What Ingredients To Avoid If You Have Sesame? My Confessional Guide to Safer Eating
Category: Generic Scanners
By someone who’s lived through the confusion of food labels and the anxiety of hidden sesame ingredients—this is the guide I wish I’d had.
Why Knowing What Ingredients to Avoid If You Have Sesame Matters
Do you ever stand in the grocery aisle, scanning ingredient lists, wondering if something as innocent as “spices” could hide sesame? If you have a sesame allergy or sensitivity, you’re not alone. Sesame is one of the fastest-growing food allergens worldwide, now officially recognized by the FDA in the U.S. and the EFSA in Europe. But ingredient lists can be tricky, and regulations vary across borders.
In this confessional guide, I’ll share my real struggles—and solutions—for finding and avoiding sesame in foods. You’ll learn:
- Which ingredients and terms may hide sesame
- How U.S. and EU labeling laws differ
- How apps like Food Scan Genius can save you from risky surprises
- What science and news say about the sesame allergy epidemic
Sesame Allergy: The Hidden Threat in Your Food
Sesame allergy is more common than you might think. According to a 2019 study published in JAMA Network, nearly 1.1 million Americans may be allergic to sesame. The FDA added sesame as the ninth major allergen in 2023, requiring clear labeling on packaged foods (FDA News). Meanwhile, the EFSA recommends strict labeling but enforcement varies by country.
But here’s the confessional part: I’ve been burned by “natural flavors,” “tahini,” and even “spices” that hid sesame. It’s not just about reading labels—it’s about knowing the code words and regional laws.
What Ingredients to Avoid If You Have Sesame?
Sesame can lurk under many names and forms. Here’s my go-to checklist, built from personal experience and expert sources:
| Ingredient Name | Where It’s Found | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Sesame Seeds | Breads, bagels, crackers, sushi, salads | High |
| Tahini (Sesame Paste) | Hummus, dressings, sauces | High |
| Sesame Oil | Asian cuisine, marinades, snacks | High |
| Gomashio | Japanese seasonings | High |
| Benne | Southern U.S. dishes, African cuisine | Medium |
| Halvah | Middle Eastern desserts | High |
| Natural Flavors | Packaged foods, snacks | Variable |
| Spices | Seasoned foods, sauces | Variable |
Other terms to watch for:
- Sesamol, Sesamum Indicum (scientific name)
- Sesame Flour, Sesame Extract
- Sesame Protein (in supplements or processed foods)
- Beniseed (African/Caribbean foods)
Tip: If you see any of these on a label, put the product back—unless you can verify it’s sesame-free.
Hidden Sources of Sesame: My Personal “Gotcha” Moments
Here’s where I get confessional. I’ve learned the hard way that sesame can sneak into foods you’d never expect:
- “Spices” and “Natural Flavors”—these generic terms may legally include sesame in the U.S. and EU, unless specifically disclosed. (NY Times)
- Bakery items—even if sesame isn’t listed, cross-contamination is common.
- Asian and Middle Eastern foods—sesame oil is often used in stir-fries, sauces, and dressings.
- Vegan and “health” foods—sesame flour or protein may be added for texture or nutrition.
- Snack bars and cereals—sometimes contain tahini or sesame seeds as a hidden ingredient.
According to CNN Health, new FDA rules require sesame to be listed, but some manufacturers now add sesame to avoid expensive cleaning—making vigilance more important than ever.
Labeling Laws: U.S. vs. EU—Why Geography Matters
U.S. (FDA): Since 2023, packaged foods must list sesame as an allergen. However, “spices” and “natural flavors” can still mask sesame unless the manufacturer chooses to disclose it. (FDA)
Europe (EFSA): The EU requires sesame to be listed among allergens, but enforcement and terminology vary by country. Some products use “sesamum indicum” or “beniseed.” (EFSA)
- France, Germany, Italy: Strict allergen labeling, but “spices” may still be ambiguous.
- UK: Follows EU rules but post-Brexit changes may affect enforcement.
- Nordic countries: Often use local terms for sesame.
Travel Tip: If you travel or buy imported foods, always check for local allergen terms and consult apps like Food Scan Genius for real-time translation and scanning.
How Food Scan Genius Can Save Your Day
After too many close calls, I started using Food Scan Genius. It’s an app that lets you scan product barcodes and instantly see if they contain sesame or other allergens. Here’s how it helps:
- Instant ingredient scanning—no more guessing what “spices” means
- Geo-optimized results—shows local labeling laws and terms
- Personalized alerts—set your sensitivities for sesame, gluten, dairy, and more
- Community feedback—see what other users with sesame allergies have discovered
“I used Food Scan Genius at a French supermarket and discovered ‘beniseed’ in a snack I thought was safe. It’s now my go-to app for every shopping trip!”
—Jessica, Food Scan Genius user
Download Food Scan Genius here and shop with confidence—wherever you are.
Q&A: Your Top Sesame Allergy Questions Answered
Q: What are the most common hidden sources of sesame?
A: “Spices,” “natural flavors,” bakery items, Asian sauces, snack bars, and vegan foods.
Q: Are sesame labeling laws the same worldwide?
A: No. The U.S. FDA and EU EFSA have different rules and enforcement. Always check local terms.
Q: Can Food Scan Genius detect sesame in all products?
A: Food Scan Genius scans barcodes and ingredient lists, flagging known sesame sources—even under ambiguous terms.
Q: What should I do if I suspect sesame in a food?
A: Don’t risk it. Avoid the product, ask the manufacturer, and use Food Scan Genius for a second opinion.
FAQ: What Ingredients to Avoid If You Have Sesame?
- Q: Can sesame be present in “spices” or “natural flavors”?
A: Yes. Both terms may legally include sesame in the U.S. and EU. Always check with the manufacturer or use Food Scan Genius. - Q: What foods are most likely to contain hidden sesame?
A: Breads, snack bars, sauces, Asian and Middle Eastern foods, and vegan products. - Q: Is sesame oil always dangerous for those with allergies?
A: Yes. Both cold-pressed and refined sesame oils can trigger reactions.
