What’s the Difference Between Hummus and Tahini?

In Arabic, hummus is short for hummus bi tahini — meaning hummus (chickpeas) in or with tahini sauce (sesame paste).

Hummus, while sometimes used as a condiment, is a standalone side dish. At most Middle Eastern restaurants, hummus is present throughout the meal, from appetizers through the main courses. Chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice are the ingredients in hummus.

Tahini sauce, on the other hand, is served strictly as a condiment, a sauce to be poured on shawarma, fish, or falafel. While it is seldom served on its own, it is a major component of hummus. Sesame seeds and oil are the ingredients in tahini.

Here are just a few popular and highly rated store-bought brands:

Hummus

365 by Whole Foods Original Hummus
2 TB = 80 calories, 5 gr. fat

Cedar’s Organic Original Hummus
2 TB = 80 calories, 6 gr. fat

Sabra Classic Hummus
2 TB = 70 calories, 1 gr. fat

Tribe Classic Hummus
2 TB = 60 calories, 3 gr. fat

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Tahini

365 by Whole Foods Organic Tahini
2 TB = 200 calories, 18 gr. fat

Al Arz Tahini
2 TB = 200 calories, 18 gr. fat

Joyva Sesame Tahini
2 TB = 200 calories, 18 gr. fat

Mighty Sesame Co. Tahini
2 TB = 210 calories, 18 gr. fat

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Keep in mind that low fat means a product contains 3 grams of fat or less per serving. The only products from the samples above that meet that criteria are Sabra and Tribe hummus products.

While Tahini and hummus are both considered healthy foods, they can both be high in fat and calories (and some commercial brands can be very high in sodium). Between the two, however, and as you can see from the products above, tahini is NOT “skinny” food.

Consuming too much of either food, however, contributes to weight gain and obesity.