Survey on Sesame Usage: 71.5% of Users Find Processed Sesame Products Convenient; Recipe Searches Peak When 'Unsure of Menu' or 'Need One More Dish' at 47.7%

How is sesame used in time-saving and simple cooking?

Sprinkle sesame on your everyday dishes.

Instantly, a rich aroma and depth of flavor unfold.

Sprinkle ground sesame, stir-fry with sesame oil, or mix with dressing.

There are many ways to use sesame, but they all share one thing in common: convenience.

Recently, processed sesame products—such as flavored sesame, sesame paste, sesame dressing, and sesame sauce (pre-seasoned or pre-processed sesame items)—have seen a rise in variety.

So, how are people incorporating sesame into their daily meals to save time and simplify cooking?

In collaboration with sesame specialist 'Onizaki Corporation,' we conducted a survey targeting 400 men and women nationwide who, in a preliminary survey, responded that they 'use sesame (ground sesame, roasted sesame, sesame oil, processed sesame products, etc.) in cooking or meals.' The survey focused on 'time-saving and simple cooking using sesame.'

※ When quoting this press release, please:

・ Clearly state the source as 'a survey by NEXER Group and sesame specialist Onizaki Corporation'

・ Include a link to Onizaki Corporation (https://ec.onizaki.co.jp/shop)

Survey Overview: 'Time-Saving and Simple Cooking Using Sesame'

Method: Online questionnaire

Period: August 10–18, 2026

Respondents: Men and women nationwide who previously indicated using sesame in cooking

Valid responses: 400 samples

Survey questions:

Q1: How do you incorporate sesame into your cooking or meals? (Multiple answers)

Q2: Have you used processed sesame products such as 'flavored sesame,' 'sesame paste,' 'sesame dressing,' or 'sesame sauce'? (Multiple answers)

Q3: How did you feel after using processed sesame products? (Multiple answers)

Q4: For processed sesame products you haven't used, which apply to you? (Multiple answers)

Q5: Do you search for or refer to sesame-based recipes?

Q6: In what situations do you search for or refer to sesame-based recipes? (Multiple answers)

Q7: Please describe specific situations when you search for or refer to sesame-based recipes.

Q8: Do you consciously aim for time-saving in daily meal preparation?

Q9: What kind of products, information, or recipes would help you cook 'quickly, simply, and deliciously' using sesame? (Multiple answers)

Q10: Freely share any ideas for desired products or recipes using sesame for quick and simple cooking, or any tips you usually apply.

※ Percentages are rounded to the second decimal place, so totals may not sum to 100%.

79.0% incorporate sesame by 'sprinkling ground or roasted sesame'

First, we asked how people usually incorporate sesame into their cooking.

The most common response was 'sprinkling ground or roasted sesame' at 79.0%.

Next were 'using sesame oil for stir-frying or flavoring' at 55.0%, 'using sesame dressing' at 47.0%, and 'mixing with sesame sauce' at 37.0%.

It is clear that sprinkling ground or roasted sesame is the most popular method. Since it can be added directly to finished dishes, it may be easy to incorporate for enhancing aroma and flavor without extra effort.

Additionally, sesame oil, sesame dressing, and sesame sauce are also widely used, indicating that sesame is utilized in various ways—from flavoring during cooking to finishing touches and mixed dishes.

64.8% have used 'sesame dressing'

Next, we asked about experience with pre-processed 'processed sesame products' such as flavored sesame, sesame paste, sesame dressing, and sesame sauce.

The most common response was 'sesame dressing' at 64.8%.

This was followed by 'ground sesame' at 62.5%, 'sesame oil' at 49.8%, and 'sesame sauce' at 47.0%.

Among processed sesame products, sesame dressing is the most widely used.

Ground sesame, sesame oil, and sesame sauce are also commonly used, suggesting that sesame has become established as an ingredient that is easy to incorporate into simple cooking methods such as 'sprinkling,' 'mixing,' and 'stir-frying.'

71.5% of users of processed sesame products responded 'convenient and easy to use'

Next, we asked how users felt after trying processed sesame products.

The most common response was 'convenient and easy to use' at 71.5%.

This was followed by 'the taste was authentic and delicious' at 47.0% and 'I would like to continue using them' at 42.3%.

It is clear that many users appreciate the convenience and ease of use.

Since these products are pre-seasoned or processed, they are valued for allowing users to enjoy sesame flavor while reducing cooking effort.

Moreover, the high ratings for authentic taste and continued usage intention suggest that processed sesame products like sesame dressing and sauce are not only helpful for time-saving and simple cooking but are also accepted as items that enhance the daily dining experience.

49.8% of non-users said they 'would try if given the opportunity'

Next, we asked non-users about their thoughts on processed sesame products they haven’t tried.

The most common response was 'would try if given the opportunity' at 49.8%.

This was followed by 'want to know what dishes they can be used in' at 27.0% and 'haven’t had the chance to use them' at 20.3%.

Even among those who haven’t used processed sesame products, nearly half show interest. However, a lack of knowledge about specific uses or how to incorporate them into meals may be preventing adoption.

By increasing awareness of the appeal and applications of processed sesame products, more people may begin to incorporate them into their daily cooking.

21.5% 'search for or refer to' sesame-based recipes

Next, we asked whether people search for or refer to sesame-based recipes.

The results showed 'yes' at 21.5% and 'no' at 78.5%.

While many who use sesame in cooking tend to have established methods, only about 20% actively seek recipes to discover new ways to use it.

Sesame is easy to use—just a sprinkle—and can be incorporated into various dishes through mixed dishes, seasoning, or processed products. Learning more about its versatility may further expand opportunities to use it in daily cooking.