A favorite in many households, hummus is a flavorful and practical dip. Hummus is a terrific choice if you’re searching for a nutritious snack, a spread for your sandwich, or a dip for your vegetables and crackers.
Hummus can expire, though, and it’s crucial to understand how long it lasts and what to watch out for when attempting to decide if it’s still safe to consume. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the shelf life of hummus, telltale indicators that it’s expired, and storage advice to help it last longer.
Like other food products, hummus can go bad, whether it is produced at home or purchased from a store, therefore it’s crucial to know how long it will stay good.
Hummus is an adaptable dip that is available in a variety of flavors, each with a different shelf life. The typical hummus, which is produced with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and seasonings, can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 10 days if it is sealed and for up to 7 days after it is opened.
However, certain hummus varieties have a shorter shelf life because of the extra ingredients they include. For instance, hummus that has additional veggies like spinach, roasted red pepper, or beetroot may not keep as long as regular hummus. They typically remain fresh for 5-7 days after being opened.
Due to the perishable nature of dairy products, hummus produced with ingredients like cream cheese or sour cream has a lower shelf life of roughly 3–4 days after opening.
How strict is the hummus expiration date?
The expiration date on store-bought hummus is an indication of when the product is at its peak quality. The date is set by the manufacturer and it’s important to note that it’s not a safety date. It means that after that date the hummus might lose some of its texture, taste, and nutritional value.
However, it’s still safe to eat, especially if it’s been stored properly and doesn’t show any signs of spoilage. You can check it visually or by smelling and tasting it. If it looks, smells and tastes fine, it should be safe to consume.
For homemade hummus, the shelf-life is shorter and it’s recommended to consume it within 3-5 days, and it’s important to properly store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Similarly, other perishable foods have their own expiration timelines to consider, such as udon noodles, which can spoil if not stored properly, nachos that may become stale after their best-before date, churros that can lose their freshness, and sushi, which has a very short shelf life due to the raw fish and should be eaten promptly.
What will happen if you eat expired hummus?
Eating expired hummus that has been stored properly and hasn’t shown any signs of spoilage is unlikely to cause serious illness. However, consuming expired hummus can lead to food poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps.
Expired hummus that has not been stored properly or shows signs of spoilage such as off odors, discoloration, or mold should not be consumed. These can be an indication of bacterial growth which can cause food poisoning.
It’s always a good idea to check the expiration date and inspect the hummus before consuming it. If it looks, smells, or tastes off, it’s best to discard it. To avoid any potential health dangers, it’s generally wise to adhere to the rule of caution and toss out any food that has gone bad.
Homemade vs store-bought hummus?
Homemade hummus and store-bought hummus can have different shelf lives depending on the ingredients used and the preparation methods.
Homemade hummus, made with fresh ingredients and without preservatives, typically has a shorter shelf life than store-bought hummus. Homemade hummus can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.
Store-bought hummus, on the other hand, is made with preservatives that help to extend its shelf life. Unopened store-bought hummus can last for up to 10 days in the refrigerator, and opened store-bought hummus can last for up to 7 days.
It’s also worth noting that store-bought hummus may have added ingredients that can affect the shelf life, such as dairy products which can decrease the shelf life, or added vinegar which can increase the shelf life.
It’s important to pay attention to the expiration date on store-bought hummus and to the appearance, smell, and texture of both homemade and store-bought hummus to determine if it has gone bad. If it has an off smell, mold, or discoloration, it should be discarded. It’s also important to store the hummus correctly, which means keeping it in an airtight container, in the refrigerator.
How to tell if your hummus has gone bad?
Again like any other food item, hummus can spoil if not stored properly. Here are some signs to look for to determine if your hummus has gone bad:
- Off-odor or sour smell: One of the most obvious signs of spoiled hummus is an off-odor or sour smell. If the hummus smells sour or rancid, it is likely that it has spoiled and should be discarded.
- Change in color: Fresh hummus is usually a pale beige color. If the hummus has turned darker, grayish, or discolored, it is a sign that it is no longer fresh and should be thrown away.
- Presence of mold: If you notice any mold growing on the surface of the hummus, it is a clear indication that the hummus has spoiled. Mold can cause serious health issues and should be avoided at all costs.
- Change in texture: Fresh hummus should have a smooth and creamy texture. If the hummus becomes slimy or watery, it is a sign that it has spoiled and should be discarded.
- Presence of bubbles: If you notice bubbles forming on the surface of the hummus, it is an indication of fermentation. This means that the hummus has gone bad and should be thrown away.
It’s important to note that hummus should be stored properly in an airtight container, in the refrigerator.
Should hummus be refrigerated?
Hummus should be refrigerated and consumed within 5-7 days of opening. If the hummus has been made at home, it should be consumed within 3-4 days if refrigerated. If it has been sitting at room temperature for an extended period of time, it should be discarded. It is also important to make sure that the hummus is stored in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent contamination.
How long will homemade hummus remain fresh in the fridge?
Homemade hummus will typically remain fresh in the refrigerator for 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container. It’s important to ensure that the hummus is properly stored to prevent spoilage and to ensure food safety. It’s also a good idea to check the hummus for any signs of spoilage before consuming it, such as off odors or discoloration.
How to keep your hummus fresh for weeks?
There are a few ways to keep your hummus fresh for weeks:
- Store it in an airtight container: Keeping your hummus in an airtight container can help to prevent air and bacteria from getting in, which can cause it to spoil more quickly.
- Keep it in the refrigerator: Hummus should be stored in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for as long as possible. The cold temperature of the refrigerator can slow down the growth of bacteria, which can prolong the shelf life of your hummus.
- Keep it covered with a layer of oil: Covering the surface of the hummus with a layer of oil can help to prevent the hummus from drying out and developing a hard layer on top.
- Press the plastic wrap: When storing the hummus in an airtight container, press the plastic wrap against the hummus to remove any air pockets that can lead to spoilage.
- (If you are making your hummus at home)Make small batches: If you don’t plan to eat all of the hummus within the shelf life, try making smaller batches so you can use it all before it expires.
What to do with old hummus?
One way to dispose of expired hummus is to put it in the trash. Be sure to put it in a sealed container or a plastic bag before throwing it away to avoid any spills or odors.
Another option would be to compost it if you have a compost bin. Since hummus is made mostly of vegetable ingredients, it can be safely added to the compost bin.
It’s also important to keep in mind that you should not try to revive expired hummus by adding fresh ingredients or freezing it. Once you saw signs of spoilage on your hummus, it’s no longer safe to eat and should be thrown away.
Symptoms if you ate spoiled hummus?
Eating spoiled food, including hummus, can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms, some of which can be serious. It’s important to be aware of the signs of food poisoning and to take appropriate action if you suspect that you have consumed spoiled food.
Symptoms of food poisoning from spoiled hummus can include:
- Nausea and vomiting: These are some of the most common symptoms of food poisoning and can be caused by the presence of bacteria in spoiled food.
- Diarrhea: This is another common symptom of food poisoning, caused by the body’s attempt to flush out the toxins from the spoiled food.
- Stomach cramps and pain: The stomach and intestines may become irritated and inflamed from consuming spoiled food, leading to stomach cramps and pain.
- Fatigue and weakness: Food poisoning can also cause a general feeling of weakness and fatigue as the body fights off the infection.
- Headaches: Some people may experience headaches as a symptom of food poisoning.
If you suspect that you have consumed spoiled hummus and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention. In some cases, food poisoning can lead to serious complications such as dehydration, and in rare cases, it can be life-threatening.
