As with any other dip or dip, the size of a hummus container is never right for you, is it?

Either it’s too small, in which case you need to buy multiple containers, or it’s too big, which means you won’t use it all in one dish. In both cases, it will be left over.

And after a few days in the fridge, the dreaded question arises: does hummus go bad? And how long can it last in the fridge before going bad?

If you’re not a huge hummus aficionado who gobbles down every container of hummus you get your hands on, it makes sense to know a few basics about hummus storage, expiration, and spoilage. In this article we cover exactly these aspects.

How to preserve hummus

When it comes to storage, hummus is very similar to pesto. That means there are two types of hummus available on the market: the one sold refrigerated and the one sold unrefrigerated.

If you have never seen hummus sold unrefrigerated, let me inform you that there is a brand called Hummustir that sells it.

The trick they use is that the ingredients that make hummus, like tahini, have a pretty long shelf life on their own. So instead of selling the hummus ready to eat, they sell it separately in tahini and hummus, and you just stir it before eating.

Also, you can sometimes find canned hummus, which is also sold unrefrigerated.

So, if your hummus was not in the refrigerated section, you can keep it at room temperature as long as it remains unopened. Make sure it is away from sunlight and heat sources.

Once the container is open, transfer the remains to the refrigerator and make sure they are tightly closed. If this is not possible with the original container, pour the sauce into an airtight container before refrigerating.

When it comes to the most popular variety of hummus, the one that is sold refrigerated, you should always keep it in the fridge. After opening it, remember to close it tightly. Again, if the original container won’t allow it, pour the sauce into a resealable container.

Homemade hummus should also be kept in the fridge.

Of course, it would be ideal to prepare a new batch of fresh hummus every time you need it. But let’s face it, that probably won’t happen. So if you prepare a larger batch for the next few days, make sure it stays in the fridge tightly closed.

Last but not least, food hygiene.

Most hummus jars are very handy if you want to use the hummus for dipping. But if you don’t plan to finish the entire container in one sitting, Scoop a few tablespoons of the dip into a small bowl and use it instead.

This way you will avoid contaminating the hummus with various bacteria from your food and you will prevent it from spoiling in a day or two. For the same reasons, you should always use clean utensils when using hummus as a bread spread.

Can hummus be frozen?

If you want to keep hummus for a long time, freezing it is an option. Hummus changes slightly in texture after freezing and thawing. However, once thawed, you can usually return it to its normal consistency.

Keep in mind that different brands of hummus freeze differently, so it makes sense to test if your favorite brand freezes well before freezing a larger batch.

As for which method you should use to freeze hummus, freezing it in an ice cube tray is a great option, as is freezing it in small containers.

See our article on freezing hummus for more details.

How long does hummus last?

Again, let’s go through all the varieties available on the market.

First, the non-refrigerated commercial. It usually comes with an expiration date on the label. And as always with the expiration date, the product should last longer.

In this specific case, the hummus should be kept fresh for at least a month after that date, maybe longer. Once the container is opened, you should finish it within 4 to 7 days. If your hummus does not contain preservatives, stick to the 4-day window. If it has preservatives added, it should last up to 7 days.

When it comes to commercially packaged refrigerated hummus, it often comes with an expiration date. The sauce should last a few days after that date, but nothing to write home about. Once the package is opened, the same period of 4 to 7 days mentioned above applies.

Homemade hummus does not usually contain preservatives, so you can expect it to last in the fridge for a few 4 or 5 days.

When it comes to open hummus, it usually lasts a few days longer than previous estimates, but it’s not a sure thing. Please note that all periods above are rough estimates.

How to know if hummus is bad

Before preparing your hummus with tortilla chips, or whatever you want to use your hummus for, make sure it is edible.

There are a few signs that might suggest that your hummus has gone bad.

The first and most popular is mold or any other growth on the surface of the sauce. If you notice any of this, discard the product. The same if the smell is strange or strange.

Small changes in texture, such as oil separation, are normal and can be fixed with a quick shake. It is the same thing that happens with mustard or peanut butter.

However, if the oil seems completely separated and the texture is significantly altered, throw the sauce away. It may be possible to eat, but it is better to prevent.

If it looks, smells, and tastes good, the hummus should be edible.

Last but not least, remember that hummus goes bad quickly as soon as you open the container. That means if your half-opened container of Sabra hummus sits in the fridge for 10 days or more, it’s time to throw it away. Even though it looks fine and tastes like it should.