Have you ever wondered, is hummus gluten-free? This post will discuss what hummus is, if it is gluten-free and the best store-bought gluten-free hummus brands to buy.
Disclaimer: some of the links in this post are affiliate links meaning I make a small percentage if you purchase the product through the link. This does not cost you anything extra and helps me keep this website running.
Table of Contents
- Why avoid gluten?
- What is hummus?
- Is hummus gluten-free?
- Gluten-free store bought hummus brands:
- The best store-bought gluten-free hummus:
- How to make your own hummus:
- How to serve hummus:
- Gluten-free foods to serve with hummus:
- The bottom line:
- Frequently asked questions:
- Other posts and recipes you will like:
- Our expertise:
Why avoid gluten?
For medical reasons some people need to avoid eating gluten. For example, people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance (also known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity) have to follow a gluten-free diet.
What is hummus?
Hummus is a Middle Eastern dip or spread made with cooked, mashed chickpeas or garbanzo beans, and blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It is classically garnished with olive oil, whole chickpeas or roasted chickpeas, parsley, and paprika.
Some brands will add other ingredients such as water, natural or artificial flavours, guar gum, soy sauce, tamari, sugar, or other spices and seasonings.
Is hummus gluten-free?
Hummus is usually gluten-free, but not always. Traditional hummus recipes are naturally gluten-free, as are most brands. However, some hummus brands add wheat flour to their hummus, or make it on shared equipment that can be contaminated with gluten.
As well, some types of hummus will have ingredients containing gluten added (such as soy sauce for example) to give the hummus a different flavour. That is why it is very important to read labels carefully when shopping. To ensure that the hummus you are looking at is gluten free, look for the certified gluten-free label or symbol.
Gluten-free store bought hummus brands:
All of these store-bought brands of hummus are certified gluten-free:
- Sabra
- Athenos
- Food Basics
- Boar's Head
- Habibi's
- Lantana - some of their hummus flavours may contain wheat or gluten and this is labelled on their packaging but most of their flavours are gluten-free.
- Fontaine Sante
- Ithaca
- Hope Foods
- Sunflower Kitchen
- Summer Fresh
- Tribe
If you found that list helpful you will also want to learn about the best gluten-free graham cracker brands.
The best store-bought gluten-free hummus:
My personal favourite gluten free hummus is the Sabra Classic Hummus. It has such a delicious flavour and the most smooth, thick, and creamy texture. It also comes in a handy airtight container which makes storing it super easy.
How to make your own hummus:
Using your food processor or high-speed blender you can easily make your own hummus. Homemade hummus makes a great healthy snack and is a great way to ensure it isn't contaminated with traces of gluten.
How to serve hummus:
Hummus can be served in many different ways. It is classically served with pita bread but it can also be served with crackers, chips or raw vegetables. It is also often garnished with other ingredients such as olive oil, dried chickpeas, fresh herbs such as parsley, red pepper flakes or other spices.
Gluten-free foods to serve with hummus:
Here are some gluten-free foods that you can serve with hummus. I've also included other ways to serve hummus:
- Raw vegetables including carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper slices, cauliflower florets, and broccoli florets.
- Gluten-free crackers
- Gluten-free pretzels
- Rice cakes
- Use it as a spread for sandwiches, burgers or wraps.
- Spread it on toast made with gluten-free bread
The bottom line:
The good news is that yes, most brands of hummus are gluten-free, but be sure to read labels carefully as there is a risk of cross-contamination with gluten containing ingredients during the manufacturing process and some brands will add extra ingredients such as wheat flour or soy sauce which do contain gluten. If you see the certified gluten-free label then you know that hummus is safe and gluten free.
Frequently asked questions:
Most tahini should be gluten free. Just be aware that brands may add extra ingredients to their tahini to flavour it that contain gluten or it could be manufactured on equipment that also contains gluten. Look for the certified gluten free label to know for sure that it is gluten free.
Yes, most hummus recipes are plant based and safe for vegans to eat.
Most hummus is dairy free, but depending on the flavour of hummus sometimes it will have dairy added such as cheese, so be sure to read ingredient lists carefully.
Other posts and recipes you will like:
Our expertise:
Dr. Erin Carter, MD, FRCPC, is a physician with board certifications in internal medicine and rheumatology. She is passionate about preventative healthcare including nutrition, environmental health and low toxicity living. She is also a self-trained chef and has been creating and publishing gluten-free recipes since 2015. Her recipes have been featured on many different websites and online publications.
Leave a Reply