What's the healthiest hummus brand? A Deep Dive into Store-Bought Options

According to a 2025 analysis from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the quality of oil and use of preservatives vary greatly among commercial hummus brands. We investigated to determine what's the healthiest hummus brand and how to choose the best one for your diet.

Quick Summary

Assessing store-bought hummus involves scrutinizing the ingredient list for chickpeas, quality oil, and minimal preservatives. The healthiest selections use simple, organic components and keep sodium levels in check while avoiding unnecessary additives.

Key Points

• Ingredient Quality Is Key: The healthiest hummus contains simple, whole-food ingredients like chickpeas, tahini, EVOO, and fresh lemon juice, avoiding unnatural thickeners and preservatives.

• Check Sodium Levels: Sodium can vary significantly by brand; look for specific low-sodium options or compare nutritional labels to find the best fit for your dietary needs.

• Prioritize Healthy Fats: Opt for brands that use extra virgin olive oil over cheaper, less healthy industrial seed oils like canola or sunflower oil.

• Choose Organic to Avoid Chemicals: Selecting organic hummus helps avoid potential pesticide residue, like glyphosate found in some conventional chickpeas.

• Look for HPP or Natural Preservatives: Hummus preserved using High-Pressure Processing (HPP) or natural acids is often healthier, as it avoids artificial chemical preservatives.

• Consider Making Your Own: For complete control over ingredients and freshness, making homemade hummus is the single healthiest option available.

What Makes a Hummus 'Healthy'?

At its core, traditional hummus is a nutritional powerhouse made from chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. These ingredients provide fiber, protein, and heart-healthy fats. However, the quality of store-bought hummus can vary widely, with some brands packing in unhealthy oils, excessive sodium, and artificial additives to extend shelf life and cut costs.

Key Ingredients to Prioritize and Avoid

To identify a genuinely healthy hummus, you must become a label-reading expert. Look for a short, simple ingredient list that mirrors a homemade recipe.

Ingredients to Prioritize

• High Chickpea Content: Check that chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) are the first ingredient. Some manufacturers use less chickpea content and rely on thickeners.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Look for EVOO, which provides monounsaturated fats with proven heart-healthy benefits. Many brands substitute cheaper, less healthy oils.
• Tahini: A key source of protein and healthy fats. Some low-fat versions may skip it, altering the nutritional profile and flavor.
• Natural Preservatives: Fresh ingredients mean shorter shelf life. Some premium brands use High-Pressure Processing (HPP) instead of chemical preservatives, preserving nutrients and flavor.

Ingredients to Avoid

• Unspecified 'Vegetable Oil': This often indicates a cheaper, less healthy inflammatory oil like canola or soybean oil.
• Artificial Preservatives: Keep an eye out for chemicals like potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate, which are unnecessary and can be associated with health concerns.
• Added Sugars: Hummus should not contain added sweeteners. Some brands add them to balance acidity or enhance flavor.
• Unnatural Thickeners: Starches and other thickeners are often added to a watered-down base, as opposed to using a higher chickpea content.

Healthiest Store-Bought Hummus Brands

Based on expert reviews and ingredient transparency, a few brands consistently stand out as healthier options. Each offers a different strong point, whether it's low sodium, high-quality ingredients, or organic certification.

Hope Foods Organic Hummus

Hope is a strong contender, known for using all whole-food, USDA-certified organic ingredients and heart-healthy extra-virgin olive oil. They use HPP to preserve freshness instead of pasteurization, which can destroy nutrients. While some varieties might have higher sodium, the quality of the base ingredients is top-notch.

Roots Hummus

Roots emphasizes clean labels, putting their ingredients front and center on the container. Their Original Hummus is known for its depth of flavor and lower sodium content compared to many competitors. They also use HPP to avoid preservatives and are non-GMO certified.

Abraham's Hummos

This small-batch brand is distinct for its oil-free formulation, making it significantly lower in calories and fat. For those watching their fat intake, Abraham's is a superb choice, although its thicker texture might not appeal to everyone. They use apple cider vinegar as a natural preservative, avoiding chemical additives.

CAVA Traditional Hummus

Widely available and well-regarded, CAVA offers a healthy option that is free of palm oil and other industrial seed oils. It's praised for its clean ingredient list and balanced, traditional flavor profile.

Boar's Head Traditional Hummus

For those specifically seeking a low-sodium option, Boar's Head Traditional Hummus is a fantastic choice, with almost half the sodium of some rivals. The lower sodium doesn't compromise the classic taste, making it a great option for people on a salt-restricted diet.

