Does Organic Mediterranean Hommus with Toppings contain dairy or gluten?

No, it contains no dairy or gluten. The ingredients are strictly plant-based (chickpeas, oils, vegetables), and there are no wheat-derived thickeners.

Is Organic Mediterranean Hommus with Toppings good for weight loss?

It can be part of a weight loss plan, but portion control is key. It is nutrient-dense and high in healthy fats, so stick to a 2-tablespoon serving to manage calorie intake.

Where can I buy Organic Mediterranean Hommus with Toppings?

You can find this product at major retailers like Whole Foods, Sprouts, or natural food chains. It is also frequently available on Amazon and the Cedar's Foods website.

Is Organic Mediterranean Hommus with Toppings safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for kids as it contains no caffeine or added refined sugar. However, always monitor for choking hazards with the pine nut topping in very young children.

Is Organic Mediterranean Hommus with Toppings Vegan?

Yes, Organic Mediterranean Hommus with Toppings is vegan. This product relies entirely on plant-based ingredients, utilizing organic chickpeas, tahini, and vegetable oils to create its base and topping. There are no dairy derivatives, eggs, or animal-based additives found in the formulation.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I scrutinize ingredient lists to identify non-vegan culprits like whey, gelatin, or hidden anchovy pastes. For this Organic Mediterranean Hommus with Toppings, the formulation is remarkably clean and strictly plant-derived.

The base of the hommus is standard for the category: organic steamed chickpeas and organic sesame tahini. These provide the creamy texture and savory flavor profile. The moisture and preservation are handled by water, sea salt, and citric acid, which is a plant-derived acid often used to replace vinegar in organic products. The thickening agent, organic guar gum, is a polysaccharide derived from guar beans, making it fully vegan.

The topping mix is equally safe. It features organic split chickpeas and organic roasted pine nuts for crunch. The fats used here are exclusively plant-based: organic sunflower oil and organic extra virgin olive oil. The acidity is provided by organic white vinegar, and the flavor comes from organic roasted red pepper and organic parsley. Crucially, there are no signs of honey (sometimes found in 'Mediterranean' blends) or dairy-based creamers.

While the label explicitly warns of pine nuts and sesame (common allergens), these are seeds and pose no issue for a vegan diet. The product is certified organic by Quality Assurance International, which ensures the absence of animal-based pesticides but does not inherently guarantee vegan status—however, the ingredient list confirms it independently.

Nutritional Value

While this hommus is vegan, it is also calorie-dense due to the healthy fats present in the tahini and oils. A standard serving typically contains between 100-140 calories, with the majority coming from fat (around 8-10g per serving). This is not necessarily a negative; the fats are primarily unsaturated, coming from olive and sunflower oils, which are beneficial for heart health.

Regarding carbohydrates, the chickpeas provide fiber and complex carbs, keeping the glycemic load moderate. The sodium content is generally controlled by the sea salt and citric acid, usually hovering around 150-200mg per serving, which fits well within a balanced diet. There is negligible sugar in this product (less than 1g), making it a savory option that won't spike blood sugar levels. It fits well into a whole-food, plant-based diet.