If you've ever stood in your kitchen holding a jar of tahini and thought, "Wait… does tahini go bad?" -you’re not alone! We get asked this all the time, and we’re here to make sure your beloved Soom Tahini stays fresh, creamy, and ready to drizzle at a moment’s notice.
How long does Soom Tahini last unopened?
The shelf life of Soom Tahini is 2+ years, whether you store it in the pantry or fridge. Just check the “best by” date on the jar for peak flavor and freshness.
How long does Soom Tahini last after opening?
Once opened, Soom Tahini can last up to a year. The key? Keep moisture out. Always use a clean, dry spoon before dipping into the jar. Water = the enemy of fresh tahini.
Does tahini go bad? How can I tell?
Yes, tahini can go bad. If moisture or direct heat came in contact with the jar, you’ll know if it’s past its prime by the smell. Rancid tahini has a sharp, sour scent.
What happens if I keep it past the shelf life?
Over time, the natural oils in tahini may harden, especially if it hasn’t been stirred or used often. It can become thick or stiff, making it harder to mix or pour. As long as it hasn’t been contaminated with moisture or exposed to heat, it’s likely still safe to eat, just maybe not as smooth and dreamy as usual. (Use your best judgment.)
Why does tahini last so long, anyway?
It’s all thanks to those naturally occurring oils! They act as preservatives, keeping your tahini stable and shelf-ready for the long haul. Pretty cool, right?
The big debate... fridge or cabinet? Do you need to refrigerate tahini?
The short answer: you can do either!
- Pantry storage gives you a thinner, easier-to-mix texture, ideal for drizzling and dressings. We prefer to keep ours in the pantry.
- Fridge storage thickens it up, great for spreading or when you want less drip.
Just keep it in a cool, dry spot away from direct heat or sunlight. And if you store it in the fridge and want it thinner for a recipe, just stir a little warm water into your bowl of tahini (not the jar!).
Why doesn’t Soom Tahini separate as much as other brands?
Short answer - Soom is the best! Longer answer... from the high quality seeds to the grinding process, Soom makes quality our #1 priority. We are constantly refreshing our inventory with the freshest ground tahini, ensuring it doesn't easily separate. All these things mean Soom tahini is creamier, smoother, and just plain better than the rest!
What should I do if my tahini separates?
No stress, this is totally normal! If you haven’t used your tahini in a while (though with all the tasty recipes on our site, we don’t know how you’ve resisted), just give the jar a good stir or shake. The oils will reincorporate and your tahini will be good as new. Pro tip: try storing your jar upside down!
Soom Foods
March 06, 2025
Hi Linda, if your jar was already opened we suggest tossing it. We recommend using up a jar within a year of opening, and 2 years past the expiration date will likely have caused the chocolate tahini’s texture to separate and harden. If your jar is unopened, we suggest using your own discretion! While the unopened jar may be more separated than usual, it is still okay to consume. You’ll notice a sharp smell if it has gone rancid, which typically doesn’t happen unless you dipped a dirty spoon in the jar.