Is Hummus Considered a Highly Processed Food? A Clear Guide

October 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, highly processed foods may contain additives and preservatives that are not typically found in homemade recipes. This difference is key to understanding the question, is hummus considered a highly processed food?, which has a surprisingly nuanced answer depending on whether it's made at home or bought from a store.

Quick Summary

This article explores the classification of hummus, distinguishing between homemade and commercially produced versions. It examines the ingredients and manufacturing processes that determine the level of processing, helping consumers understand the nutritional differences and make healthier choices.

Key Points

Processing is a spectrum: Not all processed food is created equal. Homemade hummus is minimally processed, while store-bought versions range from processed to ultra-processed depending on ingredients.
Homemade is best: A classic homemade hummus, made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, is minimally processed and highly nutritious.
Store-bought can be ultra-processed: Many commercial hummus products contain additives, preservatives, emulsifiers, and industrial oils that push them into the ultra-processed category.
Read the label: The key to choosing a healthier store-bought hummus is to check the ingredient list for simple, recognizable ingredients and to avoid those with a long list of additives.
Hummus offers health benefits: Regardless of minor processing differences, hummus, particularly those with a clean ingredient list, is rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, supporting blood sugar management, digestive health, and weight control.
NOVA system clarifies: The NOVA food classification system provides a clear framework for understanding the different levels of food processing, from unprocessed to ultra-processed, which helps in assessing hummus.

Understanding the Spectrum of Food Processing

To determine if hummus is considered a highly processed food, it’s essential to understand that food processing exists on a spectrum, not as a simple yes-or-no question. The NOVA classification system, widely used in nutritional science, categorizes foods into four distinct groups based on the extent of their processing.

Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods. These are natural foods altered very little, if at all. Examples include whole fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.
Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients. These are substances derived from Group 1 foods through processes like pressing, milling, or refining. They are used to season or cook other foods. Think oils, sugar, and salt.
Group 3: Processed Foods. These are made by combining Group 1 and Group 2 ingredients. They are recognizable versions of the original foods with added substances for preservation or flavor enhancement. Examples include canned vegetables, cheeses, and freshly baked bread.
Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs). These are industrial formulations often containing many ingredients, including food substances rarely used in home cooking like emulsifiers, preservatives, and artificial flavors. UPFs are designed to be convenient, highly palatable, and have a long shelf life.

Homemade Hummus vs. Store-Bought Hummus

When evaluating hummus, the level of processing is entirely dependent on its source. The ingredients are the primary determining factor.

Homemade Hummus: Minimally Processed

A traditional, homemade hummus recipe uses simple, whole ingredients that fall into NOVA's Group 1 and 2, resulting in a minimally processed food. The preparation involves simple culinary techniques like cooking and blending, which are not considered industrial processing.

Chickpeas: Cooked, minimally processed legumes (NOVA Group 1).
Tahini: A processed culinary ingredient made from ground sesame seeds (NOVA Group 2).
Lemon Juice, Garlic, Salt: Simple culinary ingredients (NOVA Group 2).
Extra-virgin Olive Oil: A processed culinary ingredient (NOVA Group 2).

Because the ingredients are recognizable and the preparation is equivalent to home cooking, homemade hummus is a minimally processed food that is a highly nutritious and healthy option.

Store-Bought Hummus: Often Ultra-Processed

In contrast, commercially produced, store-bought hummus is often considered a processed or even ultra-processed food. The distinction lies in the manufacturing processes and the addition of industrial-grade ingredients.

Additives and Preservatives: Many store-bought varieties include preservatives like potassium sorbate or citric acid to extend shelf life. These are common in UPFs.
Industrial Ingredients: Some brands may add emulsifiers, gums (like guar gum), fillers, or vegetable oils (like canola oil) instead of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil.
Mass Production Techniques: Large-scale manufacturing uses industrial mixers and homogenization techniques that go beyond simple home blending to ensure a perfectly smooth, uniform texture, further pushing it into the ultra-processed category.

