Is Hommus classic original Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this product is considered Kosher, we need to look at the specific components. The base of any hummus is the steamed chickpeas. Chickpeas are legumes and are inherently Kosher (Pareve). They are simply cooked with water, which presents no issues.

The second major ingredient is sesame tahini. This is simply ground sesame seeds. Like chickpeas, sesame seeds are Kosher. The addition of sunflower oil and olive oil keeps the product in the Pareve category, meaning it contains no meat or dairy derivatives.

When analyzing additives, we look for hidden animal products. The guar gum used here is a plant-based thickener derived from guar beans, making it a safe Kosher alternative to gelatin. The flavorings—sea salt, garlic, cumin, and citric acid—are all standard spices and acids that are naturally Kosher. There are no red flags in this list.

Nutritional Value

While this product is Kosher, it is also worth understanding its nutritional profile. Hummus is generally regarded as a healthy food due to the presence of chickpeas, which provide fiber and plant-based protein. However, commercial varieties often include added oils like sunflower oil and olive oil to achieve a creamy texture. This significantly increases the calorie and fat content compared to homemade versions.

The sodium content, derived from sea salt, is something to monitor if you are watching your blood pressure. Additionally, while this specific list does not show added sugar, the citric acid provides a tartness that can sometimes mask the need for sugar in other brands. Overall, this fits well into a balanced diet, but portion control is key due to the calorie density from the oils and tahini.