Is homemade hummus dip much healthier than the pre-made versions available in the grocery store?
A. Hummus, whether commercial or homemade, can be a great choice as a dip for vegetables, a filling in sandwiches and in a variety of Middle Eastern-type mixed dishes. Commercial and homemade versions vary somewhat in the proportions of their ingredients, but a two-tablespoon serving of either typically contains 45 to 60 calories depending on amount of added fats and whether the dip contains lower-calorie ingredients like red pepper or other vegetables. Two tablespoons also usually contain two to three grams of fat from healthy sources including olive oil and tahini (sesame seed paste), one to three grams of protein (depending on the amount of beans) and up to 3 grams of dietary fiber. Making hummus at home allows you to keep sodium around 100 milligrams (mg) by using beans canned with no added salt or cooked from dried beans; commercial varieties may be nearly that low or contain about twice that amount. Overall, both homemade and commercial hummus are nutritionally sound choices. If
