Sesame seeds & Eczema

Eczema /

Triggers /

Sesame seeds

Nuts & Seeds

Now the 9th mandatory US allergen label due to severe reaction potential. Heat-stable — roasting doesn't reduce the risk. Found in tahini, hummus, burger buns, and Asian sauces.

🎯 Symphony Trigger Score

4/5

Summary

Sesame allergy can cause severe reactions including anaphylaxis, which is why the US added sesame as the 9th mandatory food allergen label in 2023. The main allergenic protein is resistant to both heat and digestion, meaning roasting, baking, or any other preparation does not make sesame safer. Sesame shares a protein with about 80% identical structure to a major peanut allergen, which explains why roughly 40% of sesame-allergic people also react to peanuts.

Sesame is difficult to avoid because it appears in many forms: tahini (the base of hummus), sesame oil, sesame-topped burger buns, Asian sauces, and many Middle Eastern and Asian dishes. Even small amounts of sesame oil can trigger reactions in highly sensitive individuals.

The Details - Sesame seeds & Eczema

Reaction Timeline

Immediate (minutes to 2 hours)

Sesame reactions are predominantly immediate and can be severe. Anaphylaxis is well-documented. Delayed eczema flares are less commonly reported than with milk or egg.

How Much Is Needed To React?

Any amount

Sesame allergy can be triggered by trace amounts. Cross-contact from bakery products (sesame-topped buns processed on same lines as plain buns) is a major risk. Some US manufacturers added sesame TO products post-FASTER Act to simplify labeling — always check labels.

Does Preparation Matter?

Minimal difference

Ses i 1 (2S albumin) is heat-stable and digestion-resistant. Roasting, toasting, or baking sesame seeds does NOT meaningfully reduce allergenicity. Tahini (ground paste) and sesame oil (cold-pressed) retain full allergenic potential. Highly refined sesame oil may have reduced protein content, but data are limited and it is not considered safe for allergic individuals. [1]

Also Watch Out For...

Peanut — ~40% of sesame-allergic individuals react to peanuts; Ses i 3 shares ~80% homology with Ara h 1 [1]
Poppy seeds — sesame-poppy seed cross-reactivity documented (Vocks et al., 1993) [3]
Kiwi — sesame-poppy-kiwi cross-reactivity syndrome [3]
Other tree nuts — variable co-sensitization via shared 2S albumin protein family

What To Use Instead

Sunflower seed butter (for tahini substitute in dressings)
Pumpkin seed butter (for spreads)
Hemp seeds (for garnish/topping)
Avocado-based dressings instead of tahini-based (note: avocado is on the trigger list)

Hidden Sources

Tahini (sesame paste — in hummus, halva, dressings)
Hummus (tahini is a key ingredient)
Sesame oil (cold-pressed retains protein; refined may be tolerated)
Burger buns and bagels (sesame-topped, cross-contact risk on plain items)
Falafel (often rolled in sesame)
Asian stir-fry sauces
Gomashio (Japanese sesame salt)
Energy bars and granola
Sushi rolls with sesame coating
Some cosmetics and soaps (sesame oil)

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This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Food triggers are highly individual — a food appearing in this database does not mean it will cause your eczema to flare. The information presented is drawn from published clinical research and patient community reports, but it is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If you suspect a food allergy or sensitivity, consult a dermatologist or allergist. The gold standard for identifying food triggers remains a supervised elimination diet with oral food challenges. Symphony is a tracking tool, not a diagnostic or medical device.