How long store-bought and homemade hummus last in the fridge
Quick answer
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Fridge
Keeps for 7 days
Store-bought hummus keeps 3 months unopened and 7 days once opened, and traditional hummus keeps 7 days.
Watch out Don't leave hummus out of the fridge for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C).
USDA FoodKeeper doesn't recommend freezing hummus, store-bought or traditional. Opened store-bought hummus lasts 7 days in the fridge, and traditional hummus lasts 7 days. Unopened store-bought hummus lasts 3 months from the date of purchase. Don't leave hummus out for more than 2 hours.
Buying hummus this week?
On a Listonic list, every item gets the amount you need and a note on when to use it by.
- Quantity and unit on every item
- A note like “fridge, use within a week”
- One list shared with everyone at home
USDA FoodKeeper doesn’t recommend freezing hummus, store-bought or traditional. In the fridge, opened store-bought hummus lasts 7 days, and so does traditional hummus.
Unopened store-bought hummus lasts much longer, 3 months, counted from the day you bought it. The type you have decides which number applies, so this guide splits the two.
Can you freeze hummus?
No, USDA FoodKeeper doesn’t recommend freezing hummus. That covers store-bought hummus, which FoodKeeper calls commercial, and traditional hummus.
FoodKeeper gives no freezer time for either type, so this guide doesn’t give one. Plan around the fridge times below instead.
How long does hummus last in the fridge?
Opened store-bought hummus lasts 7 days in the fridge, and traditional hummus lasts 7 days too. Unopened store-bought hummus lasts 3 months, counted from the date of purchase.
| Type of hummus | In the fridge | In the freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Store-bought, unopened | 3 months from the date of purchase | Not recommended |
| Store-bought, opened | 7 days after opening | Not recommended |
| Traditional or homemade | 7 days | Not recommended |
Store-bought hummus
Store-bought hummus, the pasteurized kind made with preservatives, lasts 3 months in the fridge while it stays unopened. FoodKeeper counts that time from the day you bought it.
Once you open it, use it within 7 days. Count those 7 days from the day you open the container.
Traditional and homemade hummus
Traditional hummus, which has no preservatives and isn’t pasteurized, lasts 7 days in the fridge. Use that time for homemade hummus too.
That’s the same 7 days you get for opened store-bought hummus, and far shorter than the 3 months for an unopened container.
How to store hummus safely
Keep hummus in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. FoodKeeper gives hummus fridge times only, and it doesn’t recommend the freezer.
How long can hummus sit out?
Hummus can sit out for no more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C). That’s the USDA’s Danger Zone rule for perishable food.
Bacteria grow most rapidly between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C), doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes. Put hummus back in the fridge when you’re done serving it.
How to tell if hummus has gone bad
Mold means the hummus has gone bad, so throw it out. Foods with high moisture content that show mold can be contaminated below the surface, and moldy foods may also have bacteria growing along with the mold.
Don’t sniff moldy hummus, because it can cause respiratory trouble. Check the days too, since FoodKeeper’s times are 7 days for opened store-bought and traditional hummus, and 3 months for unopened store-bought hummus.
Frequently asked questions
How long does unopened store-bought hummus last?
Unopened store-bought hummus lasts 3 months in the fridge, counted from the date of purchase.
How long does opened hummus last in the fridge?
Opened store-bought hummus lasts 7 days in the fridge. Traditional hummus, which has no preservatives and isn't pasteurized, also lasts 7 days.
Can you freeze store-bought hummus?
USDA FoodKeeper doesn't recommend it. It gives no freezer time for commercial hummus, the pasteurized kind made with preservatives.
Can you freeze homemade hummus?
USDA FoodKeeper doesn't recommend freezing traditional hummus either. Keep it in the fridge and use it within 7 days.
Does hummus need to be refrigerated?
Yes, keep hummus in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below. Don't leave it out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C).
