Sim Sim—known internationally as sesame (Sesamum indicum)—is far more than just a seed in Uganda; it’s an ancient, oil-rich crop that holds a vital place in the local economy, diet, and cultural heritage. At Newman’s, this powerhouse ingredient is one of our most crucial raw materials for our treasured line of snacks, including our beloved sim sim pancakes and sim sim balls.

Sim sim is unique for its nutritional and agricultural value. The seeds boast one of the highest oil contents of any seed globally, making them a major source of edible oil and healthy fats in the local diet. The seeds are also naturally rich in protein, contributing essential nutrition in diets. Crucially, sim sim is a highly drought-tolerant crop. This resilience makes it a highly reliable source of income and food security for smallholder farmers, particularly in semi-arid areas where other crops frequently fail due to unpredictable weather.

Uganda is one of the world’s notable producers and exporters of sesame seeds. Sim sim cultivation is a cornerstone of farming life across significant parts of Uganda, serving as a principal crop, a dietary staple, and a key source of cash income. The crop thrives particularly well in the country’s northern and eastern regions, including the Lango Sub-region, the Teso Sub-region, and the West Nile Sub-region. For the communities in these areas, sim sim represents not just a crop, but a link to traditional farming practices and a sustainable path to economic stability.

At Newman’s, our commitment to using the highest quality local ingredients means sim sim is essential to our flavor and mission. The high nutritional value of Ugandan sim sim are what make our sim sim pancakes and sim sim balls so unique and satisfying. We proudly source this mighty ingredient locally, ensuring that every snack we produce supports the smallholder farmers in these regions, turning a resilient local crop into a delicious, high-value product for consumers.

So, go ahead and grab some Newman’s Sim Sim Pancakes or Sim Sim Balls and Taste the Magic!