While some store-bought hummus with a short, clean ingredient list might be considered simply processed (NOVA Group 3), many popular options with extensive ingredient lists, preservatives, and fillers fall squarely into the ultra-processed (NOVA Group 4) category.

Comparison Table: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Hummus


Feature	Homemade Hummus	Store-Bought Hummus
Level of Processing	Minimally processed (NOVA Group 1 & 2)	Processed to ultra-processed (NOVA Group 3 & 4)
Key Ingredients	Chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt.	Chickpeas, tahini, water, fillers, canola oil, preservatives, additives.
Nutritional Profile	High in fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.	Can vary widely; some options are less nutrient-dense and higher in sodium and unhealthy fats.
Preparation Method	Simple blending of whole ingredients in a home kitchen.	Industrial manufacturing processes including homogenization and sterilization.
Shelf Life	Short, typically a few days to a week in the refrigerator.	Long, often several weeks or months, due to preservatives.
Additives	None	Common to find preservatives, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and natural or artificial flavors.

Making Healthier Choices

The most nutritious and minimally processed option is always to make your own hummus at home. This gives you complete control over the ingredients, ensuring you use high-quality, whole foods and avoid unnecessary additives, unhealthy oils, and excess sodium. A simple, classic hummus recipe requires only a handful of ingredients and takes just a few minutes in a food processor.

For those who prefer the convenience of pre-packaged hummus, the key is to be a discerning consumer. Read the ingredient label carefully. A higher-quality, less-processed store-bought hummus will have a short, recognizable ingredient list that mirrors a traditional recipe. Look for brands that primarily use chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil, and avoid those with an abundance of additives, stabilizers, or lower-quality oils like canola. Choosing these minimally processed versions can still be a part of a healthy diet, particularly when paired with vegetables or whole-grain crackers.

Conclusion

So, is hummus a highly processed food? The answer is that it can be, but it doesn't have to be. The level of processing depends entirely on its source. Homemade hummus is a minimally processed food, while many mass-produced, store-bought options fall into the ultra-processed category due to additives and industrial manufacturing. By being mindful of ingredient labels or opting to make it yourself, you can ensure that this versatile and healthy dip remains a nutritious part of your diet.

The Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods - A comprehensive guide from the Food Standards Agency on the ultra-processed food category.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, even a store-bought, processed hummus can still be a healthier choice than many other dips and spreads. The key is to choose varieties with simple, clean ingredient lists that are lower in sodium and don't contain a lot of unhealthy fillers or oils.

Processed foods (NOVA Group 3) are typically made with two or three simple ingredients added to a whole food (like salt in canned beans), while ultra-processed foods (NOVA Group 4) are industrial formulations with five or more ingredients, including those not used in home cooking, such as preservatives, emulsifiers, and artificial flavors.

Absolutely. Using canned chickpeas is a convenient way to make healthy hummus at home. Since canned chickpeas are a minimally processed food, blending them with other simple ingredients like tahini, lemon, and garlic will still result in a wholesome, minimally processed dip.

Look for a long and complex ingredient list that includes items like modified starches, gums (e.g., guar gum), specific preservatives (e.g., potassium sorbate), and added oils like canola instead of extra-virgin olive oil. Quality hummus will have a short list of familiar ingredients.

While not a definitive rule, homemade hummus often has a brighter, more complex flavor profile from fresh ingredients. Store-bought hummus can have a more uniform, less authentic flavor due to industrial processes and flavorings, or it may have a slightly bitter taste depending on the quality of ingredients like tahini.

Less-processed hummus is rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, which support digestive health, help manage blood sugar, and can aid in weight management by increasing satiety. The natural, whole ingredients also provide essential vitamins and minerals.

The NOVA system is widely used for research and public health recommendations, but some aspects of it have been subject to debate. While it's a valuable tool, it's important to remember that it categorizes based on processing extent, not individual nutrient content, and that context matters.