A Quick Glance…
The shelf life of hummus depends on various factors, including its ingredients, preparation method, and storage conditions. Typically, homemade hummus stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator can last for about 3 to 5 days. However, commercially packaged hummus, when unopened and refrigerated, can have a longer shelf life of around 1 to 2 weeks past the expiration date. It’s important to always check the packaging for specific guidelines and use your judgment based on its appearance and smell to ensure its freshness and quality before consuming.
How to store hummus and extend its shelf life
The first thing you should do is look at the container you just bought and search for the “best if used by” date. Now, it is important to remember that this is completely different from an expiration date. The “best if used by” date is more about the quality of the food than it is about that food being harmful or spoiled.
Store bought hummus that is stored properly – lid kept securely on so moisture and bacteria do not get in, and refrigerated – can last anywhere from 3 to 10 days past the “best if used by” date.
Now if you made a homemade version of hummus, it is best to eat that hummus in a span of 3-5 days so it does not go bad on you. That is even if you place your homemade hummus in the fridge once it is made. You will still want to consume it within the week, so do not make hummus weeks in advance.
How to tell if hummus is bad
Having said all of that, when do you really know when your hummus is spoiled and not good for consumption? The best way to tell is by simply just smelling the hummus. When hummus goes bad, it has a certain smell to it.
That smell is a real sour smell. Don’t trust your nose? Then if you give it a taste, bad hummus will have a sour taste too. When hummus is fresh, it does not usually have a scent unless it has been seasoned or mixed with something.
So if you take a whiff or taste and your hummus tastes sour, the next thing that is coming your hummus’ way is mold. You do not want to ingest that. So throw your hummus away and go get a fresher container.
How long does hummus last in the freezer?
If you want your hummus to last longer, you can freeze it. However, as a warning, all hummus brands and recipes freeze differently, and freezing can change the texture of the spread. The best thing you can do is after your hummus defrosts, give it a good stir to try and get that rich texture back.
The good thing about storing your hummus in the freezer is that it will extend its life to around 6 months. So if you are making hummus for the holidays, you can get a head start on it now and put it in the freezer for good keeping.
A warning though, once you make your hummus with any meal, you will only have 4 to 7 days to eat that hummus before it goes bad. So make sure if there is a lot over, that you make time to eat it all or it will have to go in the trash.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hummus
- https://www.mashed.com/217312/heres-how-you-can-tell-when-hummus-has-gone-bad/
- https://www.tetrapak.com/processing/hummus/increase-shelf-life-of-hummus
