All About Hummus
Your complete guide to hummus - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Hummus Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for hummus in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
frozen2-4 months
Signs of Spoilage
Freezer burn (dry, discolored spots) before thawing. After thawing: significant texture changes (grainy, excessively watery that won't stir back), off-odor, or mold (if not properly sealed or stored too long).
How to Check
Before freezing, ensure it's tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. After thawing (always thaw in the refrigerator), visually inspect for mold or unusual colors. Perform a smell test for any 'off' odors. The texture may be slightly different (a bit gummier or more watery), but it should still be palatable. If the smell is bad or mold is present, discard.
Storage Tips
Freeze hummus in airtight, freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of headspace as it will expand slightly. Individual portions are best for convenience. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight. After thawing, stir well and you may need to add a little fresh lemon juice or olive oil to restore its texture and flavor. While safe, the texture might be slightly altered (a bit gummier or more watery) compared to fresh hummus.
unopened shelf-stable6-12 months (until 'best by' date)
Signs of Spoilage
Swollen or bulging packaging, leaks, unusual odors upon opening (sour, fermented, metallic), visible mold, discoloration.
How to Check
Visually inspect the packaging for any damage, swelling, or leaks. Check the 'best by' or 'expiration' date. Upon opening, perform a smell test; it should smell fresh and slightly nutty. Do not taste if any 'off' signs are present.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, treat it as 'opened refrigerated' hummus.
unopened refrigerated1-2 weeks (until 'best by' date)
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (green, white, black fuzzy spots), sour or yeasty smell, significant discoloration (darkening or yellowing), excessive liquid separation that doesn't stir back in, hard or crusty surface.
How to Check
Check the 'best by' or 'use by' date. Visually inspect for mold or unusual colors. Perform a smell test; fresh hummus has a mild, earthy, slightly garlicky aroma. Any sour, fermented, or 'off' smell indicates spoilage. Do not taste if any doubt.
Storage Tips
Keep consistently refrigerated at 4°C (40°F) or below. Do not leave at room temperature for extended periods before opening.
opened refrigerated3-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (green, white, black fuzzy spots) on the surface or throughout, sour, fermented, yeasty, or 'off' smell, significant discoloration (darkening, greyish, or yellowish hues), slimy or excessively watery texture, hardened or dried-out surface.
How to Check
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Visual Inspection: Look carefully for any mold growth, especially around the edges or on the surface. Note any unusual color changes.
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Smell Test: Fresh hummus has a mild, earthy, slightly nutty aroma. If it smells sour, fermented, or otherwise unpleasant, discard it.
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Texture Check: If the texture is unusually slimy, overly dry, or crusty, it's likely spoiled. Do not taste if any of these signs are present. If in doubt, throw it out.
Storage Tips
Always store in an airtight container to minimize exposure to air and prevent absorption of other fridge odors. A thin layer of olive oil poured over the surface can help create a barrier against air and extend freshness by a day or two. Always use clean utensils to avoid cross-contamination. Homemade hummus generally has a shorter shelf life (3-5 days) due to lack of preservatives.