Can a blood type eat hummus? The definitive answer

January 9, 2026 •

3 min read

Hummus is a beloved dip, but in the world of fad diets, questions about its compatibility with specific blood types have emerged. Proponents of the Blood Type Diet claim that the chickpeas in traditional hummus are an 'avoid' for most blood types, leading many to wonder if they should skip this healthy snack.

Quick Summary

The Blood Type Diet's claim that chickpeas in hummus are incompatible with certain blood types lacks scientific evidence. Nutritional science confirms that hummus is a healthy, fiber-rich food for all individuals, regardless of their blood group. Any observed health benefits from following such a diet are likely due to adopting healthier eating habits overall, not blood type.

Key Points

Blood Type Diet Lacks Scientific Proof: Multiple scientific reviews have found no evidence to support the claims of the blood type diet.
Hummus is Generally Healthy: As a food based on chickpeas, hummus is a good source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats for everyone.
Chickpeas are not Problematic for Most: The theory that lectins in chickpeas are harmful to specific blood types is unsubstantiated by scientific evidence.
Any Health Gains are Incidental: If followers of the blood type diet experience benefits, it is likely due to the emphasis on whole, unprocessed foods, rather than following blood-type-specific rules.
Enjoy Hummus Regardless of Blood Type: Unless you have a specific allergy, there is no scientific reason to avoid hummus based on your blood type.

Debunking the Blood Type Diet Theory on Hummus

The notion that a person's blood type dictates which foods they should eat, including hummus, originates from Dr. Peter D'Adamo's 1996 book, Eat Right 4 Your Type. His theory suggests that certain proteins called lectins, found in food, can interact negatively with a person's blood type, causing issues like fatigue and inflammation. Based on this idea, the diet categorizes foods as beneficial, neutral, or to-be-avoided for each blood group (O, A, B, and AB). In the specific case of hummus, D'Adamo's followers advise that chickpeas—the primary ingredient—are an 'avoid' for blood types A, B, and AB, and merely 'neutral' for type O.

The Lack of Scientific Consensus

However, the scientific community has consistently refuted the Blood Type Diet's foundational premise. A systematic review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2013 found no evidence to validate the health benefits associated with the diet. Subsequent studies have also failed to establish any link between an individual's ABO blood genotype and health outcomes based on this diet. Nutrition experts point out that the lectin theory is flawed, as most lectins are destroyed by cooking and react with all blood types, not just specific ones.

Hummus: A Healthy Option for Everyone

For anyone not following the unproven Blood Type Diet, hummus is widely considered a highly nutritious food.

High in Fiber: Hummus, rich in chickpeas, is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health.
Low Glycemic Index: The ingredients in hummus contribute to a low glycemic index, meaning it releases sugar slowly into the bloodstream, helping to manage blood sugar levels.
Packed with Protein: With chickpeas and tahini (sesame seed paste), hummus offers a good amount of plant-based protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied.
Heart-Healthy Fats: The olive oil often used in hummus provides monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health.

Table: Blood Type Diet vs. Modern Nutritional Science on Hummus


Feature	Blood Type Diet (D'Adamo's Theory)	Modern Nutritional Science Consensus
Stance on Hummus	Avoid for Types A, B, and AB. Neutral for Type O. Modifications with other beans are recommended.	Hummus is a healthy food option for all blood types and individuals.
Basis for Recommendations	The purported reaction of food lectins with specific blood antigens based on ancestral diets.	Evidence-based nutritional content, focusing on fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Impact on Health	Claims improved health, weight loss, and disease prevention through blood-type-specific eating.	Observes that benefits come from adopting generally healthy eating habits, not adherence to blood type rules.
Source of Evidence	The theory was developed and promoted by a naturopath, without independent, peer-reviewed scientific backing.	Supported by numerous scientific reviews and a large body of nutritional research.

How to Safely Enjoy Hummus

Since the blood type diet is not scientifically supported, the vast majority of health professionals agree that almost everyone can safely enjoy hummus as part of a balanced diet. Those with specific allergies or sensitivities to ingredients like sesame (tahini) or legumes should, of course, exercise caution. For those interested in exploring the diet further for personal interest, D'Adamo's website offers alternative recipes, such as a white bean hummus, for followers concerned about chickpeas. For evidence-based nutritional advice, always consult with a registered dietitian or medical professional.

Conclusion

In summary, the question of whether a blood type can eat hummus is based on an unscientific theory. A robust body of scientific evidence and expert consensus confirms that blood type does not determine dietary compatibility. Hummus is a healthy, nutrient-rich food that can be enjoyed by individuals of all blood types. Concerns about specific food sensitivities are best addressed with a healthcare provider, not by following a restrictive fad diet lacking scientific validation.

For more information on the lack of scientific evidence for the blood type diet, consult the systematic review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Blood Type Diet is not scientifically proven. Major research, including a 2013 systematic review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found no evidence to support its claims.

Yes, people with Type O blood can safely eat hummus. While the unproven Blood Type Diet lists chickpeas as 'neutral' for Type O, nutritional science considers hummus a healthy option for all blood types.

No. The theory that the lectins in traditional hummus ingredients like chickpeas can cause problems for specific blood types is not supported by scientific evidence. Cooking and preparation destroy most lectins.

In the Blood Type Diet theory, the lectins in chickpeas are claimed to interact negatively with the blood antigens of Type A, B, and AB individuals, leading to health issues. This claim lacks scientific backing.

Yes, if you choose to adhere to the Blood Type Diet, recipes using alternative beans like white beans (cannellini) are available and promoted by D'Adamo's followers. However, this is not nutritionally necessary.

Hummus is high in dietary fiber, plant-based protein, and heart-healthy fats. It also has a low glycemic index, which helps with blood sugar management.

Most health professionals recommend focusing on a balanced, whole-foods diet rather than following the restrictive and scientifically unproven Blood Type Diet. Consult a doctor or dietitian for personalized nutritional advice.