Is Hummus Considered a Processed Food? A Definitive Guide

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to food classification systems like the NOVA scale, virtually all food is processed to some degree. So, is hummus considered a processed food? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, depending largely on whether it's made at home or bought from a store.

Quick Summary

Hummus is processed, but the extent varies greatly. While homemade versions are minimally processed, store-bought types often contain preservatives and additives, pushing some toward ultra-processed status. Health-conscious consumers should check labels carefully.

Key Points

Not all processing is bad: The term 'processed' covers a wide spectrum, from minimal alterations like chopping to intensive manufacturing.
Homemade is minimally processed: Making hummus at home involves simple kitchen methods like cooking and blending, resulting in a minimally processed and highly nutritious food.
Store-bought can be ultra-processed: Many commercial brands add preservatives, thickeners, and alternative oils to extend shelf life and alter texture, making them more heavily or even 'ultra-processed'.
Check the ingredients list: The best way to identify a minimally processed store-bought hummus is to look for a short ingredient list with familiar items like chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and olive oil.
Read nutritional labels: Pay close attention to sodium levels and the type of oils used, as these can vary significantly between commercial hummus brands.
Make your own for control: For ultimate control over freshness, ingredients, and flavor, making hummus at home is the best option.

Understanding the Processed Food Spectrum

The term "processed food" can be misleading, conjuring images of unhealthy, preservative-laden junk. However, the reality is that processing exists on a spectrum. A simple definition, supported by bodies like the USDA, states that a food is processed if it has been altered from its natural state. This can include everything from washing and freezing to milling and cooking. The key distinction, particularly for health, is the difference between minimally processed, processed, and ultra-processed foods.

Minimally Processed Foods: These are whole foods that have undergone slight alterations for convenience or safety, such as pre-cut vegetables, frozen fruits, or roasted nuts. Cooking dried chickpeas is a form of minimal processing.
Processed Foods: These are products made by combining minimally processed ingredients, often with added salt, sugar, or fats. Canned goods, cheese, and simple homemade bread fall into this category. Most homemade hummus would fit here.
Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs): These are complex formulations manufactured with extensive processing. They often include additives like preservatives, emulsifiers, artificial flavors, and sweeteners not typically used in home cooking. Ready-to-eat meals, sugary cereals, and many packaged snacks are prime examples. Some store-bought hummus, depending on its ingredients, can fall into this category.

The Hummus Spectrum: Homemade vs. Store-Bought

The most significant factor determining hummus's level of processing is how it was made. Homemade hummus and commercial varieties are worlds apart in their journey from raw ingredients to finished product.

Homemade Hummus: Minimally Processed

When you make hummus at home, the process is straightforward and transparent. You control every ingredient, and the alterations are minimal. A standard recipe involves:

Cooking Chickpeas: Dried chickpeas are soaked and then boiled. Alternatively, canned chickpeas are drained and rinsed.
Combining Ingredients: The chickpeas are blended with tahini (ground sesame seeds), lemon juice, garlic, and high-quality olive oil.
Blending: The mixture is pureed until it reaches a desired consistency.

This process involves basic culinary techniques—cooking, grinding, and mixing—that have been used for centuries. The final product is a nutrient-dense dip free from additives, fillers, or excessive sodium.

Store-Bought Hummus: Processed to Potentially Ultra-Processed

Commercially produced hummus undergoes a more complex manufacturing process designed for scalability and shelf-stability. While some brands keep their ingredient lists simple, many introduce additional components to achieve specific results.

Extending Shelf Life: Preservatives like citric acid or potassium sorbate are often added to prevent spoilage and maintain freshness over several weeks or months.
Improving Texture: To achieve a consistent, smooth texture, manufacturers may use stabilizers and thickeners, which are not found in traditional recipes.
Boosting Flavor: In some cases, natural flavors or added sugars might be used, along with varying types of oils, which can include less expensive, highly-processed seed oils like canola or sunflower oil.
Sodium Content: Store-bought hummus can have significantly higher sodium levels than homemade versions, as salt is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Hummus: A Comparative Look

To better understand the differences, here is a breakdown of homemade versus typical store-bought hummus.


