I'm a big fan of any type of dip, including hummus. Hummus is the perfect blend of chickpeas and any other ingredients you prefer. You can blend up chickpeas with oil and simply add salt and pepper, or you can go for a garlicky hummus, spicy, you name it. Plus, hummus isn't a dip that's terrible for you.
Since hummus is made from chickpeas, it's generally pretty good for you compared to other dips.
But if you're someone who suffers from acid reflux or experiences heartburn, you're probably wondering if hummus is acidic or not.
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Is Hummus Acidic?
Hummus is acidic. The pH of hummus is generally around 5.5. Depending on the hummus you purchase or make yourself, the pH may vary because of the other ingredients you're adding. Chickpeas have an acidic pH once ingested, so it's to be assumed that hummus does too.
Is Hummus Good For You?
When it comes to food, most things aren't terrible for you when consumed in moderation. Hummus is one of the healthier dip options available to you since they're made from chickpeas or, as some people know them, garbanzo beans.
Hummus is pretty good for us since it's packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that our bodies need.
Hummus is a great snack that you can dip bread and veggies in or spread on a sandwich. One hundred grams of most hummus will only be about 166 calories and has a decent amount of protein.
It has several important nutrients, including:
- Fiber
- Copper
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Folate
- Thiamin
- Zinc
- Iron
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Vitamin B6
Hummus is a popular plant-based protein that vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters love. The combination of essential nutrients gives the hummus a plethora of health benefits.
Hummus has anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is uncomfortable, and no one wants to have to live with that. Hummus may be able to fight that inflammation and make your life more enjoyable.
Several nutrients in hummus have been shown to reduce the blood markers for inflammation.
The fiber content in hummus is wonderful for your gut. Eating enough fiber can keep everything regular down there and leave you without painful constipation.
In addition to keeping your digestive system regular, hummus can keep harmful bacteria from forming in your gut.
For those of you on a healthy journey, hummus may be your new best friend. It's high protein and high in other nutrients, so it's a great snack option and alternative to high-fat dips.
Can I Eat Hummus with Acid Reflux Disease?
When you have acid reflux disease, you need to watch your acid intake to avoid any uncomfortable symptoms. So, whether you can or can't eat hummus when you have acid reflux disease is personal.
Since the pH of hummus is closer to the neutral pH rating, you may be able to eat hummus without having any negative side effects. One of the best ways to determine if you can or can't eat hummus with acid reflux disease is to talk to your doctor.
Another option is to eat a small amount at a time to see how your body reacts.
Don't know what to drink? We made a list of more than 20 most and least acidic juices and 20+ alcoholic drinks ranked by acidity levels.
What Flavors of Hummus Are There?
When you're shopping at the grocery store, the hummus section is so much more than it used to be. There's traditional hummus, but now there are several different flavors you can choose from.
Whether you're purchasing pre-made hummus or planning to make your own at home, here are some of the most popular hummus flavors:
- Classic
- Roasted garlic
- Roasted red pepper
- Lemon rosemary
- Everything (everything bagel seasoning included)
- Black bean
- Sundried tomato
- Jalapeno
- Tuscan herb
These are a few of the most popular flavors you'll see at the store. You can create your own versions at home and make hummus exactly what you want.
Where Does Hummus Come From?
Nowadays, you can purchase hummus all over the world. But where did hummus originate from? Many people know hummus to be a popular dish in Mediterranean countries like Greece or the Middle East.
While it's true that hummus is incredibly popular in these areas, historians believe that hummus originated elsewhere.
Hummus originated in Africa. To be more specific, it's believed to have originated in Ancient Egypt. We can date back the first creation of hummus to about the 13th century in Ancient Egypt.
Since Greece and other Arabian countries were always solid trade partners, it's not surprising that their cuisine is similar and that hummus is a staple in both cuisines. During the Ottoman Empire, you really saw a cross-over in many of their dishes, including hummus.
The Best Food to Dip in Hummus
I think it's common knowledge that dipping pita bread in hummus is one of the most popular food items. I personally love dipping bread in anything, especially pita bread in hummus.
If you're watching your carbs or are looking for something different to dip in hummus, try some of these food items:
- Pretzels
- Celery
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Crackers
- Rice cakes
A Classic Hummus Recipe
There's absolutely nothing wrong with buying store-made hummus. It's convenient, and it's still tasty and good for you. If you eat a lot of hummus, making it at home may be more cost-effective in the long run.
The good news is that hummus is very easy to make, even if you don't think you can cook.
All you'll need to make classic hummus at home are chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, salt, lemon juice, and tahini (optional). You can use canned chickpeas or dried ones, but if you're using ones you need to rehydrate, you'll need to do that before making the hummus.
Some people love tahini in their hummus, and others hate it. You can go with your preference. Your hummus will still taste great with or without tahini.
You'll blend the chickpeas, olive oil, and other ingredients until you get a very smooth paste. You'll want to taste test it to ensure it's flavored how you like.
You can always add more garlic or salt if you need to. Grab some pita bread or veggies to dip in the hummus, and you're good to go!
Don't know what to drink? We made a list of more than 20 most and least acidic juices and 20+ alcoholic drinks ranked by acidity levels.