After last week’s blog on spicy hummus, many of you responded that you are curious about other types of hummus. That’s totally understandable. Hummus now dominates the U.S. food scene, accounting for over 45% of all food dip dollars spent in 2017—which means there are tons of unique hummus recipes on the market. As America has gone crazy over this healthy and delicious dip, food companies have been working overtime on new types of hummus to delight your palate.
However, just because there are tons of unique hummus recipes on the market, that doesn’t mean they are all equal. Over half of the hummus sold in America contains conventional instead of organic ingredients. This means that many companies use chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil that have been genetically modified (GMO) and exposed to cancer-causing pesticides. Additionally, conventional product contains synthetic preservatives such as nitrates, sorbates, and benzoates, which have been proven harmful to humans.
So how can you be sure you’re choosing the right types of hummus for you and your loved ones? Here’s a quick breakdown of what to look for in a quality product, and then we’ll get into some of our favorite delicious and unique hummus recipes!
How to Find the Best Types of Hummus
The best hummus will not only exclude unhealthy additives, but will also contain the healthiest ingredients. Most people are surprised, for example, to learn about the major health difference between extra virgin olive oil and regular olive oil—and let’s not even discuss canola oil. They are also often surprised to learn what the term “USDA Certified Organic” really means, and how it affects the healthiness of foods. Different types of hummus vary widely in their approach to health, so we’ve compiled a list of factors you can use to choose your hummus wisely.
The best types of hummus will meet the following criteria:
- Contains only Extra Virgin Olive Oil instead of regular olive oil, sunflower oil, or canola. This ensures the highest concentration of heart-healthy Omega-3s, and the lowest concentration of unhealthy saturated fats.
- Bears the USDA Certified Organic seal, which means it doesn’t contain harmful levels of pesticides or GMO ingredients.
- Uses High Pressure Processing to avoid both using artificial preservatives and heating product to temperatures that drastically alter flavor and texture.
When you know what to look for in a hummus, you are prepared to make educated choices between all the different types of hummus. Whether you are serving a meal for your children, an appetizer for your friends, or a solo snack for yourself, you want to know which types of hummus are truly healthy. But how can you know which types are the most delicious?? Read on!
4 Yummy and Unique Hummus Recipes
Want to try some different types of hummus? Looking for recipes that break the mold, while retaining all the healthy attributes we love about this fantastic dip? Check out a couple of these amazing recipes, which meet all the criteria for healthy hummus and are delicious to boot!
This zesty blend combines a sriracha-like flavor with jalapeño heat. Amazing on burritos, tortilla chips, and even veggie sticks, this unique hummus recipe will definitely liven up your next friendly gathering.
Sometimes you want something more exotic. And we’ve got just the ticket. Tangy and sweet, this winning recipe combines Thai curry goodness with hummus’ health benefits. This type of hummus is amazing in wraps or on veggie sticks. Try it and see if we’re lying.
What now? Did you just say Buffalo Bleu? This variation of an American classic combines spicy wing sauce flavors with a hint of bleu cheese, yet remains dairy-free. Amazing as a dip for veggies or chips, this is a must-have when you’re looking for favorite flavors.
One of our first forays into different types of hummus flavors, Spicy Avocado is an enduring winner. A great game-day dip for chips, this piquant flavor is also great for replacing mayo on sandwiches and accompanying taco or burrito ingredients.
The mellow caramelized flavor of slow-roasted garlic is an amazing compliment to hummus’ earthy flavors, and is a welcome change to the pungent raw garlic flavor found in most hummus today. Try it on veggie sticks or in a wrap for best results.
Finding unique hummus recipes is easy, but making sure they are healthy can be more difficult. No matter what different types of hummus you’re looking at, check the label first. Make sure it contains the healthy ingredients and attributes that made hummus popular in the first place. And if you have any suggestions for types of hummus you’d like to see, just tell us… who knows, your hummus wish just may come true!
