Which ingredients are hiding in your hummus? (2024)

Hummus is basically a food group around our house — it’s delicious as a dip, spread or just about any addition to a meal. Apparently, we’re not the only ones with an obsession: Global sales of hummus reached $780 million in 2019 and are projected to hit $911 million by 2024. That’s a heck of a lot of hummus!

Easy to make at home but convenient to buy, traditional hummus is made with chickpeas, tahini (a paste that’s made from ground sesame seeds) as well as spices and oil.

And beyond simple ingredients, it’s the perfect balance of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fat, making it a satisfying and smart addition to any meal or snack. Our favorite combinations are topped onto a salad or toast or paired with crackers and sliced veggies.

While it’s easy to make hummus from just a few ingredients, some less-than-stellar ingredients sometimes sneak into store-bought hummus.

Indeed, you might have read abouta recent EWG study that found glyphosate — a herbicide used widely in conventional agriculture — in many brands of store-bought hummus. Alarming, yes, but the levels were varying and in general, opting for organic options will help you steer clear of this and many other chemicals inside.

When you’re shopping for hummus in the store, watch out for artificial preservatives likesodium benzoate and potassium sorbate. Artificial preservatives are unnecessary, and we believe there are better ways to ensure that food stays fresh and safe.

On a similar note, also watch out for Disodium Calcium EDTA, a chelating agent (substances that bond with minerals and metals to prevent discoloration) often used in hummus, dips and condiments. It’s highly processed and essentially acts as an artificial preservative.

And to make sure you have nothing to worry about, look for USDA Organic — this symbol is the gold standard for clean label. Organic products aregrown, raised and processed without the use of 700+ chemicals, like toxic and persistent pesticides and herbicides (including glyphosate) and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Organic products are always non-GMO and certified under a strict set of federal standards. (Learn more HERE from Organic Voices about the 700+ chemicals you’ll avoid when you choose organic.)

Ready to try making hummus at home? Here’s an easy homemade recipe from our Clean Council Member and nutrition expert, Kim McDevitt, RD, MPH.

Ingredients

1 15-oz can of organic chickpeas / garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

2 tablespoons tahini

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice (or juice of 1 lemon)

1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)

pepper (to taste)

2 - 4 tablespoons water, or until desired consistency is reached.

Directions

1. Combine chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice into a food processor.

2. Start by pulsing ingredients so that the chickpeas start to break up and form together

3. Open to push ingredients off the side of the processor. Add 2 tablespoons of water, salt and pepper and blend until consistency becomes smooth.

4. Check for taste and consistency, adding more water, salt or pepper if needed.

5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Which ingredients are hiding in your hummus? (2024)

FAQs

What ingredients should you avoid in hummus? ›

Many store-bought hummus brands contains tahini, in addition to added oils. Canola oil (rapeseed oil) and soybean were found in some of the brands. These oils are ones to avoid because they're not only likely derived from GMOs, unless verified as GMO free, but canola oil is produced using solvents.

What are the ingredients in hummus that people are allergic to? ›

The ingredient in hummus that most concerns parents is tahini. A paste made from toasted, ground sesame seeds and oil. As with a peanut allergy, a sesame allergy can be also be severe. Sesame seeds are one of the top ten most allergenic foods.

Does all hummus contain tahini? ›

You bet! In fact, tahini is one of hummus' main ingredients, along with chickpeas and olive oil. That's why our favorite dip can be so rich and delicious—in hummus, tahini adds smoothness to the texture, as well as a wide variety of vitamins and minerals.

What are the ingredients in store bought hummus? ›

Ingredients: ​cooked chickpeas (chickpeas, water), water, tahini (ground sesame), canola oil, natural flavors, sea salt, dried roasted garlic, citric acid, spice.

What is unhealthy about hummus? ›

Even though it is low in fat, it contains calories. According to the US Department of Agriculture, one cup of hummus (246 grams) contains approximately 408 calories. Too much hummus can cause stomach problems, such as diarrhea and bloating, in some people.

When should you not eat hummus? ›

You will definitely notice that the hummus is spoiled when you see mold growing on it. The less obvious may be that the hummus offers an unpleasant, off-odor and sour smell. This hummus may also taste sour if you decide to try it. Our recommendation is: when in doubt, always throw the food out.

Why do I get sick after eating hummus? ›

If you experience symptoms of a food allergy after eating hummus, your first reaction may be to blame the most common ingredient: chickpeas. Before you blame chickpeas for the cause of your allergies, you may also want to consider other allergenic ingredients used in hummus, such as: garlic. beans.

Is hummus an inflammatory food? ›

Rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients. The classic ingredients involved in making a traditional hummus like chickpeas, sesame seeds and olive oil have beneficial properties including being anti-inflammatory. In fact, virgin olive oil is said to have an anti-inflammatory action which is on a par with ibuprofen.

Why does my mouth hurt after eating hummus? ›

Some people can have stronger and more serious allergic reactions. Symptoms of a chickpea allergy include: Burning or tingling in your mouth. Itchy mouth.

