• Allergies

Sesame Seed Allergy: Tips for Reading Labels and Identifying Sources

Published: February 17, 2025
Updated: February 17, 2025
4 mins

If you find yourself experiencing stomach discomfort after eating a sesame seed bagel or hummus, you may have a sesame allergy. A sesame allergy is an immune response to proteins in sesame seeds. It’s a common allergen that kids may have very young but grow out of as they get older.

The sesame seed plant is originally grown in parts of East Africa and Asia. Today, it’s used worldwide for several recipes and popular foods.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that packaged foods list sesame as a major allergen on food labels. However, it can sometimes be unclear which ingredients are another name for sesame.

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How Do You Identify Sesame Seed on Food Labels?

Sesame seed is one of nine major food allergens the FDA requires to be labeled on packaged foods. The mention of sesame seed is often listed under the main ingredients and next to other potential allergens like peanut, soy, and dairy.

It’s often listed in parentheses next to terms like natural flavors, spices, and spice mix. Some labels may use the phrase “produced in a facility with sesame” if a product is made in a place that also produces products with sesame as an ingredient. This may increase the risk of cross-contamination.

A product label will have the phrase “contains sesame” if sesame is a big part of the recipe for the food. Some distributors may use the phrase “may contain traces of sesame” on a label if the food is prepared in a facility where cross-contamination is likely.

How Common is Sesame Seed in Packaged Foods?

Health experts anticipate the prevalence of sesame allergy to grow in the U.S. Sesame seeds are already more prevalent than some of the other major allergens. This is because small amounts are often sprinkled into various foods. This makes it harder to avoid consuming sesame seeds entirely.

Packaged Foods to Avoid if You Have a Sesame Allergy

The best way to know if a packaged food contains sesame seeds is to thoroughly check the label. However, there is always a small risk of cross-contamination because of how common sesame seeds are present in major distribution facilities.

Packaged foods that may contain traces of sesame seeds include:

• Cereal

• Candy

• Granola bars

• Hummus

• Processed meat

• Veggie burgers

• Cake mix

• Protein bars

• Pretzels

• Chips

• Trail mix

There are sesame seed-free substitutions for some of the foods listed. For example, some people may substitute sesame seeds with poppy or hemp seeds in hummus or homemade granola bars.

What are Unexpected Sources of Sesame Seed?

Sesame seed oil is commonly used in household products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. While sesame seed oil may contain fewer proteins that trigger an immune response, consuming it may still lead to very mild symptoms in some.

You may notice sesame seed listed as an ingredient in the following unexpected places:

• Lip balms

• Lotion

• Soaps

• Eye products 

• Testosterone products

If unsure whether or not a product contains sesame seed, manufacturers can often provide more information on allergens present in the product.

What to Do if You Accidentally Consume Sesame Seed

If you have a known allergy to sesame, it’s important to be vigilant when eating out. Be sure to let restaurant staff know about your allergy to avoid cross-contamination.

In case of an emergency, a healthcare provider may also recommend carrying an EpiPen (epinephrine injection). This medication can be used to relieve symptoms related to anaphylaxis — a life-threatening allergic reaction.

If you’re interested in treating your sesame allergy, a licensed healthcare provider can create a treatment plan for you to gradually desensitize the immune system.

Where Can I Learn More About Food Allergies?

At LifeMD, you can speak with a licensed healthcare provider about what to do if you suspect you’re allergic to sesame. They can give you tips for keeping yourself safe during an allergic reaction and safe foods to add to your diet. 

Book an appointment today to learn more about managing a sesame allergy.

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