How Long Does Shop-Bought Hummus Last in the Fridge?
Written by Jordan Morley · Storage times from the USDA FoodKeeper database · Last updated 28 October 2026
Shop-bought hummus lasts 7 days once opened and 3 months while sealed, in a fridge running at 0–5°C.
Storage tips for shop-bought hummus
- Fridge at 0–5°C. A fridge thermometer is the cheapest food-safety upgrade — many home fridges run warmer than their dial suggests.
You can also check the calorie content of shop-bought hummus alongside its safety information. Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.
Why this time limit?
Shop-bought hummus that is pasteurised and contains preservatives (the USDA FoodKeeper’s ‘commercial’ entry) is allowed 3 months while the tub is sealed but only 7 days once you open it. Opening is what matters: from then on the clock runs from the day the lid comes off, and a clean spoon every time (never a double-dipped chip) keeps that week honest. Traditional hummus with no preservatives that has not been pasteurised is a different case and has its own shorter limit (see traditional hummus). If you are pregnant, our hummus in pregnancy guide covers the extra caution.
Hummus: shop-bought vs traditional
| Type | Sealed | Once opened |
|---|---|---|
| Shop-bought (pasteurised, with preservatives) | 3 months | 7 days |
| Traditional (no preservatives, not pasteurised) | — | 7 days |
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Store it properly
Fridge thermometer
These storage times assume 0–5°C — check what your fridge actually runs at.
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More storage essentials
Vacuum food sealer
Removes the air that speeds spoilage — extends shelf life by days.
Check Price →Airtight glass containers
Fridge, freezer and microwave safe — one less transfer step.
Check Price →Shop-Bought Hummus next to similar foods
| Food | Fridge time |
|---|---|
| Salsa (Opened) | 4–7 days |
| Traditional Hummus | 7 days |
| Sour Cream Dips | 2 weeks |
| Tzatziki | 2 weeks |
| Shop-Bought Hummus | 3 months |
Of the 26 cooked-dish and leftover foods with a fridge time in this guide, shop-Bought Hummus keeps for longer than 25.
Shop-Bought Hummus: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In pregnancy (Hummus) | Caution |
| While breastfeeding (Hummus) | Safe |
| Past the date on the label (Hummus) | No — use-by means use by |
Common questions
How long does shop-bought hummus last in the fridge?
3 months while sealed and unopened, and 7 days once opened, in a fridge running at 0–5°C. Count from the day you open it, and use the printed date if it is earlier.
How can I tell if shop-bought hummus has gone off?
Smell and appearance are unreliable here: the bacteria that matter in cooked dishes (including Bacillus cereus in rice and pasta) often do not change how food smells or looks. Mould, sliminess or a sour smell are obvious reasons to bin it, but a dish can be unsafe without them.
Can I freeze shop-bought hummus to keep it longer?
Freezing is not recommended for this food; the texture tends to suffer badly. Buy or cook only what you will use in time.
Does my fridge temperature really matter?
Yes. These times assume a fridge at 0–5°C, which is what the Food Standards Agency says to set it to. Bacteria grow faster in a warmer fridge, and many fridges run warmer than their dial suggests, so a cheap fridge thermometer is worth having.
Related answers
Primary source: USDA FoodKeeper.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.