Feature	Homemade Hummus	Store-Bought Hummus
Level of Processing	Minimally to Processed	Processed to Ultra-Processed
Ingredients	Chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, spices	Base ingredients plus preservatives, thickeners, stabilizers, and potentially inferior oils
Freshness	High. Made with fresh ingredients and meant for immediate consumption or storage for a few days	Varies. Longer shelf life due to processing and preservatives, which can impact taste
Nutritional Profile	Excellent. High in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. You control sodium and additives	Varies significantly by brand. Can be high in sodium and less-healthy fats. Some brands are still very nutritious
Customization	Complete. You can adjust flavors, ingredients, and consistency to your preference	Limited to what is available in the store
Cost	Often more cost-effective per serving, especially when buying ingredients in bulk	Can be more expensive per serving compared to making a larger batch at home. Convenient, but costs more

Making the Best Choice for Your Health

The bottom line is that the term "processed" isn't a simple indicator of a food's healthiness. When it comes to hummus, a little processing is inevitable and not inherently bad. However, understanding the degree of processing is what empowers you to make informed decisions.

Here are some practical steps for choosing the healthiest hummus:

Read the Ingredients List: The fewer ingredients, the better. Look for whole, recognizable foods like chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. A long list of unfamiliar chemical names is a red flag for a highly processed product.
Scan the Nutrition Facts: Compare brands, paying close attention to sodium content. Some store-bought options can have surprisingly high levels of salt.
Go Homemade: For ultimate control over ingredients and freshness, try making hummus yourself. It's a quick and easy process with a food processor. A simple and delicious recipe can be found on BBC Good Food.

Conclusion

So, is hummus considered a processed food? Yes, in the broadest sense of the term. All hummus is processed, whether through boiling and blending at home or via a commercial manufacturing line. The critical distinction lies in the degree of processing. Homemade hummus is minimally processed, offering maximum nutritional benefits and fresh flavor. In contrast, many store-bought varieties are more heavily processed, potentially with unnecessary additives and higher sodium. By understanding the processed food spectrum and checking labels, you can confidently choose the healthiest and most delicious hummus for your plate.

Note: While some commercially prepared hummus is technically 'ultra-processed' due to added preservatives, they still offer a rich source of fiber and plant protein, making them a healthier snack choice than many other convenient alternatives. Making the best choice involves balancing convenience with nutritional awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the level of processing. Homemade hummus is minimally processed using basic kitchen techniques, while store-bought versions often undergo more extensive processing and may contain added preservatives, stabilizers, and extra salt to prolong shelf life.

Some store-bought hummus is considered 'ultra-processed' because it contains ingredients not typically found in a home kitchen, such as specific preservatives (like potassium sorbate or citric acid) or thickeners, which are added to improve texture and shelf stability.

Yes, even many store-bought hummus varieties provide a rich source of fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats from their base ingredients, primarily chickpeas and tahini. They can be a healthy, convenient snack option when chosen carefully.

To identify heavily processed hummus, check the ingredient list for an abundance of items, including thickeners (like guar gum), stabilizers, preservatives, and potentially less-healthy seed oils. A long list with unfamiliar chemical names is a strong indicator.

Yes, tahini itself is considered a processed culinary ingredient, as it is made by grinding sesame seeds into a paste. However, this is a form of minimal processing, similar to making peanut butter.

Yes, a moderately processed hummus can still be part of a healthy diet. The goal is to be aware of the degree of processing and to opt for brands with simpler ingredient lists and lower sodium content whenever possible. It is often a healthier snack choice than many other ready-to-eat options.

Yes, using canned chickpeas means your hummus starts with a processed ingredient. However, the finished product is still considered minimally processed, as you are simply combining and blending pre-prepared ingredients without adding extensive preservatives or additives.