What brand of hummus is gluten-free?

December 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 3 million Americans suffer from Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten. While traditional hummus is naturally gluten-free, made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and spices, processed versions from some brands can contain hidden gluten or be cross-contaminated during manufacturing. Choosing the right brand of hummus is crucial for those with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease.

Quick Summary

Several prominent brands, including Sabra, Boar's Head, and Cedar's, offer certified gluten-free hummus options, clearly labeled for consumer safety. The key is to check for specific gluten-free certification, read ingredients carefully for additives, and be aware of cross-contamination risks during manufacturing.

Key Points

Check Labels for Safety: Always look for a "gluten-free" label or third-party certification from organizations like GFCO to ensure product safety.
Trusted Brands: Reliable brands such as Sabra, Boar's Head, Cedar's, and Tribe offer explicitly labeled gluten-free hummus options, making shopping easier.
Avoid Cross-Contamination: Be aware of products made in facilities that also process wheat or other gluten-containing items, as cross-contamination can occur.
Homemade Hummus is Safest: For complete control over ingredients and preparation, making homemade hummus is the best way to avoid gluten and cross-contamination entirely.
Hidden Gluten Risks: Watch out for flavored hummus varieties that might contain gluten in additives or spices. Always read the full ingredient list carefully.
Beyond Basic Ingredients: While the core components of hummus are gluten-free, industrial processing and added flavorings are where gluten most often enters the product.

Navigating the Grocery Aisle: How to Find Gluten-Free Hummus

For anyone following a gluten-free diet, the hummus aisle can be tricky. While the core ingredients of hummus—chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic—are all naturally gluten-free, modern mass production introduces variables that can make some products unsafe. Processed and flavored varieties, along with risks of cross-contamination in shared facilities, mean that reading labels is essential for safe consumption.

Popular Brands with Gluten-Free Options

Many major and specialty brands prioritize gluten-free labeling, giving consumers confidence in their purchases. Look for these brands on your next shopping trip:

Sabra: This widely available brand states that all its products meet gluten-free standards of less than 20 parts per million (ppm). Always double-check for a gluten-free claim on the packaging.
Boar's Head: Known for high-quality deli products, Boar's Head proudly states that all its meats, cheeses, and hummus are gluten-free. This includes their popular traditional and flavored hummus options.
Cedar's: Cedar's is a reputable brand that offers many hummus products, including certified organic and gluten-free varieties. Their website or product packaging will confirm the gluten-free status of specific flavors.
Tribe: Another common find in grocery stores, Tribe offers several gluten-free hummus options. Like other brands, always verify the product label for the most accurate information.
Ithaca: This brand is known for its fresh, cold-processed hummus. They offer many classic and unique flavors that are gluten-free, often noting it prominently on their tubs.
Trader Joe's: Many of Trader Joe's hummus products are labeled gluten-free, including their organic varieties. Since their product line can change, check the label of each specific flavor.

How to Read Gluten-Free Food Labels Effectively

Understanding food labeling is critical for safely purchasing any packaged product, including hummus. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines “gluten-free” as containing less than 20 ppm of gluten. Here’s what to look for:

"Gluten-Free" Claim: The most straightforward indicator is a "gluten-free" label on the packaging. This is a voluntary claim by the manufacturer but must meet the strict FDA standard if used.
Certified Gluten-Free Seal: Some manufacturers go a step further by seeking third-party certification from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). A certified gluten-free seal, such as the GFCO symbol, signifies that the product and its manufacturing process have been independently verified to ensure safety.
Ingredient List Check: If the package isn't explicitly labeled gluten-free, you must meticulously check the ingredients. Look for any mention of wheat, barley, or rye. Be cautious with flavorings and additives, as some modified food starches or natural flavors can contain hidden gluten.
Cross-Contamination Warnings: Phrases like "made on shared equipment with wheat" or "may contain wheat" are red flags for those with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity. If you see this, it is safest to avoid the product, even if the primary ingredients are gluten-free.

