United Kingdom Sesame Seeds Market Research Report, 2030

The sesame seed market in the United Kingdom is experiencing steady demand, driven primarily by the growing popularity of health-conscious diets, ethnic cuisines, and natural ingredients. Sesame seeds are valued for their nutritional profile high in protein, healthy fats, calcium, and antioxidants making them increasingly popular among consumers pursuing plant-based, vegan, and clean-label food options. In particular, sesame seeds are widely used in bakery products, health bars, hummus, tahini, salad dressings, and seasoning blends. Organic sesame seeds are gaining traction due to a rising preference for pesticide-free, traceable ingredients. Consumers are more aware of where their food comes from, and there is a noticeable demand for products carrying certifications like Soil Association Organic and Fairtrade. Several key players have emerged as major suppliers and brand leaders in the sesame product segment. Meridian Foods stands out as a leading brand offering organic and natural sesame products, particularly tahini, widely distributed in health food stores and supermarkets. Bertin & Co operates as a major bulk importer and distributor, supplying sesame seeds to bakeries, manufacturers, and ethnic wholesalers across the UK. The Hain Daniels Group, known for its natural and health-oriented brands, includes sesame-based items in its broader product lines. Sesame Care, a niche supplier, focuses on high-quality sesame oil and tahini and emphasizes organic sourcing and minimal processing. Despite the positive demand outlook, competition is intensifying, and differentiation is increasingly driven by sourcing integrity, certifications, and sustainability claims. According to the research report, "United Kingdom Sesame Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the United Kingdom sesame market is anticipated to add to more than USD 10 Million by 2025–30.The UK sesame seed market is highly dependent on imports, as there is negligible domestic sesame cultivation due to the country's unsuitable climate. The UK imports sesame seeds, primarily from major producing countries like India, Nigeria, Sudan, and Ethiopia. These imports are used across a wide range of industries including bakery, confectionery, food manufacturing, and retail. The UK government through the Food Standards Agency (FSA) now enforces stringent maximum residue limits (MRLs), especially for ethylene oxide, which continues to affect sourcing decisions. Importers are therefore required to perform thorough quality testing and provide certificates of analysis and compliance documentation to avoid shipment rejection or recalls. In addition to pesticide residue rules, the UK mandates allergen labeling for sesame, which became a legal requirement under “Natasha’s Law.” This has forced manufacturers and foodservice providers to adopt clear labeling and traceability systems. For exporters and suppliers, any sesame product entering the UK must be supported by transparent supply chain documentation and robust food safety management practices. Strategically, companies looking to enter or grow in the UK sesame seed market should focus on forming partnerships with established distributors, ethnic wholesalers, or private-label manufacturers.

