How long does hummus last?

If you like Mediterranean food then you must have tried Hummus. If not, then this is something you surely don’t want to miss. Hummus is a tangy-tasting dip made from chickpeas and a variety of herbs and spices.

I personally like to use Hummus in warm pita bread as an appetizer at home. If you store Hummus at home like I do, it’s important to know exactly how long Hummus lasts.

So for this article, I’m going to share with you a bunch of tips on the lifespan of your Hummus.

How to know if your Hummus is spoiled

Fresh Hummus should have an earthy flavor from the chickpeas along with a bitter taste from the Tahini. It should also leave a spicy taste because it also contains some lemon juices.

What’s more, the Hummus should have a thin, smooth consistency that isn’t too watery.

Fresh hummus usually smells good and earthy. So when you smell a rotten or sour smell in your Hummus, it may already be spoiled.

Another thing to keep in mind when reviewing Hummus is consistency. Watery Hummus means that it is no longer safe to eat. Hummus can take weeks or months to go bad, but its shelf life will largely depend on its type.

Types of Hummus and their shelf life

Now every Hummus is not made equal, which means each one can vary in storage life. There are ready-made Hummus with fixed expiration dates at your local markets and grocery stores, and there is also homemade Hummus that may have a shorter shelf life since it is made entirely without preservatives.

If you have store-bought Hummus on hand, then you can check the expiration date label on the packaging. However, if you have homemade Hummus made from fresh ingredients, then it can have a shelf life of around a week when stored in a cool place.

In addition to being purchased or homemade, storage also plays an important role in the shelf life of Hummus. Hummus should be stored in cool places like the refrigerator or freezer to keep it tasting fresh.

Another thing that would affect the shelf life of your Hummus is whether or not it has been opened. Store-bought Hummus is usually very tightly sealed to ensure freshness. Once the lid of a store-bought Hummus has been opened, its shelf life will be significantly reduced.

Store-bought Hummus, when not open, can last three to ten days if stored in the fridge. Once opened, you can keep it fresh in the fridge for only four to six days.

However, if you plan on making it last longer than a week, I suggest keeping it in the freezer. An unopened bottle or jar of hummus will last six to eight months when frozen.

It could also last as long even when open, but you’d still need to check for signs of spoilage before thawing and eating.

When it comes to homemade hummus, the shelf life is really shorter. A freshly made batch of Hummus stored in an unopened or opened container can last three to five days in the refrigerator.

It can also last longer when frozen in the freezer, but like I said, you still have to check if it’s ok to eat after thawing.

What humus should you buy?

I personally recommend making your own batch of Hummus if you have the right ingredients and cookware on hand because it can be so quick and easy to make.

Although homemade hummus lasts less time, I prefer its fresh taste than store-bought.

If you don’t have time to make your own Hummus, or if you want something that will last a bit longer, then go for store-bought Hummus.

Store-bought Hummus is almost as good as freshly made, and would be perfect for you if you want something ready to eat right out of the jar.

Keeping humus fresh

Well, it looks like all you need is your old fridge to keep your Hummus fresh. If you like to use Hummus as a dip for your favorite sandwiches or as a thick paste on your breakfast toast, then remember to always keep it in a cool, dry place.

And if you plan to store it for months, always check to see if it’s still ok to eat before adding it to your meals.

If you enjoyed reading this article and would like to read more like this, then please leave us your comments in the box below. Until next time, enjoy!