This article looks into one of the most frequently asked questions regarding foods that are vegan friendly: Can vegans eat hummus?
The short answer: Yes! Vegans can most definitely eat hummus as it is almost always made with only plant-based ingredients. The standard ingredients in hummus are chickpeas (or another bean), tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic – all of which are vegan staples. Though rare, there are some ingredients added to store bought hummus varieties that are non-vegan. Read on for more details.
Ingredients
The basic ingredients in hummus are chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic – all of which are vegan staples. More unique varieties of hummus can be made with a different legume as the base (ex. black beans, white beans, lentils, edamame, etc.) or additional add-ins and toppings for flavor. Almost always, the add-ins and toppings used with hummus are vegan.
Though rare, some store bought varieties of hummus can contain non-vegan ingredients. The two ingredients we found while researching this topic were Greek Yogurt and “Natural Flavors”.
Greek Yogurt Hummus – Some hummus varieties include Greek Yogurt in them to reduce calories and fat compared to traditional hummus. The primary store bought variety to include Greek Yogurt in their hummus was the “better for you hummus” line from Eat Well Enjoy Life. As of 2018, Eat Well Enjoy Life has rebranded to Lantana Foods and all of their hummus varieties are now vegan. That being said, there are still many recipes for Greek Yogurt Hummus online so be aware of this when eating hummus prepared by non-veg chef.
Natural Flavors in Hummus – According to the FDA, “The term natural flavor or natural flavoring means the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leave or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.” As the description suggests, natural flavors can come from both plant and animal sources so care needs to be taken when choosing a hummus with natural flavors listed in the ingredients list.
The main commercially available hummus brand to include natural flavors in the ingredients list is Sabra. While all Sabra products appear to have natural flavors in the ingredients, their website states that some of their hummus varieties are both vegan and vegetarian friendly while others are just vegetarian friendly. A breakdown of which Sabra hummus are and are not vegan is available in the following section.
All store bought hummus varieties should disclose their ingredients on the label, allowing you to ensure your hummus is vegan friendly before purchase.
Vegan Friendly Hummus Brands
The following brands have been verified to have vegan hummus varieties.
Sabra
According to Sabra’s website, some of their hummus flavors are vegan while others are only vegetarian. All of their hummus flavors are kosher, non-gmo and gluten free.
The following Sabra flavors are vegan: Classic, Jalapeno, Lemon Twist, Olive Tapenade, Organic Simply Roasted Garlic, Organic Simply Roasted Pine Nut, Organic Simply Traditional, Roasted Garlic, Roasted Pine Nut, Roasted Red Pepper, Salsa Verde, Spinach & Artichoke, Sun Dried Tomato with Italian Herbs, and Supremely Spicy.
The following Sabra flavors are non-vegan, but vegetarian: Caramelized Onion, Greek Inspired, and Taco Inspired. Additionally, all three of Sabra’s guacamole flavors (Classic, Classic with Lime, and Spicy) are all listed as vegetarian, kosher, and non-gmo, but are not vegan nor gluten free.
Sabra hummus and guacamole is a available for purchase online through Amazon.
Lantana
According to Lantana’s website, all of their hummus flavors are vegan, gluten free, and non-GMO. All of the flavors except Hatch Chile are also kosher.
Lantana’s hummus flavors include: Sweet and Spicy Black Bean, Sriracha Carrot, Edamame, Yellow Lentil, White Bean, Cucumber, Beet, Extra Spicy 3- Pepper, Roasted Garlic, Hatch Chile, Buffalo, and Cauliflower.
Hope Foods
According to the FAQs on Hope Foods website, all of their products including their hummus is vegan and gluten free.
Hope Foods hummus flavors include: Sea Salt & Olive Oil, Thai Coconut Curry, Spicy Avocado, Red Pepper, Original, Kale Pesto, Jalapeno, Jalapeno Cilantro, Buffalo Bleu, and Black Garlic.
Hope Foods also sells Guacamole and Cashew & Almonds dips that are vegan and gluten free.
Roots
Roots hummus flavors include: Original, Oil-Free Original, Roasted Garlic, Roasted Red Bell Pepper, Hot Chipotle, Spinach, Thai Coconut Curry, Mango Sriracha, Black Bean, and Lima Bean.
Athenos
Athenos hummus flavors include: Original, Greek Style, Black Olive, Roasted Garlic, Roasted Red Pepper, Spicy Three Pepper, and Artichoke & Garlic.
Homemade Hummus Recipes
If you’d prefer to make hummus at home, here are a few highly rated hummus recipes:
- Best Ever 5-Minute Microwave Hummus – Minimalist Baker
- How to Make (The Best) Hummus – From My Bowl
- Favorite Homemade Hummus – The Simple Veganista
Summary
Overall, vegans definitely can eat hummus as it is one of the best vegan friendly dips. Some brands contain Greek Yogurt or Natural Flavors, but most major chains and grocery stores offer a variety of vegan hummus’ to choose from.
