Can You Freeze Hummus?

Quick Answer

Yes — you can freeze hummus. Portion it into airtight containers, leave headspace, and freeze at 0°F / -18°C. Thaw in the fridge (40°F / 4°C), stir to re-emulsify, and use promptly. Hummus freezing is an easy way to batch-cook, control portions, and cut waste while staying food-safe.

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Hummus
Researched Content
Updated
Based on Official Guidelines

Official Storage Guidelines for Hummus

🇺🇸 USDA Guidelines

Refrigerator4 days
Freezer4 months

🇬🇧 FSA Guidelines

Refrigerator2 days
Freezer3 months

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance only. It is based on publicly available USDA and FSA recommendations at the time of publication. Storage times may vary depending on handling, packaging, and storage conditions. Always check official sources and use your best judgment to ensure food safety. We do not accept liability for any loss, damage, or illness arising from reliance on this information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hummus Freezing and Storage Guide

Hummus freezes better than many folks expect. Spoon fresh hummus into small, airtight containers or silicone trays and leave 1–2 cm (about 1/2 inch) headspace for expansion.

Freeze at 0°F / -18°C and label the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator (40°F / 4°C) so it never enters the “danger zone” (40–140°F / 4–60°C). After thawing, slight separation is normal for an emulsion — stir vigorously or give it a brief blitz; a teaspoon of olive oil or lemon helps restore creamy texture.

For quality, the USDA’s leftovers guidance supports a 3–4 month freezer window; in the UK, the FSA’s consumer advice uses quality ranges and a cautious approach for homemade leftovers, so ~3 months is a sensible target.

Safety-wise, freezing pauses bacterial growth but doesn’t sterilize; treat thawed hummus like any ready-to-eat leftover and keep it cold. Hummus freezing works best with plain bases; fold in toppings (roasted peppers, herbs) after thawing for better texture.

Important Safety Guidelines

  • Keep it cold: hold hummus at 40°F / 4°C or below; freezer at 0°F / -18°C or below. Use an appliance thermometer to verify.
  • Follow the 2-hour rule (1 hour if >90°F / 32°C). If hummus sits out longer, discard — don’t re-chill.
  • Cool quickly: for homemade batches, portion into shallow containers so it hits 40°F / 4°C within 1–2 hours before refrigerating or freezing.
  • Package for quality: airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy freezer bags; press out excess air to avoid freezer burn. Label and date.
  • Portion first: freeze single-serves (2–4 Tbsp) or 1/2-cup blocks to speed safe thawing and reduce temperature abuse. (Quality practice consistent with FSA/USDA guidance.)
  • Thaw safely: always defrost in the refrigerator. UK: use within 24 hours of full defrost. US: leftovers thawed in the fridge are fine 3–4 days.
  • Refreezing: safe if thawed in the fridge and kept ≤40°F / 4°C, or if still icy; otherwise, don’t refreeze. Expect some texture loss after a second freeze–thaw.
  • Prevent cross-contamination: no double-dipping; use clean spoons; keep away from raw meat juices. Reheat mixed hot dishes until steaming throughout.
  • Quality tweak: separation after thawing is normal; stir or briefly blend. Add a touch of olive oil/tahini or lemon to restore emulsion (quality guidance; not a safety claim). (Peer-reviewed hummus preservation research supports quality management during cold storage.)

Key Safety Reminders:

  • Always label containers with freezing date
  • Use airtight containers to prevent freezer burn
  • Follow proper thawing procedures

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Sources & References

This information is based on official guidelines from trusted food safety authorities:

Leftovers and Food Safety

Acessed on US

View Source

Refrigeration & Food Safety

Acessed on US

View Source

Freezing and Food Safety

Acessed on US

View Source

Cold Food Storage Chart — FoodSafety.gov

Acessed on US

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How to chill, freeze and defrost food safely

Acessed on UK

View Source

Safe Method: Freezing

Acessed on UK

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About Four Steps to Food Safety

Acessed on US

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Beyond Chemical Preservatives: Enhancing the Shelf-Life and Sensory Quality of Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Hummus with Vinegar and Other Natural Antimicrobials

Acessed on US

View Source

About the Author

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CanIFreeze.com Editorial Team

Content curated from FSIS, USDA, CDC, NHS, FSA

We collect and present authoritative food storage guidance from official sources. This content is reviewed quarterly against FSIS, USDA FoodKeeper, CDC, NHS, and FSA guidelines.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to share accurate and up-to-date content about food storage and freezing, we are not food safety professionals, nutritionists, or medical experts. Recommendations may vary depending on individual circumstances, product types, and storage conditions.

Please always consult official guidelines (e.g., government food safety agencies) and use your own judgment before consuming stored or frozen food. This website assumes no responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, or adverse outcome resulting from reliance on the information provided.

Disclaimer date:

Research-Based
Updated
Official Guidelines