To preserve your hummus, you can either freeze it or put it in the fridge. When properly frozen, hummus can last up to 4 months. In the fridge, it would last about 7-10 days (if unopened) and 4-7 days (if already opened).
However, storage time and requirements may vary depending on whether your hummus is store-bought or homemade.
Also, the conditions of storage affect how long your hummus stays in the fridge or freezer. If not stored properly, it may lose its taste, texture, and freshness.
Here are some important tips on the best ways to store hummus, how long it lasts, whether it can go bad, and the best ways to store it—including whether freezing is an option.
Does Hummus Go Bad?
Like any food, hummus can go bad if not stored properly. Hummus can last only about 2 hours at room temperature. If it sits out for more than two hours, bacteria can multiply rapidly, making it unsafe to eat.
Spoiled hummus often has a sour smell, visible signs of mold or discoloration, and a significant change in texture.
Here are the signs of bad hummus.
Signs That Hummus Has Gone Bad
- It smells sour or rancid. Fresh hummus has a mild, nutty aroma.
- Mold growth or an unusual color (pink, green, or white spots).
- Excessive liquid pooling, graininess, or curdling. Slight separation (oil rising to the top) is normal for hummus, but it should not be excessive.
- It tastes overly tangy, bitter, or just “off,”. It’s best to play it safe and dispose of the hummus.
How Long Is Hummus Good for in the Fridge?
Hummus can last from 4 to 10 days in the fridge, depending on whether it is store-bought or homemade, opened or unopened.
Store-bought hummus can last about 7-10 days if unopened and 4-7 days after opening. Homemade hummus, on the other hand, lasts about 3-5 days.
Store-Bought Hummus
- If kept refrigerated, unopened, store-bought hummus typically lasts 7–10 days past the “best by” date printed on the packaging.
- Once opened, consume your store-bought hummus within 4–7 days for the best taste and safety.
Homemade Hummus
- Homemade hummus lacks preservatives and so, you best consume it within 3–5 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Adding extra lemon juice or a thin layer of olive oil on top can help slightly extend freshness.
Why Does Store-bought Hummus Last Longer than Homemade Hummus?
Generally, store-bought hummus contains preservatives that extend its freshness, whereas homemade hummus, which lacks preservatives, has a shorter lifespan.
Can You Freeze Hummus?
Yes, you can freeze hummus! When properly stored, frozen hummus can last up to 4 months without significant loss of quality.
However, it tends to thicken when frozen, so stir in a bit of water or olive oil after thawing to help restore its creamy consistency.
Freezing can slightly alter the texture, but frozen hummus generally holds up well. Freezing hummus is a great option for meal prepping and reducing food waste.
How to Freeze Hummus
To ensure that your hummus is properly frozen and does not lose its taste or texture over time, store it in an airtight container, freeze it in smaller portions, and use a little olive oil to maintain its moisture.
Follow these steps:
- Transfer hummus into an airtight container, leaving some space at the top since hummus expands slightly when frozen.
- If you don’t plan to use all the hummus at once, consider freezing it in smaller portions for easy thawing.
- Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to help maintain moisture.
- Mark the container with the freezing date for easy tracking.
- When thawing, place the frozen hummus in the refrigerator overnight.
- Stir well before consuming, and add a little water or lemon juice if needed.
How Long Does Hummus Last After Opening?
Opened hummus should be eaten within 4–7 days. Keeping it properly sealed in the refrigerator can help maximize freshness. Once you break the seal on a store-bought hummus container, its shelf life is shorter due to exposure to air and bacteria.
For homemade hummus, the timeline is even shorter—about 3–5 days in the fridge. Since homemade versions lack preservatives, they spoil faster and should be consumed promptly.
How to Store Hummus in the Fridge
To ensure hummus stays fresh and safe to eat for as long as possible, follow these best storage practices:
1. Keep It Refrigerated
- Always store hummus in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C).
- Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods. If hummus sits out for more than two hours, bacteria can multiply rapidly, making it unsafe to eat.
2. Use an Airtight Container
- Store-bought hummus should be kept in its original container with the lid tightly sealed.
- For homemade hummus, use a clean, airtight container to minimize air exposure and contamination.
3. Avoid Cross-Contamination
- Always use a clean spoon or knife when scooping hummus to prevent introducing bacteria.
- Never double-dip, as this can introduce harmful bacteria and speed up spoilage.
4. Extend Freshness with Olive Oil or Lemon Juice
- A light drizzle of olive oil or an extra squeeze of lemon juice on top before sealing the container can help extend the freshness of hummus by reducing oxidation.
How Long Is Hummus Good For? Summary
The lifespan of hummus depends on its type and storage method. Here’s a quick reference guide:
| Type | Fridge (Unopened) | Fridge (Opened) | Freezer |
| Store-Bought | 7–10 days past the "best by" date | 4–7 days | Up to 4 months |
| Homemade | - | 3–5 days | Up to 4 months |
Best Refrigerators for Storing Hummus (In Large Quantities)
For food manufacturers, catering companies, restaurants, cafés, or meal prep and delivery services that need to store large quantities of hummus, it is often a challenge to find the right refrigerator to store their hummus.
To store large amounts of hummus, it is best to use a commercial refrigerator, specifically a commercial solid-door refrigerator.
Wilprep's Kitchen has high-quality commercial refrigerators of various sizes that will suit the large demands of your business. Here are 5 reasons you should store your hummus in a Wilprep Solid door refrigerator:
- Maintains a steady 35–40°F (1.5–4°C) temperature for storing hummus
- High-quality sealing and insulation to prevent the hummus from drying out.
- Cubigel compressor and copper evaporator for quick, efficient cooling.
- Provides ample space with adjustable shelving for storing large hummus containers
- Energy efficient, ETL certified, or with an Energy Star rating
Enjoy Your Hummus
To enjoy hummus at its best, always store it properly and keep an eye out for signs of spoilage.
- If in doubt, it’s always better to be safe and discard questionable hummus.
- Whether you enjoy it as a dip, spread, or ingredient in dishes, fresh hummus is the best hummus!
By following these storage tips, you can reduce food waste and ensure that every bite of hummus is as delicious as the first. Happy dipping!
Explore how long chili lasts in the fridge, how to freeze buttermilk, and some storage tips for different kinds of food.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hummus
What to Eat with Hummus?
Hummus pairs well with a variety of foods, including:
- Pita bread and crackers
- Fresh vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, celery)
- Grilled meats and falafel
- Salads and grain bowls
- Sandwiches and wraps
Can Dogs Eat Hummus?
It’s best to avoid giving hummus to dogs. Many hummus recipes contain garlic and lemon juice, both of which can be harmful to dogs.
If you want to share chickpeas with your pet, plain, cooked chickpeas without seasoning are a safer option.
Is Hummus Gluten-Free?
Traditional hummus is naturally gluten-free since it is made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and spices.
However, always check store-bought hummus labels for any added gluten-containing ingredients or cross-contamination warnings.
