Hummus is a fridge-door staple, and a fridge-door casualty — bought for one occasion, opened, and forgotten behind the condiments until a suspicious layer forms on top. The short answer: opened shop-bought hummus keeps about 4-7 days, unopened lasts to its date, and homemade is best within 3-4 days. It also freezes better than you'd expect. Here's how to get through the tub before it turns.
- Opened (shop-bought): about 4-7 days in the fridge.
- Unopened: until its printed date.
- Homemade: 3-4 days — no preservatives.
- Freeze it for up to ~3-4 months if you can't finish it.
How long hummus keeps
Once opened, hummus is exposed to air and whatever's on your spoon, so it has a fairly short window even though it's chilled. Kept covered in the fridge at 0-5°C (UK FSA):
Shop-bought hummus often carries a use-by date, which is a safety date — once opened, the 4-7 day window matters more than the printed day.
How to make hummus last
A few small habits keep a tub good for the full week:
- Always use a clean spoon. Double-dipping with crisps or carrot sticks introduces bacteria straight into the tub — the fastest way to cut its life short.
- Keep it sealed and cold. Press the lid on firmly and store it on a shelf, not the warmer door.
- Smooth the surface. A thin drizzle of olive oil over the top helps seal out air and keep it from drying.
- Freeze the surplus. If you've over-bought for a party, freeze the rest before it's opened or soon after.
Freezing hummus
Hummus freezes surprisingly well for up to about three to four months. Put it in an airtight container, leave a little headspace, and add a drizzle of olive oil on top to keep the texture smooth. Thaw it in the fridge and stir well, as it can separate a little once thawed — a good mix brings it back. See our guide to freezing food for more.
How to tell if hummus has gone off
Hummus signals spoilage clearly — when in doubt, throw it out:
- Smell: a sour, fermented or "off" smell instead of nutty and fresh.
- Sight: any mould, or a darkened, dried-out crust beyond the surface.
- Taste: a sharp, sour or fizzy tang means it's fermenting — bin it.
A little liquid separation on top is normal and just needs a stir; mould, sourness or fizz mean it's done.
Opened dips are classic fridge-door forgettables. Scan your receipt and Fango adds the hummus with an estimated date and reminds you before it's due — so the half-eaten tub gets finished, not found fuzzy a fortnight later.
Download Fango for free
Dips and opened tubs are some of the easiest things to lose track of, which is exactly where a reminder earns its keep. For the bigger picture, see how long food lasts in the fridge and what to do when food is about to expire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does hummus last in the fridge?
Opened shop-bought hummus generally keeps about 4-7 days in the fridge, and unopened tubs last to their printed date. Homemade hummus, with no preservatives, is best eaten within 3-4 days. Always keep it covered and cold, and use a clean spoon to avoid introducing bacteria from double-dipping.
Can you eat hummus after the date?
If the tub carries a use-by date, follow it for safety. If it's a best-before date and the tub is unopened and has been kept cold, it may be fine shortly after — check the smell and look first. Once opened, go by the 4-7 day window rather than the date, and bin it at any sign of sourness or mould.
Can you freeze hummus?
Yes. Hummus freezes for up to about three to four months. Freeze it in an airtight container with a little space at the top, leaving room for a drizzle of olive oil on top to keep it smooth. Thaw it in the fridge and give it a good stir, as it can separate slightly once thawed.
How does Fango help you finish the tub in time?
Opened dips are classic fridge-door forgettables. Scan your receipt and Fango adds the hummus with an estimated date and reminds you before it's due, so the half-eaten tub gets finished rather than discovered fuzzy a fortnight later.