Does Caramelized Onion Hummus contain dairy or gluten?

No, this product does not contain dairy, cheese, or gluten ingredients. It is safe for those with lactose intolerance or celiac disease.

Is Caramelized Onion Hummus good for weight loss?

It is calorie-dense due to the oil and tahini, and the added sugar increases the calorie count. It should be eaten in moderation if you are trying to lose weight.

Where can I buy Caramelized Onion Hummus?

This product is widely available at major grocery chains like Kroger, Safeway, and Walmart, as well as online through Amazon.

Is Caramelized Onion Hummus safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for children. It contains no caffeine or choking hazards, though the sugar content should be monitored.

Is Caramelized Onion Hummus Vegan?

The short answer is MAYBE. While this Caramelized Onion Hummus is free from obvious animal products like dairy and meat, there is a hidden ingredient that strict vegans often avoid: sugar. Because the sugar used in this product is not certified organic or explicitly raw, it may have been processed using bone char, making it a gray area for many vegans.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing a product like Caramelized Onion Hummus, the base ingredients are overwhelmingly plant-based. The foundation consists of STEAMED CHICKPEAS, WATER, and SESAME TAHINI. These are staples of a vegan diet and provide the creamy texture and protein content hummus is known for. The inclusion of CANOLA OIL and GUAR GUM is standard for consistency and shelf stability, and neither raises vegan concerns.

The flavor profile comes from TOASTED ONION, GARLIC, and ONION POWDER, which are all strictly plant-derived. The acidity is provided by BALSAMIC VINEGAR and CITRIC ACID, both of which are vegan-friendly. However, the sweetness that defines the 'caramelized' aspect comes from a combination of BROWN SUGAR and AGAVE SYRUP.

This brings us to the primary flag. While AGAVE SYRUP is always vegan, BROWN SUGAR is the culprit. In the United States, many brown sugars are processed using bone char (charred animal bones) to achieve the white color before molasses is added back in. Unless the brand specifically states their sugar is organic or unrefined, strict vegans typically categorize this as non-vegan. The NATURAL FLAVORS ingredient is also a wildcard, though in savory products like this, it is rarely derived from animal sources.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

sugar

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Caramelized Onion Hummus offers a mix of healthy fats and plant-based protein. The SESAME TAHINI and CANOLA OIL contribute healthy unsaturated fats, which are essential for heart health. The CHICKPEAS provide a solid base of fiber and protein, making this a satiating snack that can help keep you full longer.

However, the addition of BROWN SUGAR and AGAVE SYRUP increases the sugar content compared to a traditional hummus. While not excessively high, these added sugars contribute to the overall calorie count without offering significant micronutrients. If you are monitoring your sugar intake for weight management or blood sugar control, this specific flavor variation is something to be mindful of compared to a plain or garlic hummus.