Does hummus go bad?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions people tend to have.
Hummus does sour eventually, especially when it’s been improperly stored in a refrigerator.
How Long Does Hummus Last?
- Homemade Hummus – Appropriately stored, it can last for, at most, five days.
- Store-bought Hummus – Between three and seven days after the product has been opened. If unopened, it can last seven days past its stated expiration date.
| Type of hummus | Fridge Storage |
| Homemade hummus shelf life | 3 to 5 days |
Unopened hummus shelf life (store-bought) | To its expiration date (+ up to 7 days once opened) |
Opened hummus shelf life (store-bought) | 3 to 7 days |
Can you freeze hummus spreads?
Fresh hummus – be it store-bought or homemade – lasts for only a week. Freezing homemade or store-bought freezer means the product will last for about four months.
Since freezing helps extend a food’s shelf life, you can reduce food waste and still enjoy the excellent tasting spread.
How To Properly Freeze and Thaw Store-Bought and Homemade Hummus?
Use Freezer-Safe Container To Store Hummus
Store-bought hummus that’s still sealed in the manufacturer’s package just needs to be put into the freezer. Hummus that’s been opened or is homemade must be stored in a freezer-safe container that has an airtight seal.
Why is the airtight seal so important? It works to preserve the hummus’ texture and taste while also ensuring the flavor is transferred to other freezer foods.
How much hummus can be frozen at a single time? As much as you can, make sure there is room in the container for the hummus to expand as it freezes. It’s best to do no more than 12 ounces in one container, as smaller hummus amounts mean a faster thaw.
Prepare The Hummus To Keep The Moisture In
Cracked, dry hummus is not good, so make sure to add olive oil to maintain its texture. A thin layer of olive oil will stop the moisture from being lost while the hummus is frozen. Make sure it’s just a minute amount of olive oil, as too much causes the hummus to become too oily after it thaws.
Freeze For No More Than Four Months
Do not freeze your hummus for too long – nothing lasts for months. While it will keep your hummus from going back quickly, freezing it for too long will cause it to lose its flavor and texture. The less time it spends in the freezer, the better it will taste.
Properly Thaw The Frozen Hummus
When you’re ready to eat your frozen hummus, you’ll need to thaw it in the refrigerator instead of room temperature. Thaw refrigeration ensures it’s safer to eat and doesn’t develop any bacteria when sitting out on the counter. Thaw refrigeration can take up to an entire day, depending on how much hummus is in the container.
The less hummus in the container, the quicker it will thaw.
Thoroughly Stir The Hummus
Once your hummus has thawed, you need to give it a thorough stir to mix up the solids and oils. This will freshen up the texture and spread the flavors back out in the hummus. Your now-thawed hummus is ready for consumption, either with veggies or pita chips.
5 Commonly Asked Questions People Have About Hummus’ Shelf Life
Sabra, Boar’s Head and other companies all have expiration dates on their products’ packaging.
In most cases, these store-bought hummus brands will last for much longer than a made-from-scratch recipe.
What are the most common questions people have about hummus and its shelf life to ensure the food is safe to eat?
How Long Will Unopened Hummus Last?
An unopened package of hummus, stored at room temperature, can last up to three months. Hummus that must be refrigerated and is unopened can last until seven days past its expiration date.
How Long After Opening Does Hummus Last?
You may wonder how long hummus will last after it’s been open. Once you open store-bought hummus, it should be used within seven days for safety reasons.
Although many brands include additives for a longer shelf life beyond the expiration date. If you make hummus from scratch, it will keep for five days in the refrigerator.
How Long Can Hummus Be Refrigerated?
Unopened hummus in a refrigerator of less than 40-degree Fahrenheit can last to its expiration date and maybe a week longer. Once it’s been opened, it should be used within seven days. If you’re making hummus from scratch, make sure it’s eaten or frozen within five days to ensure it stays fresh.
How Long Can Hummus Be Left Out For?
Hummus has a shelf- life of three months when not refrigerated. If you plan on serving fresh or packaged hummus, you need to leave it out no more than two hours at room temperature before it must go in the refrigerator.
When refrigerated hummus is left out too long, it can affect the product’s quality and longevity.
How Do You Know If Your Hummus Is Bad?
If you’re unsure of when you purchased your hummus, you may wonder how you can know it’s gone bad.
Your sense of taste, smell and sight will let you know. Bad hummus will generally smell and taste sour, may have mold growing on it, or the texture and color aren’t the same as when you first purchased it.
If you notice any of these or the hummus is past its expiration date, toss it. Better safe than sorry.