If you’re wondering, “Is hummus vegan?” you’re not alone! It contains no animal products and is a complete protein. In addition, it has no palm oil or sugar. Nevertheless, there are some things you should keep in mind when trying out hummus. Here’s how to tell the difference between vegan and non-vegan versions.
It does not contain any animal products
A popular vegan spread, hummus is available in a variety of flavors and is gluten free. It is delicious when eaten with pita or tortilla chips and is also a great snack or addition to a charcuterie board. This healthy spread is made with chickpeas and tahini, which is a sesame seed paste. The addition of guar gum, a polysaccharide produced by the mold Aspergillus, is used to add a thickening effect to the spread.
If you’re buying pre-made hummus, check the label carefully to make sure that it doesn’t contain any animal products. Typical offenders include milk, cheese, and yogurt. You should check if you have an allergy to these ingredients before purchasing a jar of hummus. Otherwise, stick with products that are certified vegan.
It contains a complete protein
Hummus is a vegetarian spread or dip made from chickpeas and tahini. It is a versatile food that is a great source of protein. Hummus is made by combining mashed chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil. You can also serve hummus with whole-wheat pitas. The addition of whole wheat pitas complements the methionine in chickpeas and provides a complete protein. You can also use other plant-based protein sources, including lentils and barley.
Hummus contains many nutrients, including all the essential amino acids. However, depending on the brand you buy, it may contain higher amounts of sodium than other hummus. Nevertheless, hummus is relatively low in fat and a good option for those following a low-fat diet. It also provides a substantial amount of protein, which is especially important for vegetarians. However, the high sodium content in hummus may pose a health risk to those on sodium-restricted diets. Furthermore, if you eat hummus more than one serving, you may exceed the recommended daily sodium limit.
It contains no sugar
According to the University of Texas at Austin, a snack made from hummus can help you stay alert throughout the day. The snack can curb your appetite and increase alertness. You may think that this is an exaggeration, but it actually has a very real effect. The researchers studied adult subjects who were fed afternoon snacks of red pepper hummus with pretzel crisps, and a granola bar. In contrast, the other group was not given any snacks, and the researchers noted that the participants with hummus in their stomachs felt more alert after eating hummus than the controls.
Some hummus is made from healthy ingredients, such as chickpeas and tahini. These ingredients give the hummus a more natural flavor, preventing it from acquiring an artificial taste. Some brands are more healthy than others.
It contains no palm oil
Many vegans make it a point to avoid using palm oil in their diet. While palm oil is technically vegan, its extraction and use has negative environmental and ethical consequences. In addition to palm oil, some mass-produced hummus also contains sugar and other ingredients that are not vegan. These ingredients are often used to increase the hummus’ shelf life.
If you want to make hummus without palm oil, you can easily find alternatives in the grocery store. You can use tahini, a sesame seed paste that is traditionally used in hummus, baba ganoush, and halva. You can also use aquafaba as an oil substitute. Its whipping ability makes it a good substitute for olive oil. Other essential ingredients are lemon juice and garlic. Smoked paprika is another traditional spice used in hummus. Finally, Sea Salt is a great way to bring all the flavors together.
