Hummus, that Middle Eastern spread starring chickpeas, oil, and sometimes tahini (sesame seed paste), isn’t hard to make but it’s even easier to buy. The number of brands is increasing and so are the flavors. Maybe that’s no surprise. Hummus (also spelled hommos) is healthful and delicious (as a sandwich spread or veggie dip, for starters) and low in fat and calories; few brands in our tasting exceeded 25 calories per tablespoon.
We zeroed in on red pepper hummus, and were astonished not only by the number we found (eight) but also by the great variation in color, texture and flavor.
The winner, Oasis Mediterranean Cuisine, was purchased at Whole Foods Market. Tasters loved its flavor, texture and authenticity; it also had the fewest calories per tablespoon (14). It was followed by two familiar supermarket brands: Athenos placed a close-behind second, Tribe finished third.
Here are the winners, with tasters’ remarks.
The results
1. Oasis Mediterranean Cuisine (7.5 points. 16 ounces, $4.39; 27 cents per ounce): “Nice tart kick that mellows out.” “Nice chunky texture.” “Tastes like canned chickpeas.”
2. Athenos (7.3 points. 7 ounces, $3.29; 47 cents per ounce): “Lemon adds great zing to a nicely balanced hummus.” “Pepper lingers on tongue after hummus flavor fades.” “OK flavor of tahini; good red pepper flavor.”
3. Tribe Organic (6.5 points. 8 ounces, $3.99; 50 cents per ounce): “Good chickpea and sesame flavor.” “Easy to dip.” “Tastes chalky.”
Also tasted
4. Sabra (5.5 points) 5. Trader Joe’s (5.3) 6. Whole Foods (4.5) 7. Chef Earl’s (4.3) 8. Cedar’s (3.8)
Products are scored on a scale of 1 to 9, with 9 being highest. Prices are based on what we paid for them at the supermarket and may reflect sale prices.
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renna@tribune.com
