Hummus is a favorite for foodies and dieters alike. And why wouldn't it be? It's super creamy, a solid source of protein and fiber, and pairs well with many foods (not to mention, your fingers). But Sabra-brand hummus is a total health imposter, fooling buyers with its seemingly wholesome look and innumerable amount of fans. Instead of consuming this manufactured dip, consider making your own at home. It's super easy — just check out these 11 Tips for Making the Perfect Homemade Hummus and then get on it!
It's High In Sodium
Just a two-tablespoon serving contains 130 milligrams of sodium, which doesn't seem like much, but can quickly add up when you've found your finger too close to the bottom of the hummus container for comfort. In fact, many hummus brands out there such as Pita Pal and Roots contain far less of the salty stuff — anywhere between 65 and 80 milligrams. Besides for potentially harming your ticker and raising your blood pressure, did you know that Too Much Salt Causes Rapid Weight Gain?
…And Fat
A single serving of this mass-produced hummus is packed with five grams of fat, including one gram of saturated fat. While, yes, fiber- and healthy-fat-packed chickpeas are wonderful for reducing your cholesterol levels, the issue is that many of the added fats in this hummus come from the addition of soybean oil. A high intake of polyunsaturated fats like soybean oil, which contain high levels of inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids, has been connected to increased risk of heart disease, according to a 2013 study published in BMJ.
It Contains Unncessary Preservatives
Many of Sabra's chickpea dips contain ingredients you wouldn't find in tradtional hummus, namely soybean oil, citric acid, natural flavors, and locust bean gum. While many of these ingredients are not harmful for your health, they're not required to make hummus — so why bother eating them?
One ingredient used in Sabra, however, does carry some health concerns: potassium sorbate. This preservative has been linked to migraines and stomach issues, and a recent study published in the journal Toxicology in Vitro found the additive to damage immune-system-regulating white blood cells.
Eat This! Instead
Blue Moose Of Boulder Hummus
Per 2 Tbsp serving: 60 calories, 3.5 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 105 mg sodium, 5 g carbs (1 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 2 g protein
We especially love this Mediterranean dip because "it's hummus minus everything that isn't hummus." That means it's packed with all-natural ingredients like extra virgin olive oil and zero preservatives. Now that's a hummus we'd gladly dip our veggies into. Find out which other chickpea dips are Eat This!-approved with our report: 22 Best and Worst Popular Hummus Choices.
$3.99 per 8-oz tub at Amazon.com
April Benshosan, MS
April is a born-and-raised Brooklynite who has a passion for all things health, wellness, and tastebud-related.Read more about April
