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Can You Freeze Hummus? Complete UK Storage Guide

If you've bought a large tub of hummus from Tesco or made a big batch at home, freezing is a great way to prevent waste. Hummus freezes surprisingly well and tastes almost as good as fresh when thawed properly.

This guide covers everything you need to know about freezing hummus — including how to freeze, thaw, and restore the texture.

Can You Freeze Hummus?

Yes! Hummus freezes well because its main ingredients (chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic) are all freezer-friendly.

What to expect:

• ✅ Flavour stays the same (no noticeable change)
• ⚠️ Texture may become slightly grainy or separated (easily fixed by stirring)
• ✅ Shelf life extends from 3-7 days (fridge) to 3-4 months (freezer)

How to Freeze Hummus: Step-by-Step

Method 1: Freeze in Original Container (Shop-Bought)

Best for: Unopened tubs of Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, or M&S hummus

1. Check the seal: If unopened, you can freeze the entire tub as-is
2. Write the date: Label with freezing date (use within 4 months)
3. Place in freezer: Store upright to prevent leaks

Method 2: Freeze in Portions (Opened Hummus)

Best for: Opened containers or homemade hummus

1. Divide into portions: Use small airtight containers or freezer bags (100-200g portions work well)
2. Leave space for expansion: Fill containers only ¾ full — hummus expands when frozen
3. Drizzle olive oil on top (optional): Helps preserve texture and moisture
4. Seal tightly: Remove as much air as possible from bags to prevent freezer burn
5. Label and date: Write contents and date on the container
6. Freeze flat: Lay freezer bags flat for faster freezing and easier stacking

Method 3: Freeze in Ice Cube Trays (Small Portions)

Best for: Single-serving portions or adding to recipes

1. Spoon hummus into ice cube tray compartments
2. Freeze until solid (2-3 hours)
3. Pop out frozen cubes and transfer to a freezer bag
4. Use 1-2 cubes at a time for dips or cooking

How Long Can You Freeze Hummus?

• Best quality: 2-3 months
• Maximum: 4 months
• After 4 months: Still safe but texture and flavour degrade

How to Thaw Frozen Hummus

Best Method: Overnight in Fridge (Recommended)

1. Transfer frozen hummus from freezer to fridge
2. Leave for 8-12 hours (overnight works perfectly)
3. Stir well before serving to recombine ingredients

Quick Method: Room Temperature (2-3 Hours)

1. Place sealed container on the counter
2. Let sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours
3. Warning: Don't leave for more than 4 hours (bacteria risk)

Emergency Method: Microwave (Not Recommended)

Microwaving changes the texture significantly. If you must:

1. Microwave on defrost setting in 30-second bursts
2. Stir between each burst
3. Stop when mostly thawed (finish thawing at room temp)

How to Fix Separated/Grainy Hummus After Freezing

Frozen hummus often separates (oil rises to top) or becomes grainy. Here's how to fix it:

1. Stir vigorously: Mix well with a spoon for 1-2 minutes
2. Add liquid if dry: Stir in 1-2 tbsp water, lemon juice, or olive oil
3. Blend if needed: For very grainy texture, blend in a food processor for 30 seconds
4. Let it rest: Leave at room temp for 10-15 minutes before serving

Can You Refreeze Thawed Hummus?

Not recommended. Refreezing causes:

• Significant texture degradation (becomes watery and grainy)
• Increased bacteria risk if thawed at room temperature
• Loss of flavour

Solution: Freeze in small portions so you only thaw what you need.

Which Hummus Brands Freeze Best?

All UK supermarket hummus brands freeze well, but results vary slightly:

Freeze Very Well:

• Tesco Finest: High olive oil content = better texture after thawing
• M&S Houmous: Thick, creamy consistency holds up well
• Homemade: Control ingredients for optimal freezing

Freeze Okay (May Need More Stirring):

• Tesco Everyday: Budget version, slightly more watery after thawing
• Sainsbury's Basics: Thinner consistency, needs vigorous stirring

Flavoured Hummus:

• Plain/classic: Freezes best
• Roasted red pepper, beetroot: Freeze well, minor colour fade
• Fresh herb (coriander, basil): Herbs lose vibrant colour but taste remains

Signs Your Frozen Hummus Has Gone Bad

Check for these before eating thawed hummus:

• Sour smell: Should smell nutty/garlicky, not sour or fermented
• Mould: Any visible mould = discard immediately
• Discolouration: Dark brown or grey patches (different from natural browning)
• Slimy texture: Should be thick, not slimy or sticky

Tip: If hummus was near its expiry date before freezing, use within 1 month of thawing.

Fridge vs Freezer: How Long Does Hummus Last?

Storage Method	Unopened	Opened
Fridge	7-10 days (use-by date)	3-5 days
Freezer	3-4 months	3-4 months

Best Uses for Thawed Hummus

If texture isn't perfect after thawing, use hummus in these ways:

• Dip: Still works great for veggies, pitta, crackers
• Sandwich spread: Add to wraps, sandwiches, toast
• Salad dressing: Thin with lemon juice and use as dressing
• Cooking: Stir into pasta, grain bowls, or soups
• Flatbread topping: Spread on pizza bases or flatbreads

Can You Freeze Hummus Ingredients?

If you make hummus at home, you can freeze individual ingredients:

• Cooked chickpeas: Freeze for 3-4 months in freezer bags
• Tahini: Freezes for 6 months (texture unchanged)
• Garlic: Freeze cloves or pre-minced garlic (6 months)

Make fresh hummus whenever you need it using frozen ingredients!

Final Thoughts

Freezing hummus is a simple way to reduce food waste and always have a healthy snack on hand. While the texture may change slightly, a good stir and maybe a splash of olive oil brings it back to near-original quality.

Key takeaways:

• Freeze hummus for up to 4 months
• Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results
• Stir well (add liquid if needed) to restore creamy texture
• Freeze in portions to avoid refreezing

Never let hummus go to waste again — just pop it in the freezer!

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