✔ Updated · fridge, counter + freezer times
Yes, hummus goes bad, and faster than most dips because it is moist and low in preservatives. Here is how long it lasts and how to tell when to toss it.
Yes, hummus can go bad. Once opened, refrigerated store-bought hummus lasts about 4 to 7 days, and homemade hummus about 3 to 5 days, in a sealed container at 40°F or below. Do not leave it out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F. Throw it out if you see mold or it smells or tastes sour.
- Opened store-bought: 4 to 7 days in the fridge, or the label's "use within" time.
- Homemade: 3 to 5 days in the fridge.
- Room temperature: 2 hours maximum, 1 hour on a hot day.
- Freezer: up to about 4 months for best quality.
How Long Does Hummus Last?
Times below assume the hummus is kept sealed in the fridge at 40°F or below and served with clean utensils.
| Hummus | Fridge | Room temperature | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Store-bought, unopened | Until the use-by date | Not safe beyond 2 hours | Up to about 4 months |
| Store-bought, opened | 4 to 7 days (check the label) | 2 hours max (1 hour above 90°F) | Up to about 4 months |
| Homemade | 3 to 5 days | 2 hours max (1 hour above 90°F) | Up to about 4 months |
| Shelf-stable pouches or jars | Refrigerate after opening; use within about 1 week | Fine unopened until the date | Not needed |
Why Hummus Spoils Faster Than Other Dips
Hummus is made from cooked chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil. It is moist and only mildly acidic, so once the container is opened, bacteria, yeast and mold can grow even in the fridge.
Store-bought hummus usually lasts a little longer than homemade because it is made under controlled conditions, sealed, and often treated with high-pressure processing or preservatives such as potassium sorbate. Once you open it, though, the clock starts.
How to Tell if Hummus Has Gone Bad
- Mold: fuzzy spots of black, green, blue, pink or white. Throw the whole container away; do not scoop around it.
- Sour or fermented smell: fresh hummus smells of garlic, lemon and sesame. Sharp, sour or yeasty smells mean spoilage.
- Sour or fizzy taste: a tangy, prickly or fizzy flavor is a sign of fermentation.
- Puffed or bulging container: gas buildup in a sealed tub means it should be discarded unopened.
- Unusual color or slime: darkening, pink tints or a slimy surface layer.
- Note: a thin layer of oil or liquid on top is normal separation. Stir it back in.
Can Expired Hummus Make You Sick?
Yes, it can. Spoiled hummus can cause food poisoning, and harmful bacteria do not always change the smell or look. Because hummus is a perishable, refrigerated food, follow the date on the tub and the "use within" time after opening.
An unopened tub that has been kept cold the whole time may still be fine for a day or two past its date if the seal is intact and it looks and smells normal, but do not stretch it further. When in doubt, throw it out.
Can Hummus Be Left Out Overnight?
No. Like other perishable foods, hummus should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour if it is above 90°F, such as at a picnic or barbecue. Hummus left out overnight should be thrown away, even if it looks fine.
For parties, set out a small bowl at a time and keep the rest in the fridge, or nest the serving bowl in a larger bowl of ice.
How to Store Hummus
- Refrigerate promptly: put opened or homemade hummus in the fridge within 2 hours.
- Seal it: keep it in its tub with the lid on or in an airtight container.
- Use clean utensils: never double-dip; scoop out a serving into a bowl instead of dipping into the tub.
- Add a thin layer of olive oil: smoothing the top and covering it with oil helps stop it drying out.
- Label homemade batches: write the date on the container so you know when the 3 to 5 days are up.
Can You Freeze Hummus?
Yes. Hummus freezes well for up to about 4 months. The texture becomes a little grainier after thawing, so frozen hummus is best for dips with a quick stir, spreads in wraps and sandwiches, or cooking.
- Spoon it into a freezer-safe container, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top for expansion.
- Smooth the top and cover it with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent drying.
- Seal, label with the date, and freeze.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight, never on the counter.
- Stir well, add a squeeze of lemon or a splash of olive oil to refresh it, and eat within 3 to 4 days.
Common Mistakes
- Leaving the tub on the table through a long party: serve small portions and refill from the fridge.
- Dipping straight from the tub: crumbs and saliva shorten its life.
- Scraping off mold and eating the rest: mold can spread below the surface of soft foods.
- Thawing on the counter: always thaw frozen hummus in the fridge.
More Food Storage Guides
- Does chocolate go bad?
- Does tofu go bad?
- How long does potato salad last?
- How long can cream cheese sit out?
- Naan vs pita
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hummus go bad?
Yes. Hummus is a moist, perishable dip. Opened store-bought hummus lasts about 4 to 7 days in the fridge and homemade hummus about 3 to 5 days. Signs it has gone bad include mold, a sour or fermented smell, a fizzy taste, or a bulging container.
Can expired hummus make you sick?
Yes. Spoiled hummus can cause food poisoning, and harmful bacteria are not always visible or smelly. Follow the use-by date and the use-within time after opening. If it has mold, smells sour, tastes fizzy, or has been left out too long, throw it away.
Can hummus be left out overnight?
No. Hummus should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour when it is above 90°F. Hummus left out overnight should be thrown away even if it looks and smells fine, because bacteria can multiply quickly at room temperature.
How long does homemade hummus last?
Homemade hummus lasts about 3 to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. It has no preservatives and is not sealed like commercial tubs, so it spoils sooner than store-bought. Freeze it for up to about 4 months if you made a large batch. Making bowls at home? My CAVA copycat recipes include a silky hummus, crazy feta and tzatziki that all keep about as long.
Can you eat unopened hummus after the expiration date?
Hummus is perishable, so the date matters. An unopened tub kept cold the whole time may be fine for a day or two past its date if the seal is intact and it looks and smells normal. If the container is bulging or anything seems off, discard it.
