Is There Milk in Hummus?

Written by: Kelly Donovan

Hummus is an increasingly popular food, and many people are eager to learn how to make it at home. That might leave you wondering about the ingredients list and whether this creamy product contains milk.

Hummus does not contain milk; in most cases, it doesn’t contain any cream or other dairy products. However, it’s always worth checking in case the manufacturer has chosen to add dairy.

Hummus may seem confusing because of its creamy texture, so in this article, we’ll explore whether hummus contains milk or dairy, and if it’s suitable for vegans.

Does Hummus Have Milk In It?

Hummus doesn’t usually contain any milk. Many think it’s made using cream or milk because it has a flavor and texture that most of us associate with dairy products. However, it’s generally free from milk.

It is always worth checking this before you purchase and eat hummus because there are a lot of variations, and some manufacturers might add milk to make their hummus more attractive.

This is pretty rare, though, and according to TheLoopyWhisk, hummus shouldn’t have milk in it.

A quick skim of the ingredients list is wise, but you shouldn’t need to worry!

Here's a video from Rainbow Plant Life that shows how to make hummus (without milk or dairy).

Can You Add Milk To Hummus?

In theory, you can add milk to hummus if you make it yourself at home and want to make a particularly creamy batch.

You should be careful, though, because hummus often contains lemon juice, which may cause the milk to curdle.

Mix the lemon juice separately once the milk has been combined with the other ingredients.

Most people use water rather than milk to thin hummus that has come out too thick.

Alternatively, you can use plant-based milk, such as hemp milk. This will ensure that the hummus stays gluten-free, which is ideal for many individuals.

If that doesn’t appeal, sesame milk is a great option because sesame seeds are a major component in hummus and enhance the flavors it already contains.

hummus ingredients in food processor with hand squeezing lemon into it

Is There Any Dairy In Hummus?

It’s rare for any dairy to be included in hummus, as things like cheese and butter are not generally paired with it.

If you buy a specialty or flavored hummus, you should check, but most brands won’t usually include dairy.

Is Hummus Vegan?

Hummus is almost always vegan. It rarely contains any animal products, like eggs or meat, although you should check whenever you purchase a new brand of hummus, just in case.

bowl of hummus with olive oil on tablecloth

Conclusion

Hummus is ideal if you’re looking for a milk-free and dairy-free option.

It's very rare for this dip to contain anything besides chickpeas and some flavorings (e.g., lemon juice, garlic, paprika), so you can usually safely assume that there is no milk in it.

You can add milk if you like, but water is often a better option.

About the Author

Kelly Donovan is a freelance writer. She enjoys helping people reach their wellness goals by educating them about how food plays a role in their health.