Hummus is a paste-like dip that originated from the Middle-East. The main ingredients of hummus are chickpeas, oil, garlic, tahini, and lemon juice.
According to Ryan Ramas, MS, RD, hummus has a lot of benefits, including acting as an anti-inflammatory agent as well as promoting digestive health.
Hummus, much like guacamole, is one of the world’s most loved dips.
So enjoyed is this dip that you can find it in many grocery stores in North America and Europe.
Hummus is very easy to make, and we often serve it to guests at parties.
To avoid giving food poisoning to our guests and ourselves, we need to ask the question; does hummus go bad?
We should know when hummus goes bad and how to tell if hummus has gone bad.
Tips on how to store hummus properly will also take us a long way.
Does Hummus Go Bad? How Long Does Hummus Last In Fridge?
Yes, like every other food product (such as tahini or salsa), hummus does go bad.
When it goes bad depends on many factors like whether it is homemade or store-bought, whether it is refrigerated or unrefrigerated, and so on.
Let us look deeper into the situations and find the answer for each:
- Opened unrefrigerated hummus can stay at room temperature for only four hours.
- Refrigerated homemade hummus lasts for three to four days.
- Refrigerated store-bought hummus lasts for six to seven days. Store-bought hummus lasts comparatively longer because manufacturers prepare them in a sterile contamination-controlled environment.
- If you keep unopened hummus in the freezer, it can last for six to eight months for both homemade and store-bought units, past its printed date.
One thing you should always remember is to keep hummus refrigerated if you are not eating it.
The longer hummus is kept outside in room temperature, the quicker for it to spoil and go bad.
Hummus in room temperature allows for contaminants to invade it and creates an ideal place for bacteria and microbes to grow.
Keeping hummus in an air-tight container in the fridge will prevent the dip from moisture and contaminants.
If you want to keep the hummus for a longer time, you can freeze it.
It is effortless for hummus to freeze and can defrost overnight in the refrigerator, although the taste may not be as good as if you do not freeze it.
How to Tell If Hummus Is Bad? Hummus Shelf Life!
These experts also state that much like pesto, stores sell refrigerated and unrefrigerated hummus, and it is very easy for hummus to go bad.
Some signs which confirm that hummus has spoiled are:
Any mold-like growth on the surface of the hummus means that it has become unfit for consumption and you should throw it away.
If the smell of the hummus is a little off or it smells funny, it is likely that the hummus has gone bad.
Sometimes the hummus may change in texture due to oil separation. You can solve this problem by stirring it. However, if the texture changed drastically, and the oil seems completely separated, it will be best to discard the product.
Even though the hummus smells and looks fine, if it has been in the fridge or freezer for more than ten days, it is best to stay on the safe side and not eat the hummus.
Lastly, even if the printed date states a “best before” date, in case the hummus smells sour or looks spoiled, you should not eat it under any circumstance.
Hummus goes bad mainly because of oxidization, contamination, and exposure to moisture and bacteria.
Conclusion
Hummus can be a great dip or spread for a relaxed lunch. There are many reasons why you might want this food to be a regular pantry item.
According to WebMD, hummus is easy to prepare, made of healthy ingredients, and packed with nutrients and fiber.
It is a healthier option over our beloved mayonnaise in terms of calories it contains, nutrients it holds and uses it has.
Consumption of bad hummus can be a risk to your health, but with easy-to-identify signs which show that it has gone bad, you are safe from those risks.
Does Hummus Go Bad? How Long Does Hummus Last in Fridge?
Ingredients
- Hummus
- Air-tight containers
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
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