What are the ingredients in hummus chips?

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, chickpea flour is a key component, with popular brands listing it as a primary ingredient. This core ingredient is what gives the snack its name, but what are the ingredients in hummus chips that contribute to their flavor, texture, and other qualities?

Quick Summary

This article details the ingredients found in hummus chips, covering primary components like chickpea flour, binders such as starches, and key flavorings and seasonings. It examines different brand variations and compares them to other popular snacks.

Key Points

Core Ingredient: Chickpea flour is the main ingredient that gives hummus chips their name and base flavor.
Texture Components: Starches like potato starch and flours such as rice and maize are added to achieve the desired crisp and crunch.
Key Fats: Rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, or safflower oil are typically used to create the final, crispy texture of the chips.
Diverse Flavorings: While simple salted versions exist, many varieties incorporate complex seasonings using powders from onion, garlic, tomato, and various herbs and spices.
Not from Dip: The chips are made from chickpea flour, not from pre-made hummus, although the flavorings might be inspired by the popular dip.
Ingredient Transparency: Examining the label is important, as ingredients vary between brands, from simple recipes to those with added flavor enhancers and starches.

Core Ingredients of Hummus Chips

Hummus chips get their characteristic flavor and structure from a few core ingredients. The main component is chickpea flour, which is ground from dried chickpeas. This flour is the foundation of the chip's unique, nutty taste and provides a significant portion of its protein and fiber content.

Binders and starches

To achieve the perfect crunch and texture, chickpea flour is typically combined with other flours and starches. Common additions include:

Rice Flour: Often used to lighten the texture and provide a crisper bite.
Potato Starch: This acts as a binder and helps create a smooth, consistent dough before baking or frying.
Maize Flour (Corn Flour): Adds body and a slightly different flavor profile to the final product.

Oils and fats

Rapeseed oil (canola oil) is a frequently used oil in the production of hummus chips, valued for its neutral flavor and good stability when cooking. Sunflower and/or safflower oils are also common alternatives. The type of oil used impacts the nutritional profile, particularly the fat content, but is essential for creating the chip's desired texture.

Seasonings and flavors

Basic salted hummus chips often contain simple seasonings like sea salt and potassium chloride. However, a wide variety of flavored hummus chips are available, which include more complex ingredient lists. For example, tomato and basil flavored chips may contain rice flour, dextrose, sugar, tomato powder, yeast extract, onion powder, herbs like basil and parsley, and citric acid for a tangy kick.

Variations in Hummus Chips

The ingredient list for hummus chips can vary significantly between brands, with some focusing on simpler, more natural ingredients while others use more advanced flavorings. Some brands emphasize a short, clean ingredient list, while others may include natural flavors or other additives to enhance the taste and shelf-life. Homemade hummus chips offer the most control over ingredients, typically using just chickpea flour, water, oil, and seasonings.

Ingredient comparison: Name Brand vs. Simple Recipe


Feature	Name Brand Hummus Chips (e.g., Eat Real)	Simple Homemade Hummus Chips
Primary Flour	Chickpea Flour, Rice Flour, Maize Flour	Chickpea Flour
Binder/Starch	Potato Starch	Often no additional starches; chickpea flour binds itself
Oil	Rapeseed Oil	Olive oil or chosen vegetable oil
Seasonings	Salt, potassium chloride, flavorings, acids	Salt, cumin, paprika, other spices
Processing	Extruded, fried or baked commercially	Rolled out and baked at home
Allergens	May contain milk or other allergens depending on flavor	Controlled by the home chef

What Makes a Hummus Chip a 'Hummus Chip'?

While traditional hummus is a creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, the 'hummus' in hummus chips primarily refers to the chickpea-based flour used. The name does not imply that the chips are made from a prepared hummus dip. Instead, they are formulated as a crispy snack with a base of chickpea flour. The branding leverages the association with the popular dip to suggest a healthier or more interesting flavor profile than standard potato or corn chips.

Flavor considerations

The seasoning applied to hummus chips can be inspired by classic hummus flavors, but it is not a direct replication of the dip itself. A simple salted variety will highlight the taste of the chickpea flour, while others mimic popular hummus dips like roasted red pepper or garlic. The overall flavor is influenced by the interaction of the chickpea flour with the added starches, oils, and specific flavorings chosen by the manufacturer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ingredients in hummus chips are centered on chickpea flour, which is blended with starches like potato or rice flour for texture. Rapeseed or other vegetable oils provide the crispy finish, and various seasonings, including sea salt and specific flavor extracts, define the final taste. The ingredient list can vary by brand, with some opting for simpler formulations and others incorporating more complex flavorings. Understanding these core components provides clarity on why these snacks, despite their name, are quite distinct from the classic creamy hummus dip.

Alternative Stores sells Eat Real Hummus Chips with a clear ingredients list.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary ingredient in hummus chips is chickpea flour. This provides the foundational flavor and nutritional basis for the snack.

Many hummus chips are naturally gluten-free because they are made from chickpea flour, rice flour, and potato starch. However, it is essential to check the specific product's packaging for a 'gluten-free' certification to be certain, as some manufacturing processes may introduce cross-contamination.

Hummus chips are often perceived as a healthier alternative due to their chickpea flour base, which can provide more protein and fiber than standard potato chips. However, the overall nutritional value depends on the specific brand's ingredients, fat content, and sodium levels.

No, ingredients vary significantly between brands. While chickpea flour is standard, the types of additional flours, starches, oils, and flavorings can differ. Always read the nutritional label for the most accurate information on a specific product.

Flavored hummus chips are made by adding seasoning blends to the dough or by dusting the chips after cooking. These blends typically consist of dried vegetable powders (e.g., tomato, onion, garlic), herbs, spices, and natural flavorings.

Yes, different brands use varying oils. Common options include rapeseed oil (canola), sunflower oil, and safflower oil. These oils are chosen for their stability during cooking and their neutral flavor profile.

Yes, homemade hummus chips are simple to make with chickpea flour, water, oil, and seasonings. This allows for full control over the ingredients, including the type of oil, seasonings, and sodium content.