How Long Does Traditional Hummus Last in the Fridge?
Written by Jordan Morley · Storage times from the USDA FoodKeeper database · Last updated 28 October 2026
Traditional hummus (no preservatives, not pasteurised) keeps just 7 days in the fridge, far less than shop-bought hummus.
Storage tips for traditional 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 traditional 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?
Traditional hummus has no preservatives and has not been pasteurised, so the USDA FoodKeeper gives it just 7 days in the fridge in total. That is much shorter than shop-bought, pasteurised hummus, which keeps 3 months sealed but 7 days once opened (see shop-bought hummus). Check the label: if the tub lists preservatives and says pasteurised, use the shop-bought figures instead.
Hummus: traditional vs shop-bought
| Type | Sealed | Once opened |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional (no preservatives, not pasteurised) | — | 7 days |
| Shop-bought (pasteurised, with preservatives) | 3 months | 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 →Traditional Hummus next to similar foods
| Food | Fridge time |
|---|---|
| Casseroles | Up to 2 days |
| Cooked Main Meals (Hot or Chilled) | Up to 2 days |
| Guacamole | 3–4 days |
| Salsa (Opened) | 4–7 days |
| Traditional Hummus | 7 days |
Of the 26 cooked-dish and leftover foods with a fridge time in this guide, traditional Hummus keeps for longer than 22 and less time than 3.
Common questions
How long does traditional hummus last in the fridge?
7 days in a fridge running at 0–5°C (USDA FoodKeeper guidance). After that, quality and safety both start to slip, and because the bacteria that cause food poisoning are invisible, ‘it seems fine’ is not a reliable test. When in doubt, throw it out.
How can I tell if traditional 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 traditional 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.