How Long Is Hummus Good For After Opening The Container?

Hummus can be a delicious snack with crackers or vegetables, or the component that makes a larger main dish shine, but what if you happen to have some of this widely beloved food left over after dinner? First, get it to the fridge. Assuming you avoid some of the other common hummus mistakes, a container of opened homemade hummus will last approximately 3-4 days there, assuming it's in an airtight container, while store-bought has a shelf life of 7 days. As for components, an unopened jar of tahini can last up to two years.

But what about the expiration or use-by-date? Ultimately, these dates don't really matter once you've opened the product. If the seal is unbroken, store-bought hummus is more likely to last longer because of the presence of preservatives in the mix, and especially if it was prepared under high-pressure processing. This technique pasteurizes, preserves, and prolongs the shelf life. However, take a close look at the label, as just what production technique has been employed can vary from brand to brand.

If hummus is kept beyond seven days, it will take on a fetid odor and pungent flavor. This is a definite sign to toss it. Mold is another clear sign that your hummus has spoiled. This fuzzy growth may be one color–black, gray, white, or green–or in a variety of hues.

Improper storage (for instance, your refrigerator is running warm or you've popped the container in the temperature-swing zone of the fridge door) or not sealing the container tightly can cause mold to grow. Germs and bacteria will also attack if you're serving and then eating the hummus from the same container. Play it safe and transfer it to a separate dish before eating. However, if you notice a little separation of the oil from the hummus, this is not usually a sign of spoilage! Simply stir the product. However, if the separation is really significant, trust your instinct and discard.

To keep hummus a little longer (up to 4 months), you might try freezing it. Keep in mind that doing so will change the texture, consistency and flavor once thawed. Test this storage method with a small amount of hummus. This way you can find out if you'll like the finished product before subjecting an entire container to the process.