Can You Eat Hummus When Pregnant?
Reviewed against NHS foods-to-avoid guidance · Updated September 2026
Nutritional data sourced from USDA FoodData Central and Public Health England. Always consult a registered dietitian for personal dietary advice.
Shop-bought chilled hummus, in date and kept refrigerated, is generally fine in pregnancy — avoid hummus that's been sitting out (buffets, deli counters).
Why is hummus a concern in pregnancy?
Hummus is a chilled ready-to-eat food, so the general listeria caution for that category applies: pre-packed supermarket hummus that's been kept cold and is within its use-by date is generally considered fine, while hummus that's been sitting out at room temperature (buffets, open deli tubs) is best avoided during pregnancy. Homemade hummus eaten fresh is also fine.
You can also check the calorie content of hummus alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
Choose pre-packed, refrigerated hummus, eat it well within its use-by date, and don't eat it if it has been sitting out at room temperature.
Safe swaps
As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Pregnancy essentials
Pregnancy multivitamin
The NHS advises 400µg of folic acid daily — easiest as one daily tablet.
Check Price →Pregnancy food guide
A paper reference for the fridge door — no more mid-supermarket googling.
Check Price →Digital food thermometer
Cooked through means 75°C in the middle — a probe ends the guesswork.
Check Price →Links open your local Amazon store. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.
More pregnancy essentials
Baby-safe food thermometer
Useful for pregnancy cooking checks and later for baby food.
Check Price →Links open your local Amazon store. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Common questions
Can I eat hummus in the first trimester?
The same caution applies throughout pregnancy, including the first trimester.
Is a small amount of hummus OK during pregnancy?
It's about the source rather than the amount — pre-packed and in date is generally fine; deli-counter or buffet versions are best avoided entirely.
I accidentally ate hummus while pregnant — what should I do?
The risk from a single serving is low. Watch for flu-like symptoms over the next few weeks and contact your midwife or GP if you feel unwell.
Is cooked hummus safe in pregnancy?
Hummus is eaten cold, so cooking doesn't usually apply — freshly making it yourself at home is the lowest-risk option.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS foods-to-avoid guidance.
The information on 247foodcheck.com is compiled from official public guidance (NHS, Food Standards Agency, USDA/FDA FoodKeeper) and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace guidance from your midwife, GP, health visitor or other qualified professional. When in doubt, throw it out — and if you feel unwell after eating something, contact NHS 111 or your doctor.