How long does hummus last in the fridge?
Opened hummus and homemade hummus keep about 7 days in the fridge. Unopened shop hummus lasts to its date. Can you freeze it, and signs it has gone off.
By Zain Nazeer, founder and editor
Photo by Imad 786 on Unsplash
Hummus keeps about 7 days in the fridge once opened, according to the USDA FoodKeeper. Homemade hummus, which has no preservatives, also keeps about 7 days. An unopened tub of shop-bought, pasteurised hummus keeps until the date on the pack, which can be up to about 3 months away. Keep it at 40°F (4°C) or colder, with the lid on.
How long does hummus last? The short answer
- Shop-bought, unopened: until the date on the pack.
- Shop-bought, opened: about 7 days.
- Homemade: about 7 days.
- At room temperature: no more than 2 hours, then back in the fridge or throw it out.
Can you freeze hummus?
The USDA FoodKeeper does not recommend freezing hummus, because it separates and turns grainy when it thaws. It is not unsafe, though. If you do freeze it, stir in a little olive oil after thawing in the fridge, and use it in cooking, wraps and sauces rather than as a dip. For meal prep, it is easier to buy or make a week's worth at a time.
How do you keep hummus fresh for longer?
- Use a clean spoon every time; crumbs and double-dipping bring in bacteria.
- Smooth the top and add a thin layer of olive oil to stop it drying out.
- Keep the lid on and store it on a shelf, not in the fridge door.
- For lunches, spoon single portions into small pots instead of taking the whole tub to work.
How can you tell if hummus has gone off?
A sour smell or taste, a fizzy look, liquid that will not stir back in, or any mould mean throw the whole tub away. Do not scrape mould off soft foods like hummus.
How do you use hummus in meal prep?
Hummus is the base of cold lunches that need no microwave: hummus snack boxes and Greek chicken bento boxes both keep 4 days. If there is no fridge at work, pack them with an ice pack; see meal prep for work with no fridge. More ideas are in meal prep snack ideas and high-protein snacks to meal prep.
Is hummus a good source of protein?
It adds some, from the chickpeas, but a few spoonfuls is not a full serving. For cheap ways to add more, see the cheapest high-protein foods.
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