What are the other names for sesame on a label?
On a label, sesame can also appear as “Sesame seeds”, “Sesame oil”, “Benne seeds”, “Gingelly oil” or “Sesame paste”.
Bravoora knows all of these, and the free label checker finds every one. Try the label checker · How Bravoora decides
Where is sesame found?
- Burger buns, bagels, bread and crackers are often topped with sesame seeds.
- Sesame paste goes into dips, dressings and some sweets.
- Gomashio and other seed and spice blends include sesame.
- Dressings, sauces and snack bars can contain sesame or sesame oil.
Is sesame a major allergen?
Yes. Sesame is one of the main food allergens, so packaged food must name it; the US added it to its list on 1 January 2023.
| Allergen | US | UK and Europe | Gulf |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sesame | RequiredSince 1 January 2023 | Required | Required |
Sources checked 22 September 2026. All allergen guides
Which diets and allergies does sesame fit?
For sesame: a sesame-allergy profile gets Not for you; vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, peanut-allergy, egg-allergy, soy-allergy and caffeine-free profiles get Fits you.
A packed product can still carry a “may contain” warning, so check the pack.
Does sesame fit you?
Pick what applies to you:
Pick at least one to see your answer.
What is sesame?
Sesame is a seed used whole, as an oil and as a paste. It is one of the major food allergens that must be declared on labels in the US, the UK, the EU and the Gulf. In the US it became the ninth major allergen on 1 January 2023.
How does Bravoora check for sesame?
Bravoora looks for sesame and its other names in the ingredient list and in “may contain” statements, and never mixes the two up.
More questions about sesame
Who looks out for sesame?
Sesame matters most to people with a sesame allergy, and anyone whose profile says to avoid sesame.
Does sesame fit a sesame allergy profile?
No. It is sesame. Also check “may contain sesame” warnings.
Is sesame vegan?
Yes. It comes from a plant.
Sources and how to cite this guide
- US FDA: Food allergies
- UK Food Standards Agency: Allergen guidance
- European Union: Regulation 1169/2011 on food information to consumers, Annex II
- US FDA: Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergen Labeling, Edition 5 (January 2025)
- FARE: Update to FDA guidance for food allergen labeling (tree nuts and coconut, January 2025)
- GCC Standardization Organization: GSO 9:2022, labelling of prepackaged food (current edition)
- GCC Standardization Organization: GSO 9/2013 English text, clause 5.2.5 (the allergen list as published)
- FAO/WHO international food labelling standard (CXS 1-1985, revised 2024)
To cite this guide: Bravoora, “Sesame on food labels: other names and where it hides”, bravoora.app/ingredients/sesame/, updated 12 October 2026.
Spotted something wrong or missing? Tell us.
General information, not medical advice. Rules differ by country and products change, so always check the pack.
Related ingredient guides
TahiniGround sesame seeds. On a label, tahini means sesame.Read the guide
Tree nutsAlmonds, cashews, walnuts and the rest — and the sweets they hide inside.Read the guide
LupinA bean sold as a snack and baked into flour, and a declared allergen in Europe.Read the guide
PeanutsA legume, not a tree nut, and one of the most common food allergens.Read the guide