Hummus Health Comparison Table

Brand	Notable Health Features	Oil Type	Organic?	Preservatives?
Hope Foods	Whole food ingredients, high-quality EVOO, HPP process	Extra Virgin Olive Oil	Yes	No (uses HPP)
Roots Hummus	Lower sodium, clean label, HPP process	Safflower (smaller quantity)	No (Non-GMO)	No (uses HPP)
Abraham's Hummos	Oil-free, very low calories/fat, natural preservative	None	No	No (uses ACV)
CAVA Traditional	No palm oil, uses quality ingredients	Sunflower and Olive Oil	No	No (uses HPP)
Boar's Head Traditional	Low sodium (100mg/serving)	Soybean, Canola, Olive	No	Yes (Potassium Sorbate)

How to Choose the Right Hummus for You

1. Prioritize Ingredients: Always check the ingredient list first. A short, recognizable list is best. Avoid those with vegetable oil listed vaguely or multiple unpronounceable additives.
2. Mind the Sodium: Sodium content can vary dramatically. If you're on a low-sodium diet, look for specific low-sodium versions or check brands like Roots or Boar's Head that are known for lower salt levels.
3. Consider Your Oil Preference: For the highest quality fats, opt for brands exclusively using extra virgin olive oil. If you prefer to minimize fat and calories, oil-free options are available.
4. Go Organic: Organic certification, especially for chickpeas, helps avoid potential contaminants like glyphosate.
5. Don't Fear Preservative-Free: Hummus preserved using HPP or natural acids (like in Abraham's) is a superior choice, as it avoids synthetic chemicals.

How to Elevate Your Store-Bought Hummus

Even with the healthiest store-bought option, you can boost nutrition and flavor:

• Add Extra EVOO: A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds rich flavor and more heart-healthy fats.
• Sprinkle with Spices: Add a pinch of smoked paprika, sumac, or red pepper flakes.
• Top with Toppings: Garnish with whole chickpeas, chopped fresh herbs like parsley, or pine nuts.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: A final squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the flavor considerably.
• Add Roasted Vegetables: Mix in roasted red peppers, garlic, or a few sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.

For those with more time, making your own hummus is the ultimate healthy choice. It's surprisingly simple and allows for complete control over every ingredient.

Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for Your Health

So, what's the healthiest hummus brand? The answer depends on your priorities. For maximum health benefits and nutrient preservation, brands like Hope Foods are a top-tier choice due to their organic, EVOO, and HPP process. For the lowest sodium content, Boar's Head Traditional is excellent, and for a low-fat, oil-free alternative, Abraham's Hummos is unique. Ultimately, the best brand is one with a short, transparent ingredient list that avoids inflammatory oils and artificial additives. By understanding what to look for, you can make an informed decision and enjoy this healthy and delicious dip with confidence.

For more information on the impact of food additives and preservatives, you can reference the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sabra hummus a healthy brand?

While Sabra is popular, some of its varieties use soybean or canola oil and contain preservatives like potassium sorbate, which aren't ideal from a health perspective. Healthier options often use extra virgin olive oil and fewer additives.

Which hummus brand is the lowest in sodium?

Boar's Head Traditional Hummus is widely recognized as one of the lowest sodium options available, with only 100 milligrams of salt per serving, about half that of some other brands.

Is homemade hummus really healthier than store-bought?

Yes, homemade hummus is almost always healthier. It gives you complete control over ingredients, allowing you to use high-quality, fresh components and avoid all artificial preservatives, added sugars, and inflammatory oils often found in commercial brands.

What oil is best for healthy hummus?

Extra virgin olive oil is the best option for healthy hummus. It is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, unlike cheaper, less healthy oils such as canola or soybean oil.

How can I tell if a hummus has too many additives?

Check the ingredient list. The healthiest brands have very short ingredient lists, primarily featuring chickpeas, tahini, EVOO, lemon, and spices. Long lists with unfamiliar chemical names suggest more additives.

What does HPP mean on a hummus label?

HPP stands for High-Pressure Processing. It's a method that uses high pressure instead of heat or chemical preservatives to kill pathogens and extend shelf life, helping to preserve the nutritional value and fresh flavor of the product.

Are there any oil-free hummus brands?

Yes, Abraham's Hummos is a notable oil-free brand. It offers a lower-calorie and lower-fat alternative, though its texture is typically thicker and chunkier than traditional oil-based hummus.