How Many Calories Are in 1 Tablespoon of Red Pepper Hummus?

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

The calorie count for a single tablespoon of red pepper hummus typically ranges from 25 to 50 calories, influenced by specific brand recipes and ingredient ratios. While hummus is celebrated as a nutritious dip, its caloric density can fluctuate significantly, with some brands being notably higher due to added oils or sugars. Understanding the nutritional variations is key for making informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

The number of calories in a tablespoon of red pepper hummus depends on the brand, with counts varying from 25 to 50 calories. Variations in ingredients, particularly the amount of tahini and olive oil, account for the caloric differences.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: One tablespoon of red pepper hummus typically contains 25 to 50 calories, depending on the brand and recipe.
Ingredient Impact: The primary drivers of the calorie count are the amounts of tahini and olive oil used, both of which are calorie-dense ingredients.
DIY Offers Control: Making your own hummus at home allows you to control the ingredients and reduce the calorie count by using less oil and tahini.
Compare Brands: Always check the nutritional labels of commercial products, as some brands explicitly market lower-calorie options.
Practice Portion Control: Measure out your serving to avoid excessive calorie intake, as it's easy to overconsume when dipping mindlessly.
Nutrient-Dense Choice: Despite its calories, red pepper hummus offers health benefits from chickpeas and red peppers, including plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins.

Understanding the Calories in Your Red Pepper Hummus

Hummus, a Mediterranean staple, is made primarily from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and spices. The roasted red pepper variety adds a smoky, sweet element and additional nutrients like Vitamin C and antioxidants. The exact number of calories can vary, primarily due to the tahini and olive oil content, which are both high in healthy fats but also add calories. Manufacturers' recipes often differ, leading to a range of caloric values.

For example, some brands like Open Acres list 25 calories per tablespoon, while others like Wellsley Farms indicate around 50 calories per tablespoon. To make a healthy choice, it is crucial to read and compare nutrition labels carefully. Certain manufacturers might also use lower-fat versions or omit high-calorie ingredients to create a lower-calorie alternative. Making hummus at home allows for total control over the ingredients, providing an opportunity to reduce calories by adjusting the amounts of oil and tahini.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Several components affect the final caloric value of red pepper hummus:

Tahini Content: Tahini is a sesame paste rich in fat, making it a significant contributor to the calorie count. Brands that use more tahini will have a higher caloric density.
Olive Oil Quantity: Hummus recipes often call for extra virgin olive oil. While it's a source of healthy fats, olive oil is calorie-dense. Reducing the amount used, particularly in homemade recipes, can lower the total calories.
Added Sugars: While traditional hummus does not contain sugar, some brands may add it for flavor. Always check the ingredients list to see if any form of sugar has been added, as this can increase the calorie count.
Fillers: Some commercial brands use lower-quality oils and fillers to bulk up their product and reduce costs, potentially affecting both the nutritional profile and calorie count.
Additives: Added preservatives or flavorings in commercial hummus may slightly alter the final caloric value. Reading the nutrition label is the best way to get accurate information for a specific product.

Red Pepper Hummus vs. Other Dips: A Comparison

When comparing red pepper hummus to other popular dips, its nutritional profile is often quite favorable, especially regarding protein and fiber content. However, portion size is critical for maintaining a healthy diet.


Dip	Typical Calorie Range (per tbsp)	Key Nutritional Advantages	Potential Drawbacks
Red Pepper Hummus	25-50 calories	Plant-based protein, fiber, healthy fats, Vitamins A and C from peppers.	Calorie-dense due to tahini and oil; variations exist between brands.
Guacamole	23-28 calories	Rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, and Vitamin K.	High fat content; easily overconsumed.
Spinach & Artichoke Dip	30-50+ calories	Some vitamins from vegetables.	Often high in saturated fat and sodium from cheese and cream.
Ranch Dressing/Dip	60-80+ calories	None	Typically high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium.

Calorie Management Tips

To enjoy red pepper hummus without overdoing the calories, consider these strategies:

Measure Portions: Use a measuring spoon to serve one or two tablespoons. It's easy to lose track when dipping directly from the tub.
Pair Wisely: Swap high-calorie chips for lower-calorie options like fresh vegetables (cucumber, bell peppers, carrots) or whole-grain crackers.
Dilute for a Lighter Dip: Create a lighter, fluffier texture by whipping your hummus with a little water, lemon juice, or even a low-fat yogurt. This helps to reduce the overall calories per spoonful.
DIY Control: Make your own red pepper hummus at home. This allows you to control the exact amount of tahini and olive oil, which are the main sources of calories.
Choose Lower-Calorie Brands: As the comparison table shows, calorie counts vary significantly by brand. Read labels to find one that aligns with your dietary needs.

Conclusion: A Mindful Approach to a Healthy Dip

Red pepper hummus remains a healthy and delicious snack choice, but its calorie count can vary. On average, a tablespoon contains between 25 and 50 calories, with factors like tahini and oil content influencing the final number. By being mindful of portion sizes, pairing it with healthy dippers, and considering lower-calorie or homemade options, you can continue to enjoy this flavorful dip as part of a balanced diet. Always checking the nutrition label of your specific brand is the most accurate way to understand its caloric content and make informed decisions about your snack choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red pepper hummus and regular hummus have similar base ingredients. The addition of roasted red peppers offers extra vitamins like Vitamin C and A. The overall healthiness depends more on the specific recipe and the amount of tahini and oil used.

To reduce calories, you can decrease the amount of tahini and olive oil. Some recipes substitute water or low-fat yogurt for some of the oil to maintain a creamy texture.

Hummus can be moderately high in fat, primarily due to tahini and olive oil. However, the fats are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. Mindful portion control is important to manage fat and calorie intake.

Hummus contains carbohydrates from chickpeas. While it can be part of a low-carb diet in small amounts, it's not suitable for strict keto diets. Healthline suggests limiting intake to 2-4 tablespoons to manage carb count.

Calorie counts can differ significantly between brands due to variations in recipes. Factors like the amount of tahini, oil, and potential fillers or additives can cause calorie counts to range from 25 to 50 calories per tablespoon.

A standard serving size for hummus is often listed as 2 tablespoons, which can contain anywhere from 50 to 70 calories depending on the brand.

Red pepper hummus is rich in plant-based protein and fiber from chickpeas and nutrients like Vitamin A, C, and antioxidants from red peppers. This combination aids in digestion and boosts the immune system.