Hummus is lauded for its low-fat, high-protein, and high-fiber content. According to Keri Gans, RDN, a certified nutritionist based in New York City, 2 tablespoons of hummus typically have:
60 to 70 calories3 to 5 grams (g) of total fat2g of protein1g of fiber
Though the main ingredients typically stay the same, when it comes to picking a “healthy” hummus, Kelly Kennedy, RD, staff dietitian for Everyday Health, recommends taking a look at the base ingredient first. Typically, the base ingredient is the first thing on the ingredients list label. “Traditionally this is chickpeas, but it may be something like black beans, soy beans, or even lentils. This ingredient should be high in protein and fiber (as beans and lentils are),” she says. Kennedy also recommends opting for a hummus that has a healthy unsaturated fat source, such as olive oil. RELATED: The 10 Best and Worst Oils for Your Health The main idea is to “steer clear of a hummus which seems overly processed or has a lot of additives, salt, sugar, or hard-to-pronounce ingredients,” such as “guar gum and potassium sorbate,” Kennedy says. Those ingredients have the potential to cause the opposite-desired effect, not only on your waistline but on your overall health. After all, picking the best hummus is about more than simply how the dip affects your appearance! But if weight loss is your ultimate goal, you generally can’t go wrong with hummus. Kennedy says the dip is great for people who want to lose weight because of its high protein and fiber content. “This makes even a small amount of it filling and satisfying,” she says, adding that typical dippers like veggies can also help. Gans agrees, explaining that most hummus brands contain healthy components, such as tahini (ground sesame), cooked chickpeas, water, garlic, and heart-healthy oil. But that doesn’t mean that all hummus is created equal. According to Kennedy and Gans, here are the brands of hummus you want to eat if you’re looking to slim down:
1. Tribe
Tribe Roasted Garlic Hummus (10 oz); $2.29; Jet.com
2. Lantana
You can buy Lantana Hummus at your local health food store. RELATED: Brown Rice Crusted Chicken Cutlets With Edamame Hummus and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
3. Hope
4. Roots
You can buy Roots Hummus at your local health food store.
5. Hummustir
Hummustir Village Hummus; $3.79; Thrivemarket.com
6. Homemade Hummus
Edison Grainery Organic Garbanzo Beans; $4.49; Thrivemarket.comBragg Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil; $16.99; Thrivemarket.comSimply Organic Ground Cumin Seed; $3.99; Thrivemarket.comSimply Organic Paprika; $4.49; Thrivemarket.com
