Hummus

plant-proteins

Hummus

5/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 6.2

Rated by 11 diets

3 approve3 caution5 avoid
Is Hummus Healthy?

It depends — Hummus is a mixed bag. Some diets approve it while others urge caution. Context and quantity matter.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
166kcal
Protein
7.9g
Carbs
14g
Fat
9.6g
Fiber
6g
Sugar
0.5g
Sodium
379mg

Diet Ratings

Keto3/10AVOID

Hummus contains approximately 5-6g net carbs per 2 tablespoon serving, primarily from chickpeas. While not extreme, it's carb-dense for keto and better avoided.

Vegan8/10APPROVED

Hummus is made from chickpeas, tahini (sesame seeds), and plant-based ingredients. It is minimally processed and a nutrient-dense whole-food aligned option.

Paleo1/10AVOID

Hummus is made from chickpeas (legume) and tahini (sesame seed paste). Both ingredients violate paleo principles.

Mediterranean8/10APPROVED

Traditional Mediterranean dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and olive oil. Excellent plant-based protein and healthy fat source. Staple in Mediterranean cuisines, particularly Levantine and North African regions.

Carnivore1/10AVOID

Hummus is made from chickpeas (legume) and tahini (sesame seed). Plant-derived and explicitly excluded from carnivore diet.

Whole301/10AVOID

Hummus is made from chickpeas, which are legumes. Legumes are explicitly excluded from Whole30. Additionally, most hummus contains tahini (sesame) and added oils.

Low-FODMAP2/10AVOID

Hummus is made from chickpeas, which are high in GOS oligosaccharides. Additionally, traditional hummus contains garlic, another high-FODMAP ingredient. Monash classifies hummus as high-FODMAP.

DASH6/10CAUTION

Good source of plant protein, fiber, and minerals from chickpeas. However, sodium content moderate to high (200-400mg per 2 tbsp serving). Oil content adds calories. Homemade or low-sodium versions preferred.

Zone5/10CAUTION

Chickpea-based with moderate protein (3g per 2 tbsp) and carbohydrate (5g per 2 tbsp). Olive oil provides monounsaturated fat. Low glycemic index but calorie-dense. Requires careful portioning to maintain Zone ratios. Useful as carb/fat vehicle but not primary protein source.

Anti-Inflammatory8/10APPROVED

Combines chickpeas (polyphenols, fiber) with tahini (sesame seeds - lignans, minerals) and olive oil (polyphenols, oleic acid). Excellent anti-inflammatory profile when made with quality ingredients. Provides plant protein and resistant starch. Minimal processing when homemade or quality store-bought.

GLP-1 Friendly5/10CAUTION

Moderate protein (3g per 2 tbsp) and fiber (2g per 2 tbsp) from chickpeas, but fat content (5g per 2 tbsp from tahini/oil) can trigger nausea. Calorie-dense relative to protein. Better as small condiment than main protein source.

Controversy Index

Score range: 18/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus6.2Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Hummus

Vegan 8/10
  • Plant-based
  • Legume-derived
  • Seed-based
  • Minimally processed
  • Whole food
Mediterranean 8/10
  • Traditional Mediterranean staple
  • Chickpea-based protein
  • Olive oil and tahini
  • Minimal processing
DASH 6/10
  • Moderate to high sodium
  • Plant protein and fiber
  • Oil content increases calories
  • Chickpea base provides minerals
  • Portion control recommended
Zone 5/10
  • Moderate protein
  • Moderate carbohydrate
  • Monounsaturated fat (olive oil)
  • Low glycemic index
  • Calorie-dense
  • Portion-sensitive
  • chickpea base
  • olive oil
  • tahini
  • polyphenols
  • fiber content
  • Moderate protein
  • Moderate fiber
  • Moderate fat from tahini
  • High calorie density
  • Portion-sensitive
Last reviewed: Our methodology