What can I replace tahini with in hummus? ›

If you feel adventurous, try replacing the tahini with an equal amount of peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, Greek yogurt, chopped roasted peppers, pitted olives, roasted beets, steamed sweet potato, avocado, or thawed frozen peas, to name just a few possibilities.

What happens if you put too much tahini in hummus? ›

As I said earlier, tahini has a mildly bitter flavour, so if your hummus is bitter, you've most likely added too much tahini. Also make sure that the tahini you do have is hulled, as opposed to unhulled. Hulled tahini just means that the bitter husks on the outside of the sesame seed have been removed before blending.

Does Sabra hummus have tahini? ›

Combined with our flavorful blend of chickpeas, garlic, and creamy tahini, it's smooth, tasty and satisfying - in more ways than one. Nourishing the Soul: Sabra ® is committed to uniting and delighting the world around planet-positive food.

What is the common hidden allergen in hummus? ›

Even a small amount of sesame protein can set off a reaction. Some of the highest-risk foods for people with sesame allergy include foods that commonly contain sesame seeds or sesame oil. These include foods like hummus and sesame bagels, and also: crackers, chips, and other snack foods.

What oils to avoid in hummus? ›

Most hummus you buy in a supermarket is made with either soybean oil or sunflower oil. Both of these are highly processed and can be inflammatory. Look at the label and find hummus made with extra-virgin olive oil for the most health benefits (not to mention flavor – good olive oil is like a fine wine).

Is hummus hard on the liver? ›

Make wise decisions with your appetizers

While the cheese plate and charcuterie board may seem tempting, salty cured meats and fatty cheeses can negatively affect the function of your liver. Healthier alternatives such as vegetables and hummus are light, fresh, and are way more beneficial to your health.

What is the healthiest thing to eat with hummus? ›

From celery to cherry tomatoes, crunchy vegetables dipped in your favorite creamy hummus is the perfect simple and healthy snack.

References

Top Articles
MAGNESIUM: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews
3-Ingredient Peanut Sauce
Spasa Parish
Rentals for rent in Maastricht
159R Bus Schedule Pdf
Sallisaw Bin Store
Black Adam Showtimes Near Maya Cinemas Delano
Espn Transfer Portal Basketball
Pollen Levels Richmond
11 Best Sites Like The Chive For Funny Pictures and Memes
Things to do in Wichita Falls on weekends 12-15 September
Craigslist Pets Huntsville Alabama
Paulette Goddard | American Actress, Modern Times, Charlie Chaplin
Red Dead Redemption 2 Legendary Fish Locations Guide (“A Fisher of Fish”)
What's the Difference Between Halal and Haram Meat & Food?
R/Skinwalker
Rugged Gentleman Barber Shop Martinsburg Wv
Jennifer Lenzini Leaving Ktiv
Ems Isd Skyward Family Access
Elektrische Arbeit W (Kilowattstunden kWh Strompreis Berechnen Berechnung)
Omni Id Portal Waconia
Kellifans.com
Banned in NYC: Airbnb One Year Later
Four-Legged Friday: Meet Tuscaloosa's Adoptable All-Stars Cub & Pickle
Model Center Jasmin
Ice Dodo Unblocked 76
Is Slatt Offensive
Labcorp Locations Near Me
Storm Prediction Center Convective Outlook
Experience the Convenience of Po Box 790010 St Louis Mo
Fungal Symbiote Terraria
modelo julia - PLAYBOARD
Poker News Views Gossip
Abby's Caribbean Cafe
Joanna Gaines Reveals Who Bought the 'Fixer Upper' Lake House and Her Favorite Features of the Milestone Project
Tri-State Dog Racing Results
Navy Qrs Supervisor Answers
Trade Chart Dave Richard
Lincoln Financial Field Section 110
Free Stuff Craigslist Roanoke Va
Wi Dept Of Regulation & Licensing
Pick N Pull Near Me [Locator Map + Guide + FAQ]
Crystal Westbrooks Nipple
Ice Hockey Dboard
Über 60 Prozent Rabatt auf E-Bikes: Aldi reduziert sämtliche Pedelecs stark im Preis - nur noch für kurze Zeit
Wie blocke ich einen Bot aus Boardman/USA - sellerforum.de
Infinity Pool Showtimes Near Maya Cinemas Bakersfield
Dermpathdiagnostics Com Pay Invoice
How To Use Price Chopper Points At Quiktrip
Maria Butina Bikini
Busted Newspaper Zapata Tx
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Last Updated:

Views: 6479

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Birthday: 1993-01-10

Address: Suite 391 6963 Ullrich Shore, Bellefort, WI 01350-7893

Phone: +6806610432415

Job: Dynamic Manufacturing Assistant

Hobby: amateur radio, Taekwondo, Wood carving, Parkour, Skateboarding, Running, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Pres. Lawanda Wiegand, I am a inquisitive, helpful, glamorous, cheerful, open, clever, innocent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.