What's the Healthiest Brand of Hummus? A Complete Guide to Your Best Buy

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a standard 2-tablespoon serving of hummus typically provides around 82 calories, 2.5 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fiber, along with healthy fats. Yet, not all store-bought options are created equal, and discerning what's the healthiest brand of hummus means looking beyond the basic nutritional label.

Quick Summary

This comprehensive guide compares leading store-bought hummus brands based on ingredients, nutritional profiles, and processing methods. It highlights key factors to consider, outlines top healthy contenders, and identifies ingredients to avoid for a smarter, healthier purchase.

Key Points

Check Ingredients, Not Just Calories: Always read the ingredient list for whole foods like chickpeas, tahini, and EVOO, and avoid chemical additives.
Prioritize Healthy Fats: Opt for brands using Extra Virgin Olive Oil over cheaper, less healthy industrial seed oils like canola or soybean oil.
Mind the Sodium: Sodium content can vary significantly between brands, so look for lower-sodium options like Abraham's Hummos or Boar's Head Traditional Hummus.
Choose Organic to Avoid Additives: Opting for organic hummus can help you steer clear of preservatives like potassium sorbate and potential glyphosate residue.
Consider High-Pressure Processing (HPP): Brands using HPP, such as Hope Foods and Ithaca, maintain freshness and nutrients without heat pasteurization or artificial preservatives.
Don't Fear Homemade: Making hummus at home is the most nutritious option, giving you total control over all ingredients and flavor.

How to Identify a Truly Healthy Hummus

To determine the healthiest brand of hummus, a consumer must look beyond general claims and examine a few critical factors. The ideal hummus should be made with simple, high-quality, whole-food ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives, high sodium, and inflammatory oils.

Key Ingredients to Look For

Chickpeas: A higher percentage of chickpeas is a strong indicator of quality. Some brands may use more oil or water to cut costs, diluting the nutritional benefits.
Tahini: This sesame paste is a cornerstone of authentic hummus. It provides healthy fats, minerals, and rich flavor.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): Authentic hummus contains EVOO, which provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Many commercial brands use cheaper, less healthy vegetable oils like canola or soybean oil.
Lemon Juice: Natural lemon juice adds flavor and acts as a natural preservative. Avoid brands that use citric acid as a cheap substitute.
High-Pressure Processing (HPP): Some premium brands like Hope Foods and Ithaca use HPP instead of heat pasteurization or chemical preservatives. This process uses high pressure to ensure food safety while maintaining the flavor and nutritional integrity of the raw ingredients.

Ingredients and Processes to Avoid

Industrial Seed Oils: Be cautious of brands listing canola, sunflower, or safflower oil. These are often cheaper to produce and can be inflammatory in large quantities.
Artificial Preservatives: Avoid products containing preservatives like potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals and have other documented health concerns.
Phosphoric Acid: Some brands use this chemical to mimic the tangy flavor of lemon juice, but it can negatively affect bone health.
High Sodium Content: While some sodium is necessary for flavor, many store-bought hummuses are excessively high. For instance, a brand like Boar's Head offers a specific low-sodium option with nearly half the sodium of other brands.
Glyphosate Residue: An Environmental Working Group (EWG) study found glyphosate, a controversial herbicide, in many conventional hummus brands. Choosing organic is the best way to avoid this.

Top Healthiest Hummus Brands

Based on a deep dive into ingredients and processing methods, a few brands consistently stand out for their commitment to using clean, high-quality ingredients.

Hope Foods Organic Hummus

This brand is a top contender for its use of USDA-certified organic, whole-food ingredients and extra-virgin olive oil. Hope Foods uses HPP, which eliminates the need for chemical preservatives and retains more nutrients. Their flavor variety is also a major plus, as long as you're mindful of sodium levels, which can be higher.

Yorgo's Hummus

Yorgo's is another excellent organic choice with an impressively simple ingredient list and notably low sodium content. While the oil blend includes canola, it is organic, and the overall nutritional profile is strong.

Ithaca Cold-Crafted Hummus

Known for its fresh, vibrant flavor, Ithaca uses fresh, non-GMO ingredients and is preserved with HPP, not heat or chemicals. They use organic sunflower oil, which is a consideration, but their overall quality is highly regarded.

Abraham's Hummos

For those who prioritize low calories and low sodium, Abraham's is a unique option. It contains no added oil, resulting in a thicker, chunkier texture, and uses apple cider vinegar as a natural preservative.

Hummus Brands to Approach with Caution

Some popular brands, while delicious, often cut corners on ingredients or add unnecessary preservatives. Sabra, for example, often uses soybean oil and potassium sorbate, an artificial preservative. Other mainstream options might contain inflammatory oils or high sodium. Always check the ingredients list and nutritional information before purchasing.

Homemade Hummus: The Ultimate Healthiest Option

For complete control over ingredients and freshness, making your own hummus is the best choice. It allows you to select the highest quality organic chickpeas, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch.

Hummus Brand Comparison Table (per 2 tbsp serving)


Feature	Hope Foods (Organic Original)	Yorgo's (Organic Original)	Ithaca (Classic)	Sabra (Classic)
Oil Type	Extra Virgin Olive Oil	Olive and Canola Oil Blend	Organic Sunflower Oil	Soybean Oil
Processing	High-Pressure Processing (HPP)	Likely Pasteurization	High-Pressure Processing (HPP)	Pasteurization/Preservatives
Preservatives	None	None mentioned	None	Potassium Sorbate
Organic	Yes	Yes	Non-GMO	No
Sodium (approx. mg)	Varies, can be higher	One of the lowest options	Can be higher	Typical

Conclusion: Making the Best Hummus Choice for You

Choosing the healthiest brand of hummus is a personal decision based on your priorities—be it organic ingredients, low sodium, or the absence of preservatives. Brands like Hope Foods and Yorgo's offer excellent, clean options with minimal processing. However, the truest path to a healthy hummus is often found in your own kitchen, where you have complete control over every ingredient. For those opting for convenience, being a vigilant label reader is the most important step towards making a nutritious choice. If you are serious about clean eating, consider exploring this guide for more information from the Center for Science in the Public Interest on finding healthy hummus options: How to find a healthy hummus that tastes great, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference lies in the quality of ingredients, oil type, and the use of preservatives. Healthy brands use simple, whole-food ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, while less healthy ones may use cheaper oils and artificial preservatives.

Organic labeling ensures the ingredients were grown without synthetic pesticides and the product is non-GMO. While a good indicator, it doesn't guarantee low sodium or that other less desirable additives aren't used. Always check the full ingredient list.

While popular, Sabra has received scrutiny for its use of soybean oil and preservatives like potassium sorbate, which some health-conscious consumers prefer to avoid. Healthier alternatives with cleaner ingredient lists are widely available.

HPP is a pasteurization method that uses high pressure to kill pathogens, replacing the need for heat pasteurization or chemical preservatives. This helps retain more of the raw ingredients' flavor and nutritional value.

Look for brands that specifically market a low-sodium variety, such as Boar's Head Traditional Hummus. The ingredient label will show a significantly lower sodium count compared to standard options.

Yes, making your own hummus is the ultimate healthy option because it gives you total control over every ingredient. You can use high-quality organic ingredients and avoid excessive sodium and any artificial additives found in store-bought versions.

Be wary of preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate, inflammatory seed oils such as canola or sunflower oil, and thickeners like starch.