Condiments, Sauces & Canned Goods
How long does tahini last after opening?
USDA gives opened tahini 3 weeks in the fridge against 1 year sealed in the pantry — buy the small jar unless hummus is a weekly habit.
How long does it keep?
| Pantry, from purchase | 1 year |
|---|---|
| Fridge, opened | 3 weeks |
Can it sit out?
Unopened, tahini is shelf-stable. Once opened, treat it as perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if tahini has gone bad
- A bitter, paint-thinner sharpness in the smell
- Oil on top gone dark and gummy rather than pouring clear
- Paste set like cement at the bottom of the jar
- A scratchy bitterness that hangs around after you swallow
When in doubt, throw it out.
Stir the separated oil back in the day you open it — leave it sitting and the bottom half sets hard for good.
Quick answers
How long does tahini last after opening?
USDA gives opened tahini 3 weeks in the fridge against 1 year sealed in the pantry — buy the small jar unless hummus is a weekly habit.
How long can tahini sit out?
Sitting out isn’t the safety question for unopened tahini — once opened, the FSIS 2-hour rule applies. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).