Did you buy a pack of hummus just for the sake of tasting it?
Are you worried that the rest of the hummus will go to waste soon?
Does hummus go bad, though?
Like some dips or sauces, hummus can go bad even before its expiration, especially when kept in the wrong storage condition.
Now that you have landed on our page, let us tell you all the answers you need to know about hummus:
- What is the shelf-life of hummus?
- How to tell if hummus has gone bad?
- How to store hummus properly?
How Long Does Hummus Last?
There are a couple of main factors that can influence the shelf life of your hummus – the type of hummus, storage condition, and contamination (once the pack is opened).
See to it that you check the pack’s best-by/best-before/ use-by date/ expiration date to give you an idea of how soon you should consume your hummus.
Commercially-produced hummus
Commercially produced or store-bought hummus is often pasteurized, and it also contains preservatives to extend its shelf life. They’re also displayed in the refrigerated section or the unrefrigerated dips section.
Store-bought hummus usually comes with a best-by date. An unopened pack of hummus can last in the pantry for up to 3 months. As long as there are no signs of spoilage, you can still open and use it if it has passed the date for a few days.
Once opened, you need to store the rest of your hummus in the refrigerator. You have 4 to 7 days to consume everything before it goes bad.
Homemade hummus
Note that homemade hummus will have a shorter shelf life than store-bought ones. That is because it does not contain any preservatives.
If kept in the fridge, your homemade hummus can last for 4 to 5 days.
How To Tell If Hummus Is Bad
Before you dip a piece of pita bread or tortilla chips into your hummus, you have to make sure that it is safe for consumption.
The best way to tell if your hummus has gone bad is to use your senses.
Here’s how to know if your hummus has gone bad:
1. Check the appearance
If you see molds settled on the surface of your hummus, don’t hesitate to throw it away. Mold growth is an obvious indication that your food is already spoiled.
If you notice the consistency of your hummus is watery, dry, or both, that’s a sign that the water content has separated from the fat. You can still use it as long as it doesn’t smell and taste spoiled. That’s up to your judgment.
To fix your hummus that has separated, just give it a stir until the consistency looks OK.
If stirring does not solve the issue, it might still be safe to eat, but it’s better to choose the safe option – just throw it away.
2. Smell it
Fresh hummus does not have much aroma except if it consists of cilantro or garlic. A spoiled hummus has a distinct sour smell. You don’t need to taste it; just simply throw it away.
3. Taste it
If you are still unsure about the taste and smell of your hummus, you should taste it. Take a teaspoon and scoop a small amount of hummus. If it tastes sour and not the usual taste of fresh hummus, it is best just to toss everything into the bin.
How To Store Hummus
Sold refrigerated hummus
If you purchased hummus sold as refrigerated, you should always keep it in the refrigerator.
Once opened, don’t forget to close the lid tightly. If you can, we suggest transferring the leftovers in an airtight container before keeping them in the freezer.
Sold unrefrigerated hummus
If you purchased unrefrigerated or shelf-stable hummus, you could keep it in your pantry or in a cool and dry place as long as it stays unopened. See to it that no sunlight or heat can ruin it.
Once the container opens, transfer your leftover hummus into an airtight container before tossing it in the fridge.
As a friendly reminder, instead of dipping your food directly into the hummus container, we advise you just to scoop out the amount you need in a small serving bowl. This is one way to help preserve the rest of your tasty hummus for future use.
The goal here is to prevent early spoilage and minimize the chances of contamination that may come from the foods you are going to dip into your hummus. Additionally, you should always use clean utensils when scooping out hummus from the container.
Homemade hummus
Just like the ones sold refrigerated, homemade hummus should always be kept in the fridge. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container before refrigerating.
It can stay fresh in your refrigerator for a few days at temperatures below 40°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Whether you have store-bought or homemade hummus, it is best to keep them in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness and prevent early spoilage.
It is essential to practice food safety and proper hygiene to prevent foodborne illness. That’s why you should make sure that you should follow the abovementioned guides to keep your hummus safe from contamination.
Up Next: The Shelf life of Canned Foods
