Is Jalapeño Hummus Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is safe for a gluten-free diet, we have to look beyond the main attraction and inspect the binders, preservatives, and flavor enhancers. For this Jalapeño Hummus, the news is good. The foundation of the dip is cooked chickpeas and water, which are naturally free of gluten. Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are legumes and are perfectly safe for celiacs.

The creaminess comes from tahini (ground sesame) and expeller pressed canola oil. Both of these fats are derived from seeds and are gluten-free in their pure forms. The heat comes from jalapeño peppers and jalapeño powder. While spice blends can sometimes be thickened with flour, these specific ingredients are simply peppers and spices. Finally, the preservation and flavor profile rely on sea salt, citric acid, and dehydrated garlic. None of these ingredients pose a gluten risk. There are no wheat-based thickeners, malt vinegars, or hydrolyzed wheat protein listed.

Nutritional Value

Jalapeño Hummus offers a mix of healthy fats and plant-based protein. The primary fat source is canola oil and tahini, which provide monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. While these are considered heart-healthy fats, hummus can be calorie-dense, so portion control is key if you are watching your weight. The chickpeas provide a decent amount of fiber and protein, which helps with satiety. However, be mindful that the added jalapeño and citric acid can make this dip quite palatable, potentially leading to overeating. It fits well into a balanced diet as a source of healthy fats, but it should be eaten in moderation alongside fresh vegetables rather than high-calorie chips.