Quick summary: Yes, hummus can go bad over time and is a perishable product. The shelf life of hummus depends on whether it’s store-bought or homemade and whether it’s kept in the refrigerator or on the shelf.
If you have leftover hummus in the fridge from the other day and wonder if you can eat it, look no further. We have all the information you need.
Hummus is a delicious dip that comes in many versions. Often you buy a few different flavors, and you can’t finish them up in one evening. Then you are left with a few bowls of hummus residue, and you do not know how long you can keep them in the refrigerator or how to recognize that the product is spoiled.
We have to mention right at the beginning that hummus is a perishable product. It is sold in two versions, one that stands on regular shelves in the store and the other that is in the refrigerator. You need to store them differently when you get home, but certain instructions apply to both. Here’s everything you need to know about your favorite dip.
How Long Does Hummus Last?
Store bought hummus has different duration depending on how it is packaged. So the unrefrigerated version will last differently than the one kept in a cool place. Also, if you are a hummus connoisseur and do it yourself at home, you can count on a different duration.
So how long is hummus good for? Here are the guidelines on hummus shelf life:
Shelf-stable hummus
The unopened hummus that stands on the regular shelf in the store has a different way of production and a slightly more durable formula with long shelf life. Such hummus should be good even a month after the expiration date printed on the package. Keep opened hummus in the fridge and consume it within a week.
Refrigerated hummus
You need to keep this sauce in the fridge at all times, whether it is open or not. In terms of duration, the deadline printed on the package will be your main guideline. Maybe the product may be good a few days after that deadline, but certainly nothing significant. When you open it, you should spend it within four days ideally.
Homemade hummus
Fresh hummus you make at home does not have any preservatives, so its duration cannot be significant. Such a homemade sauce will likely be good for four or a maximum of five days. Be sure to keep it in the fridge at all times.
You can always freeze hummus, especially if it’s homemade. It is necessary to follow a few simple instructions, choose an airtight container or wrap the hummus in a freezer bag and store it for up to 4 months.
Can Hummus Go Bad?
Hummus is definitely a perishable product, and you should not consume it if you suspect it is spoiled. This could cause serious health problems if you ignore the signs. Here’s how to tell if hummus is bad and whether a sauce is usable or not.
Sign 1: It lingers in the fridge for a long time
Hummus is a perishable item. As we said, you should generally consume it within four days of opening, and a maximum within a week if it is shelf-stable. So if you know your dip sits in the fridge longer than that, be sure to throw it away. Even if everything seems fine to you, the risk is too great.
Sign 2: The appearance is not right
Mold can develop on hummus surface or hummus container, which is by no means desirable for consumption, especially since you use it as a dipping sauce and do not heat it. If you notice any discoloration in the sauce, throw it away.
Sign 3: Taste or smell is unusual
Sour smell and bad taste will also show if the product is spoiled. If you notice any deviation from what it was originally, you should throw the product in the trash.
What Is The Best Way To Store Hummus?
Hummus is a sensitive product and will not tolerate heat or the presence of other food residues. Here are the basic guidelines for storing hummus to preserve its quality.
Tip 1: Keep in the fridge after opening
Towards hummus, you should act like a trader until the opening. If it was on the shelves in the store, you could also keep it on a standard shelf in the kitchen. If it was in the fridge, be sure to put it in the fridge when you get home. Once you have opened it, the product must be refrigerated in both cases.
Tip 2: Seal well
It is important to close the package tightly after opening it. If you see that this is not possible in the original packaging, transfer the hummus to an air-tight container and seal it.
Tip 3: Prevent contamination and keep good food hygiene
Hummus is the sauce in which we usually dip tortillas or other bread products. If you are a fan of dipping, set aside the amount you need and safely store the rest in the refrigerator. If any other food gets into the hummus, rest assured it will spoil in record time. Contaminated food will not endure long.
FAQs
How can you tell if hummus is bad?
You can tell if hummus is bad by checking for an off smell, mold growth, or changes in color and texture. If the hummus smells sour, has visible mold, or has an unusual appearance, it’s best to avoid consuming it.
Is it okay to eat expired hummus?
No, it’s not advisable to eat expired hummus, especially if it shows signs of spoilage.
Can old hummus make you sick?
Yes, consuming old hummus that has gone bad or developed harmful bacteria could potentially lead to foodborne illness. If the hummus has an off smell, mold, or unusual texture, it’s best to avoid eating it to prevent any health risks.
How long does hummus last in fridge?
Hummus typically lasts for about 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Its freshness and quality can vary, so it’s advisable to check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or mold growth, before consuming.
Conclusion
Hummus is an excellent addition to many meals, and your friends will surely be delighted if you serve them a couple of types of hummus during a nice dinner. However, keep in mind that this is a perishable sauce, so if you have leftovers, keep them in the refrigerator and follow the guidelines on how to assess whether the product has expired.
Tanja is great lover of healthy eating and lifestyle, she has been editing TV series about nutrition and health for years. She also engaged in food production in the family business, mainly focused on fruit processing without destroying vitamins and minerals. She believes that quality nutrition is one of the key ingredients of a happy and healthy life.