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White sesame seeds are the most widely consumed type in the UK, especially in their hulled form, due to their neutral, mild flavor and versatile use in mainstream food processing. These seeds are commonly found on baked goods like burger buns, crackers, and bagels, as well as in tahini, a staple in Middle Eastern dips and dressings. Their light color and smooth texture make them especially appealing to commercial bakeries and packaged food producers looking for visual uniformity and subtle taste. As consumer demand grows for clean-label and high-fiber bakery products, white sesame seeds particularly organic and non-GMO variants have maintained strong demand among both retail and bulk buyers. Black sesame seeds, though less common in Western diets, are gaining popularity in the UK, particularly among health-conscious consumers and those interested in Asian cuisine. With a stronger, nuttier flavor and higher antioxidant content due to their pigment-rich outer layer, black sesame seeds are often used in premium food products, desserts, and health-oriented snacks. These seeds are also associated with traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where they are believed to support hair health, digestion, and overall vitality. The other sesame seeds category includes brown, red, and region-specific varieties such as Ethiopian Humera or Sudanese Gedaref seeds, each known for unique flavor profiles or oil content. These types are typically used in specialty oils or gourmet food production and are valued for their robust taste and high oil yield. They find limited but premium applications in the UK market, particularly in cold-pressed sesame oil, artisan spreads, or niche ethnic product lines. Sesame seeds are widely used in bakery products, confectionery, sauces, and health-focused snacks due to their rich flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits. Their nutty taste and oil-rich composition make them ideal for use in burger buns, crackers, breadsticks, granola bars, and increasingly, in plant-based and gluten-free product lines. Organic and clean-label products, in particular, are driving innovation in how sesame seeds are incorporated into new food offerings, including dairy alternatives, spreads, and snack clusters. The pharmaceutical sector represents a smaller but notable segment of sesame seed application in the UK. Sesame seeds and their oil are valued for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering properties, and are used in various formulations in traditional medicine and herbal supplements. With growing interest in natural remedies and holistic wellness, sesame-based ingredients are being included in nutraceuticals aimed at cardiovascular health, digestive wellness, and even cognitive support. Though not yet mainstream in Western pharmaceutical use, sesame is gaining traction within ayurvedic and complementary medicine markets where its long-standing reputation as a medicinal seed enhances product appeal. The cosmetic and personal care industry also presents a growing application area, particularly for sesame seed oil, which is widely used in skincare and haircare formulations. Known for its moisturizing, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties, sesame oil is a popular ingredient in natural and organic cosmetic products in the UK. It is found in facial oils, massage oils, moisturizers, conditioners, and sunscreens, often promoted for its richness in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. The rising demand for clean beauty products and natural oils has opened up additional market space for sesame-derived ingredients in both mass-market and boutique cosmetic brands. In animal feed where sesame meal a byproduct of oil extraction serves as a protein-rich feed ingredient, as well as in certain industrial uses such as bio-lubricants and carrier oils in aromatherapy. Organic sesame seeds are positioned as a premium product and undergo stricter sourcing and certification processes. Most organic imports into the UK originate from certified farms in countries like India, Uganda, and Ethiopia, where exporters follow EU-equivalent organic protocols. These seeds must pass rigorous documentation checks and residue testing to meet UK organic standards enforced by bodies like the Soil Association or Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G). This category appeals primarily to retailers and processors focused on natural food products, particularly in sectors like health food retail, vegan brands, and clean-label product lines. In terms of logistics, organic sesame often travels through specialized importers who work exclusively with certified organic ingredients, making the supply chain less flexible but more traceable. Conventional sesame seeds dominate the mainstream and volume-driven segments of the UK market. These are imported from a broader range of countries, including Nigeria, Sudan, Myanmar, and Pakistan, offering a more diversified and price-sensitive sourcing strategy. The supply chain for conventional seeds is more agile, supported by larger volumes and less stringent handling requirements. Conventional sesame is the go-to option for industrial-scale users such as commercial bakeries, snack manufacturers, and foodservice suppliers due to its affordability and steady availability. While it lacks the organic certification premiums, conventional sesame benefits from economies of scale and wider application, especially in cost-sensitive categories like value-tier bread products, sauces, and mixed snacks.

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Nikita Jabrela

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Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the most prominent channels, offering a wide range of sesame-based products, from raw seeds and tahini to snack bars and sesame-coated confectionery. These retail giants including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, and Morrisons typically carry both private-label and branded sesame products, catering to price-sensitive shoppers as well as those seeking premium or organic alternatives. Convenience stores, such as Co-op, SPAR, and local independents, play a supporting role in distribution. Due to limited shelf space, these stores primarily stock sesame seed-based snack products such as bars, crackers, or trail mixes rather than raw seeds or bulk items. Online retail is a rapidly expanding distribution channel in the sesame seed market. Platforms like Amazon UK, Ocado, and health-specific e-commerce sites such as Holland & Barrett, Planet Organic, and Ethical Superstore provide consumers access to a broader and more diverse range of sesame products, including organic, international, or niche varieties that may not be available in physical stores. The online model also supports direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands that focus on unique product formats such as stone-ground tahini, black sesame butter, or artisanal seed mixes. The other distribution channels include specialty health food stores, ethnic markets, and wholesale distributors that serve restaurants, bakeries, and food manufacturers. B2B channels, often overlooked in consumer data, are critical for bulk sesame seed imports and supply to the foodservice sector. The rise of DTC subscription boxes and farmers market-style delivery services has created niche opportunities for small sesame seed processors and organic brands to connect directly with UK households, particularly in the wellness and gourmet spaces. Considered in this report • Historic Year: 2019 • Base year: 2024 • Estimated year: 2025 • Forecast year: 2030 Aspects covered in this report • Sesame Seeds Market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation

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By Oil Type • Vegetable Oil • Essential Oils • Mineral Oils • Others (Exotic/Specialty Oils & Blended/Functional Oils) By Application • Skin Care • Hair Care • Body Care • Others By Distribution Channel • Online • Offline (retail stores, pharmacies) • Direct sales The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.