Hummus Comparison: Certified Gluten-Free Brands

To help in your decision, here is a comparison of some popular gluten-free hummus brands:


Brand	Gluten-Free Status	Certified?	Notable Features	Cautions
Sabra	All products meet <20ppm standard	No (Per FDA Standard)	Widely available, broad range of flavors	Always look for current label information
Boar's Head	All meats, cheeses, and hummus are gluten-free	No (Per FDA Standard)	High-quality ingredients, excellent reputation	Less variety in flavors compared to some brands
Cedar's	Many varieties are gluten-free	Yes (GFCO on some products)	Often organic, good range of flavors and textures	Must check individual product labels for certification
Tribe	Many varieties are gluten-free	No (Per FDA Standard)	Good availability, diverse flavor offerings	Verify label for cross-contamination warnings
Ithaca	Many varieties are gluten-free	Not typically certified, but labels are clear	Fresh, cold-processed taste, limited flavor options	Smaller brand, may be harder to find

The Importance of Avoiding Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination is a significant concern, especially for those with celiac disease. This occurs when gluten-containing foods or particles come into contact with naturally gluten-free foods. For hummus, this could happen during manufacturing on shared production lines or even at home. Always practice proper food handling to prevent cross-contamination by using clean utensils and separate preparation areas.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Hummus

Making hummus at home offers the ultimate control over ingredients and prevents cross-contamination. With a food processor, it's simple to blend cooked chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings into a fresh, creamy dip. However, for those who prefer the convenience of store-bought, many reliable options exist. Brands like Sabra, Boar's Head, and Cedar's have taken steps to ensure their products are safe for the gluten-free community by implementing strict protocols to meet the FDA's gluten-free standard.

Conclusion

Finding a safe gluten-free hummus is straightforward if you know what to look for. While the basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, the risks of cross-contamination and the presence of hidden gluten in processed varieties make label reading and brand awareness essential. Sticking to brands like Sabra, Boar's Head, Cedar's, and Tribe that explicitly label their products as gluten-free is the safest bet. For maximum control, making hummus at home is an excellent alternative. Always check the label, look for certification logos, and when in doubt, call the manufacturer for clarification. Making informed choices empowers you to enjoy delicious hummus safely as part of your gluten-free lifestyle.

Sources

National Institutes of Health (NIH). PMC. "A Gluten-Free Diet, Not an Appropriate Choice without a Medical Diagnosis". https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6636598/
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Gluten and Food Labeling”. https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/gluten-and-food-labeling
Boar's Head. "Gluten Free Meats-Cheeses-Condiments-Hummus". https://boarshead.com/nutrition-wellness/information/gluten-free

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all hummus is automatically gluten-free. While the basic ingredients (chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil) are naturally gluten-free, some flavored or processed varieties may contain hidden gluten in additives, and cross-contamination can occur in manufacturing facilities.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that any food labeled 'gluten-free' must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This is the lowest level that can be reliably detected and is a safe standard for most individuals with Celiac disease.

Major brands with reliably gluten-free options include Sabra, Boar's Head, and Cedar's. These companies have statements or certified labels confirming their commitment to providing gluten-free products, but it is always best to check the specific product label.

Not necessarily. The term 'natural flavors' can sometimes contain gluten, but in the context of a product labeled 'gluten-free,' it must adhere to the FDA's standard of less than 20 ppm. If a product is not labeled gluten-free, it is a point of caution and you should check with the manufacturer.

To avoid cross-contamination, purchase hummus with a third-party certification seal, like GFCO, which guarantees strict manufacturing standards. At home, use clean utensils and separate serving dishes to prevent contact with gluten-containing foods.

No, 'wheat-free' is not the same as 'gluten-free'. A 'wheat-free' product can still contain gluten from other grains like barley or rye. Always look for an explicit 'gluten-free' claim on the packaging.

If a hummus brand doesn't have a gluten-free label, it is safest to avoid it if you have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. You can also contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about their manufacturing practices and potential for cross-contamination.