2 cup oat or almond milk
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Whisk tahini and cocoa powder together first until smooth.
2. Slowly add coffee, milk, and sweetener.
3. Shake or blend and serve over ice.

Optional: Top with coconut whipped cream and cacao nibs.

This version of tahini iced coffee is perfect for chocolate lovers who still want something dairy-free and nutrient-dense.

Matcha-Tahini Iced Latte

Who says tahini iced coffee has to be… well, coffee? Try swapping out the caffeine source for matcha a vibrant, antioxidant-rich green tea powder. The earthiness of matcha pairs beautifully with tahini’s creamy nuttiness.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp ceremonial-grade matcha powder
• 1 tbsp tahini
• 1/2 cup almond or oat milk
• 1/2 cup cold water
• Sweetener to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk matcha with water until frothy.
2. In a separate cup, blend tahini and sweetener with milk.
3. Layer the matcha over the tahini mixture or shake together.

This matcha-tahini iced latte is not only gorgeous (hello, Instagram), but also energizing without the coffee crash.

Looking for bold tea-based recipes? Check out our what is Brazilian mounjaro recipe ingredients to discover global drink fusions.

Protein-Packed Tahini Coffee Smoothie

Need a post-workout drink that fuels and energizes? Try this tahini coffee smoothie version that doubles as a meal replacement or high-protein snack.

Recipe:

• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1 tbsp tahini
• 1 scoop vanilla or chocolate plant-based protein powder
• 3/4 cup cold brew coffee
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• Ice cubes

Directions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. This variation of tahini iced coffee is filling, balanced, and incredibly satisfying ideal for busy mornings or workout recovery.

Want more health-focused drink ideas? Don’t miss our natural zepbound recipe reddit weight loss for clean energy alternatives.

More Ideas to Explore:

• Salted Caramel Tahini Coffee Add sea salt + date syrup
• Spiced Tahini Coffee Mix in cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric
• Tahini Affogato Pour espresso over tahini ice cream

The possibilities for tahini iced coffee are endless and best of all, each one brings its own flavor twist without compromising on nutrition or trendiness.

Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Recipe

Blending vs. Shaking vs. Stirring

When preparing tahini iced coffee, how you mix the ingredients can make or break the final result. Since tahini is dense and oily, improper mixing can lead to separation, clumping, or an inconsistent texture.

Here’s how each method performs:

If you’re new to making tahini iced coffee, start with the shaking method. It’s fast, effective, and doesn’t require equipment. For extra creaminess, blend with frozen banana or a touch of coconut cream.

Ice Types: Crushed, Cubed, or Frozen Milk

You might not think about ice much but for tahini iced coffee, the right type of ice impacts everything from mouthfeel to visual appeal.

Ice breakdown:

• Cubed Ice: Classic and slow-melting, best for sipping.
• Crushed Ice: Great for faster chill and slushy texture.
• Frozen Milk Cubes: Ideal for avoiding watery dilution; freeze oat milk with cinnamon or sweetener for flavor.

Pro tip: Use coffee ice cubes if you want a stronger drink that never gets watered down.

Want more ways to boost drink quality? See our natural zepbound ingredients recipe for functional, high-performance ingredients.

Mistakes to Avoid (Separation, Bitterness, etc.)

Even seasoned coffee lovers can run into issues when experimenting with tahini iced coffee. Let’s go over the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

Common Issues:

1. Tahini Clumps or Separates
   • Solution: Whisk with a splash of warm water before adding to cold brew.
2. Overpowering Sesame Flavor
   • Solution: Start with 1 tsp of tahini and build up gradually.
3. Curdling with Plant Milks
   • Solution: Blend ingredients in stages and use oat or cashew milk.
4. Bitterness Overload
   • Solution: Use cold brew instead of espresso and balance with vanilla or maple syrup.
5. Texture Feels Gritty
   • Solution: Blend with ice for smoothness or strain before serving.

By troubleshooting these small issues, you’ll master the art of making tahini iced coffee that looks great, tastes amazing, and impresses every guest.

Conclusion

Tahini iced coffee is more than just a trend it’s a flavorful, health-conscious, and endlessly customizable drink that blends East and West, tradition and innovation. Whether you love a classic cold brew or enjoy experimenting with bold new combos, this creamy sesame coffee delivers on flavor and function.

From matcha twists to protein-packed versions, the possibilities are endless. So grab your blender, scoop some tahini, and start crafting a coffee that’s as nourishing as it is Instagram-worthy.

Looking for inspiration? Try our natural mounjaro recipe and continue exploring drinkable wellness with a creative edge.

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