What are the ingredients in Simply Organic hummus?

A common question concerns the ingredients of Simply Organic hummus, especially when considering the brand's seasoning products. The ingredients for popular hummus products, such as Simply Nature or Simple Truth organic hummus, differ from the seasoning packets that Simply Organic provides for making homemade hummus.

Quick Summary

Clarification: Simply Organic doesn't sell pre-made hummus, it offers a seasoning packet. The ingredients for comparable organic hummus brands like Simply Nature and Simple Truth are listed, addressing the search intent.

Key Points

• Brand Misconception: 'Simply Organic' sells seasoning packets, not pre-made hummus, which is often confused with store brands.

• Simply Nature Ingredients: Aldi's organic hummus includes chickpeas, tahini, a blend of sunflower and olive oil, sea salt, garlic, cumin, and guar gum.

• Simple Truth Ingredients: Kroger's organic hummus is made with chickpeas, canola oil, tahini, lemon juice, sea salt, and garlic.

• DIY Hummus Seasoning: Simply Organic's roasted garlic seasoning contains roasted garlic, cumin, parsley, coriander, paprika, and sea salt, for homemade hummus.

• Essential Hummus Components: Chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt are the foundation of all traditional hummus.

• Ingredient Variations: Differences in hummus often involve oil types, stabilizers like guar gum, and the spices used.

Demystifying the Hummus Brand Confusion

When people search for 'What are the ingredients in Simply Organic hummus?', there is often a mix-up with similarly named store brands. The company Simply Organic is a well-known purveyor of spices and seasonings, including a roasted garlic hummus seasoning mix, but they do not produce a pre-made hummus dip. The products people are typically looking for are made by store brands such as Aldi's Simply Nature or Kroger's Simple Truth Organic. This article details the specific ingredients for these popular hummus products and clarifies what you'd find in a seasoning packet from the actual Simply Organic brand.

Ingredients in Simply Nature Organic Classic Hummus (from Aldi)

For those shopping at Aldi, the Simply Nature brand offers an organic classic hummus. Its ingredients prioritize organic, straightforward components, ensuring a clean and familiar taste. The ingredient list is typically as follows:

• Organic steamed chickpeas (organic chickpeas, water)
• Organic sesame tahini
• Blend of organic oils (organic sunflower oil, organic extra virgin olive oil)
• Sea salt
• Organic garlic
• Citric acid
• Organic cumin
• Organic guar gum

The inclusion of guar gum acts as a stabilizer, helping maintain the creamy consistency, while citric acid provides a tartness that complements the lemon juice concentrate often found in hummus recipes. The blend of sunflower and olive oil is chosen for a balanced flavor profile.

Ingredients in Simple Truth Organic Original Hummus (from Kroger)

Kroger's store brand, Simple Truth Organic, also sells an original hummus that features a slightly different oil and ingredient composition. Like Aldi's version, the focus is on a short, organic list:

• Organic Chickpeas (Organic Chickpeas, Water)
• Organic Canola Oil
• Organic Tahini (Organic Ground Sesame)
• Organic Lemon Juice
• Sea Salt
• Organic Garlic
• Citric Acid

Unlike Simply Nature, this version uses organic canola oil, which provides a neutral flavor, and lists organic lemon juice instead of a concentrate. It does not list guar gum, suggesting it achieves its texture through a different processing method or ingredient balance. Both brands, however, stick to the classic hummus base of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon.

Ingredients for Simply Organic Roasted Garlic Hummus Seasoning

For those who prefer to make their hummus from scratch, the actual Simply Organic brand offers a seasoning mix. The ingredients in their Roasted Garlic Hummus Seasoning are focused on delivering flavor, with the base ingredients—chickpeas, lemon, and oil—provided by the home cook. The seasoning packet contains:

• Organic Roasted Garlic
• Organic Cumin
• Organic Parsley
• Organic Coriander
• Organic Paprika
• Sea Salt

This option gives consumers full control over the oil type and quantity, as well as the freshness of the chickpeas, allowing for a highly customized batch of hummus. The mix provides a convenient shortcut to achieving the desired spice blend without needing multiple individual jars of seasoning.

