The sesame seed market in Saudi Arabia has evolved significantly, influenced by a blend of traditional culinary culture and modern dietary preferences. Long valued in Middle Eastern cuisine, sesame seeds hold a staple position in dishes such as tahini, halva, and sesame-topped breads. In recent years, shifting consumer lifestyles, increasing health awareness, and global culinary exposure have driven wider adoption across the Kingdom. Saudi consumers are now more attentive to nutrition, and sesame seeds, being a rich source of healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, align well with these dietary shifts. Saudi Arabia's growing urban population, along with a large base of young consumers, is supporting the demand for healthier and functional foods, further elevating sesame seed consumption. Government support for food diversification and private sector investment in food manufacturing have also fueled sesame’s applications beyond household use, particularly in processed snacks, sauces, and bakery goods.

The influence of global food trends including the veganism, plant-based diets, and organic foods has penetrated Saudi markets, opening up further avenues for sesame based products. According to the research report, "Saudi Arabia Sesame Seed Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the Saudi Arabia sesame seed market is anticipated to add to more than USD 40 Million by 2025–30. Despite limited domestic cultivation due to arid conditions, Saudi Arabia remains a key importer and processor of sesame, sourcing mainly from African and Asian countries. Some key players in the Saudi sesame seed industry are Al Jameel International Trading Co. Ltd., Halwani Bros. Co., Al-Fakher Flour Mills, Al-Ghurair Foods, Savola Group, Almarai Company, Al Muhaidib Group, ARASCO (Arabian Agricultural Services Company).

Consumer preferences in Saudi Arabia are rapidly evolving, influenced by health, convenience, and quality. As health consciousness grows, sesame seeds are increasingly appreciated for their functional benefits including heart health, digestion, and antioxidant properties. These benefits are widely promoted through health blogs, social media influencers, and nutritionists, especially among the youth and middle-income families. The increased availability of organic and premium quality sesame products in retail and online channels further illustrates this trend. The rise of the Kingdom’s foodservice and hospitality sectors, driven by tourism has accelerated demand for diverse and internationally inspired sesame-based dishes. Chefs and food brands are introducing sesame in creative ways, from gourmet tahini dips to black sesame desserts.

The influx of expatriates and international residents has broadened the sesame consumption base, introducing preferences from South Asian and African cuisines where sesame is used extensively. Educational campaigns and product labeling around nutritional content are also making an impact, encouraging more informed purchases. White sesame seeds remain the most prevalent and widely consumed variant, especially in traditional Saudi and Middle Eastern dishes. Their mild, nutty flavor and clean appearance make them ideal for baking, confectionery, and tahini production. White sesame is typically hulled to improve taste and texture, aligning with the preferences of both consumers and commercial food processors. Black sesame seeds are increasingly being recognized for their superior nutritional profile, including high levels of antioxidants, calcium, and essential fatty acids.

These seeds are becoming more popular in health-conscious and gourmet segments. Their rich, earthy flavor and visual appeal make them suitable for high-end desserts, Asian fusion cuisine, and specialty snacks. As Saudi Arabia sees rising demand for health-oriented products, black sesame is gaining traction in wellness foods and organic product ranges. Other less common varieties, such as brown and red sesame seeds, are also entering the market, albeit in smaller quantities. These region-specific or heirloom varieties are valued for their distinctive flavors, colors, and nutrient compositions. They are often used in niche applications including artisan baking, boutique tahini production, and premium food items.

Specialty retailers in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah increasingly stock these seeds to cater to chefs, bakers, and health-focused consumers. In the food industry, sesame is a cornerstone ingredient in traditional Saudi dishes such as tahini, halva, and sesame-encrusted breads. As modern food trends take hold, its uses have expanded into new product categories including energy bars, salad dressings, vegan spreads, and fusion recipes. Restaurants and bakeries increasingly incorporate sesame for flavor, texture, and visual appeal, while fast-food outlets use sesame in burger buns and gourmet toppings. The pharmaceutical industry in Saudi Arabia also values sesame oil for its therapeutic qualities. Known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, sesame oil is used in traditional medicine and natural remedies.

Practitioners of herbal medicine often recommend sesame based formulations for improving digestion, circulation, and joint health. As interest in alternative and holistic health treatments grows, sesame's role in nutraceuticals and supplements is also expanding. In cosmetics and personal care, sesame oil is a sought-after ingredient in moisturizers, anti-aging creams, and hair care solutions. Its rich vitamin E content and deep-penetrating properties make it especially suitable for dry and sensitive skin, aligning with the clean beauty movement that’s gaining momentum across the Kingdom. In addition to consumer focused applications, sesame finds utility in animal nutrition and certain industrial uses. The sesame cake, a byproduct of oil extraction, is a high protein supplement in livestock feed.

Some manufacturers are exploring sesame oil for use in bio lubricants and ecofriendly products, though these applications remain niche.Organic sesame seeds, grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), are gaining momentum as more consumers shift toward natural and health-oriented eating habits. Urban centers like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam are witnessing rising demand for organic food, especially among millennials, expatriates, and families focused on wellness. These seeds are commonly imported from certified farms in India, Ethiopia, and Uganda and are featured in premium product ranges such as organic tahini, natural nut butters, and plant based snacks. Organic sesame products are often marketed through specialty stores, wellness brands, and e-commerce platforms that highlight their environmental and health benefits. This aligns with broader global movements toward sustainable agriculture and ethical sourcing. On the other hand, conventional sesame seeds dominate the Saudi market in terms of volume and availability.

They are widely used in mass market food items such as bread rolls, confectionery, processed sauces, and snack foods. Due to their affordability and consistent quality, conventional sesame seeds are the preferred choice for food manufacturers, bakeries, and restaurants. These seeds are also more accessible to average consumers through supermarkets and wholesale markets. While they may not carry the premium label of organic products, conventional sesame seeds still offer substantial nutritional value and versatility in cooking. Supermarkets and hypermarkets remain the dominant channels, offering a wide selection of sesame seed products such as tahini, sesame oil, snack bars, and raw seeds. Large retail chains like Panda, Carrefour, and Lulu Hypermarket stock both domestic and imported brands, including premium and organic variants.

These stores cater to bulk buyers, everyday consumers, and health conscious families alike, often featuring sesame in promotional health food sections. Convenience stores play an important role in offering smaller, ready-to-consume sesame-based items. Located in residential areas and near workplaces, these stores provide easy access to sesame snacks, energy bites, and mini sesame oil bottles appealing especially to busy urban consumers. The growth of online retail is transforming how consumers purchase sesame products. E-commerce platforms like Amazon.sa, Noon, and niche organic websites offer an expansive selection of sesame items, including exotic varieties and imported health blends. Online channels are particularly popular among younger, tech savvy consumers who value convenience, product transparency, and home delivery options.

Specialty health and organic stores are another key distribution node, especially in affluent neighborhoods and urban malls. These outlets often stock higher end, artisanal sesame products such as cold-pressed oils, raw organic seeds, and gluten-free tahini. Sesame seed products reach foodservice buyers, restaurants, and bakeries through wholesale distributors and importers. Hotels and catering companies also source sesame in bulk for consistent supply. Considered in this report• Historic Year: 2019• Base year: 2024• Estimated year: 2025• Forecast year: 2030Aspects 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 recommendationBy 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 salesThe 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 audienceThis 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..