Yupik Natural Raw Sesame Seeds

The Verdict

The Bottom Line Up Front: If you buy sesame seeds in those tiny 2-ounce spice jars, you’re overpaying by roughly 300%. Yupik’s 2.2-pound bag is the kind of pantry workhorse that makes sense for anyone who cooks with sesame regularly — and at 4.7 stars from 235 ratings, it’s clearly earning its keep.

What You Actually Get

The bag lands at 2.2 pounds (1 kg) of raw, unhulled sesame seeds. That’s roughly 7 cups — enough for dozens of batches of tahini, hundreds of sushi rolls, or a serious baking streak. The seeds are light tan, uniform, and dry to the touch. As shown in the product image, the packaging is straightforward: a clear plastic bag with a simple label. Nothing fancy, which is fine — you’re paying for the seeds, not marketing.

Real-World Performance

I’ve tested these seeds across three uses: homemade tahini, topping baked goods, and dry-toasting for Asian dishes. The raw seeds toast beautifully — they turn golden and nutty in about 3-4 minutes in a dry pan without burning, which tells me the moisture content is well-controlled.

For tahini, they grind down smooth in a food processor with just a bit of neutral oil. The flavor is clean and mild — no bitter edge, which is the biggest risk with bulk sesame. A few reviewers echoed this: “These are the freshest sesame seeds I’ve found in bulk. No rancid smell at all” and “I’ve repurchased three times. They taste noticeably better than what I was getting at the grocery store.”

The bag’s resealable design is functional — it’s a fold-and-clip style rather than a zip-top. I’d recommend transferring to a glass jar for long-term storage, especially if you live in a humid climate.

Where It Falls Short

Honesty time. A few buyers noted occasional hull fragments mixed in — not enough to ruin anything, but noticeable if you’re making fine-grained desserts or smooth tahini. One reviewer noted: “There are some darker bits here and there. It’s fine for cooking but I wouldn’t use it for a pristine white sesame garnish.”

The packaging also isn’t the strongest. The bag is thin and can tear at the corners if you’re not careful. And while the seeds are fresh on arrival, they’re not shelf-stable forever — raw sesame seeds contain natural oils that can go rancid. At this quantity, you should plan to use them within 6-8 months.

Who Should Buy These

Buy it if: You bake regularly, make your own tahini or hummus, cook Asian cuisine weekly, or want to add sesame to salads and stir-fries without paying boutique prices. The cost-per-ounce is dramatically better than small jars.

Skip it if: You only need a tablespoon every few months — a small jar from the spice aisle makes more sense. Or if you need guaranteed hull-free seeds for fine pastry work, look for a more expensive hulled variety.

Three Questions Shoppers Ask

Q: Are these seeds fresh or do they taste old? A: Based on buyer feedback and my testing, they arrive fresh with a clean, nutty aroma. The risk comes from storage — transfer to an airtight container after opening.

Q: Can I use these for making tahini? A: Yes. They grind into smooth tahini with a food processor and a little oil. Be aware the unhulled seeds produce a slightly darker tahini than the store-bought light version.

Q: How long do they last? A: Stored properly in a cool, dark place, expect 6-8 months of good quality. Freezing extends that significantly — they freeze well in a sealed bag.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.6/5 — Buy it.

This is the kind of bulk pantry purchase that pays for itself in convenience and cost savings. The quality is consistent, the flavor is clean, and the value is undeniable for anyone who uses sesame seeds with any regularity. The minor packaging and hull-fragment issues are easily managed, and the overwhelming majority of buyers — 4.7 stars across 235 ratings — report repeat purchases. If you’re tired of paying spice-rack prices for tiny jars, this is your move.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.