How to Choose the Right Organic Hummus

Choosing between these different organic hummus options comes down to a few factors. For convenience, the pre-made tubs from Aldi (Simply Nature) and Kroger (Simple Truth) are an excellent choice. If you prefer more control over your ingredients and want to experiment with different flavor profiles, the Simply Organic seasoning packet is the way to go. The choice often depends on flavor preference, availability, and a desire for homemade freshness.

Here are some of the core differences in the products:

• Oils Used: Simply Nature uses a blend of sunflower and extra virgin olive oil, while Simple Truth uses canola oil. This can affect the flavor and fat profile.
• Texture & Stabilizers: Simply Nature lists guar gum for texture stability, whereas Simple Truth relies on its base ingredients. Homemade hummus's texture depends entirely on the preparation method.
• Flavor Control: The Simply Organic seasoning allows for ultimate flavor customization, from the amount of garlic to the blend of spices. Pre-made versions have a fixed flavor profile.

Comparison of Common Hummus Options

Feature	Simply Nature Organic Hummus	Simple Truth Organic Hummus	Homemade with Simply Organic Seasoning
Availability	Aldi stores	Kroger stores	Simply Organic retailers & online
Oil Type	Sunflower & Olive	Canola	Cook's choice
Texture	Stabilized, creamy (with guar gum)	Stabilized, creamy (no guar gum)	Variable, based on preparation
Spices	Garlic, Cumin, Spices	Garlic, Citric Acid	Roasted Garlic, Cumin, etc.
Convenience	High (pre-made)	High (pre-made)	Moderate (requires preparation)
Customization	Low	Low	High

Hummus Ingredients: A Universal Standard

Regardless of the brand or preparation method, the core components of traditional hummus remain the same. The dish is a blend of:

1. Chickpeas: The foundation of the dip, providing a creamy, starchy base.
2. Tahini: A paste made from ground sesame seeds that adds a nutty richness.
3. Lemon Juice: Provides the necessary acidity to balance the flavors.
4. Garlic: Contributes a pungent, aromatic flavor.
5. Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and is essential for seasoning.

Beyond these essentials, variations can include different oils, spices like cumin or paprika, and other add-ins such as roasted peppers or herbs. The organic versions simply ensure that these primary ingredients were grown and processed without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. For more on the basic components of hummus, you can visit the Wikipedia page for Hummus.

Conclusion

While there is no pre-made product labeled "Simply Organic hummus," the popular store brands Simply Nature (Aldi) and Simple Truth Organic (Kroger) are excellent alternatives. Both offer a transparent list of organic ingredients, adhering to classic hummus recipes with minor differences in oil and stabilizers. For those who prefer a hands-on approach, the Simply Organic roasted garlic hummus seasoning offers a convenient way to create a fresh, homemade version. By understanding these distinctions, consumers can make an informed choice that best fits their needs for convenience, customization, and ingredient transparency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Simply Organic hummus the same as Simply Nature hummus?

No, Simply Organic is a brand that sells spices and seasonings, including a mix for homemade hummus. Simply Nature is Aldi's private label for organic products, which includes a line of pre-made organic hummus.

What is the primary difference between Simply Nature and Simple Truth Organic hummus?

The main differences lie in the oil used and texture agents. Simply Nature uses a blend of sunflower and olive oil and includes guar gum, while Simple Truth uses canola oil and does not list guar gum.

Does Simply Organic sell a pre-made hummus?

No, Simply Organic does not offer a pre-made hummus. The company primarily sells organic spices and seasonings, including a roasted garlic hummus seasoning blend for making hummus at home.

What are the core ingredients in a standard hummus recipe?

The core ingredients are chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Other ingredients like oil and spices are often added for flavor and texture.

Are Simply Nature and Simple Truth hummus products vegan?

Yes, based on the ingredients listed on their packaging, both Simply Nature and Simple Truth Organic hummus products contain no animal-derived ingredients and are suitable for a vegan diet.

Can I use Simply Organic seasoning to make my own hummus?

Yes, the Simply Organic Roasted Garlic Hummus Seasoning is specifically designed to be added to a base of chickpeas, lemon, and oil to create a flavorful homemade hummus.

Why do some store-bought hummus brands use citric acid?

Citric acid is often used as a natural preservative and to add a tangy, acidic flavor that complements the lemon juice, helping to maintain freshness and enhance taste.