I have been a huge fan of hummus — I think it’s a great snack. I prefer my family munch on hummus to traditional dips. While it may be convenient to just buy ready-made hummus at the store, there are several reasons why you should make it yourself instead of buying it from a supermarket.
You can absolutely control everything in a Hummus recipe — make it lower in sodium, increase certain flavors, and even get creative (chocolate hummus, anyone)!
Why Should You Not Eat Hummus Bought From Store?
1. Preservatives
Preservatives are used to extend the shelf life of a food product, allowing it to sit on the shelf for a longer period of time without spoiling. It’s a great business sense, but who wants all those added ingredients that most people can’t even pronounce? These preservatives, in most cases, are dangerous for our health. We have to avoid them at all cost.
2. The Cost
The last time I checked, store-bought hummus was $3.79 for 10 ounces of plain chickpea and tahini hummus. That is insane compared to the cost of making it at home. For about .68 cents, I can make 10 ounces of hummus at home, and that’s without buying ingredients in bulk. If you skip the canned chickpeas and boil your own, you can save even more.
The sad truth is that the company that makes your hummus probably pays more for the plastic container it comes in than the ingredients to make 10 ounces of hummus.
3. The Lack of Hummus Variety
Did you know that hummus can be made in literally hundreds of different ways? From tahini hummus to jalapeno hummus, there are endless varieties of hummus you can make in your very own kitchen. Buying hummus in the store limits you to trying five or six different flavors. Expand your palette and make it at home!
4. The Taste of Store-Bought Hummus
Store-bought hummus has an odd consistency and a bland flavor to me. Perhaps I have tried hummus that had seen too many days on the shelf, but it tasted boring and way too thick. If people are telling you that Middle Eastern restaurants buy cans of prepared hummus from distributors or shopping club warehouses, don’t believe the hype. I have never known a true Middle Eastern restaurant to serve hummus that wasn’t prepared in the kitchen. For one, it’s not cost-effective. Secondly, it’s not authentic, even if it has Arabic letters on it.
5. Hummus Ingredients
Have you read the labels of store-bought hummus lately? Canola oil? The last time I checked, I have never seen a Middle Eastern hummus recipe with canola oil. Why not use olive oil? It’s a staple in every hummus recipe and is a healthy oil!
What is The Secret to A Great Hummus Recipe?
Would you like to try the real hummus made at home or in one of your favorite restaurants? A drizzle of olive oil makes hummus look and taste that much more appealing. You can also try sprinkling whole chickpeas, fresh parsley, a little paprika, or za’atar (the herby Middle Eastern spice and seed blend) over the top to make it tasty.
Which Hummus Recipies Should You Try at Home?
- Hummus with Tahini
- Hummus without Tahini
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- Roasted Garlic Hummus
- Black Bean Hummus
- Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus
- Spinach and Feta Hummus
- Kalamata Olive Hummus
- Peanut Butter Hummus with Tahini
- Hummus without Tahini
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- Roasted Garlic Hummus
- Black Bean Hummus
- Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus
- Spinach and Feta Hummus
- Kalamata Olive Hummus
- Peanut Butter Hummus
- Low Fat Hummus with Yogurt Hazlenut
- Hummus Almond Butter
- Hummus Recipe Cilantro and Lemon
- Hummus Pumpkin
- Hummus Soybean
- Hummus Tomato Basil
- Hummus Walnut Hummus
- White Bean Hummus
- Red Bell Pepper Hummus
- Roasted Eggplant Hummus
- Hummus with Pine Nuts
- Hummus with Yogurt
- Hummus with Sesame Oil Tofu
- Lemon Garlic Hummus
- Zucchini Hummus
- Jalapeno Hummus
- Chipotle Cilantro Hummus
- Sweet Potato Hummus Artichoke
- Hummus Cranberry Hummus
What Should You Do if You Cannot Avoid buying hummus from a local supermarket?
If you find yourself in a situation where making hummus at home isn’t feasible, and you must resort to purchasing it from a local supermarket, there are still steps you can take to ensure you’re making a healthier, more informed choice. Not all store-bought hummus is created equal, and with a bit of diligence, you can select an option that aligns more closely with homemade hummus’s health benefits and taste.
- Read the Labels Carefully: Opt for hummus with the shortest ingredient list and ingredients you recognize and can pronounce. Avoid products with preservatives, artificial flavors, or unhealthy oils like canola oil.
- Check for Additives: Look for hummus that uses olive oil instead of canola or other vegetable oils. Olive oil is not only more authentic but also offers health benefits such as monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health.
- Seek Out Organic Options: Organic hummus varieties are more likely to contain non-GMO ingredients and fewer pesticides, making them a healthier choice.
- Look for Minimal Packaging: To reduce your environmental impact, choose hummus in recyclable containers or those with less plastic. Some brands offer larger sizes, which reduce the need for multiple small containers.
- Consider the Sodium Content: Many store-bought hummus options can be high in sodium. Look for those labeled “low sodium” or compare labels to find the product with the lowest sodium content per serving.
- Taste Enhancement at Home: Even if you buy your hummus, you can still enhance its flavor at home. Drizzle it with a bit of high-quality olive oil, sprinkle with paprika, za’atar, or fresh herbs like parsley, and add whole chickpeas on top for texture and visual appeal.
- Support Local or Smaller Brands: Often, smaller or local brands may put more care into their hummus recipes and be more likely to use authentic, high-quality ingredients. Supporting these brands can also mean you’re getting a product that’s closer to homemade in taste and quality.
- Health and Ethical Considerations: If possible, choose brands that align with ethical practices, such as fair trade and sustainability. These considerations can make a difference in the quality of the ingredients and the overall impact of your purchase.
While homemade hummus is preferable for its freshness, flavor, cost-effectiveness, and health benefits, understanding how to choose the best possible store-bought hummus ensures that you can still enjoy this nutritious snack even when you’re short on time. Remember, the goal is to find a product that is as close to homemade as possible, both in taste and nutritional content.
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