I Tried 6 Hummus Brands & the Winner Was Bright, Light, and Lemony

Hummus may seem like a simple dip, but a quick visit to any well-stocked grocery store will reveal an astounding variety of nutritious chickpea-based spreads, traditionally blended with sesame tahini, olive oil, salt, and lemon juice.

Beyond the various brands, ranging from little-known local makers to nationally recognized names, there are dozens of flavor options—including curious ones like chocolate and mango.

Even if you stick to the classic flavors, hummus can vary widely in taste, texture, and even ingredients, depending on which company produces it. Some kinds are made using 100% olive oil, and others are blended with sunflower or vegetable oil. The amount of tahini and lemon juice in each dip can leave it tasting intensely nutty and thick or light and citrusy.

To help you navigate the crowded hummus section the next time you plan a party or grab a container of your favorite chickpea spread, I tested six of the most popular hummus brands from grocery stores. For this taste test, I used each brand's original or classic flavor, sampling the hummus both on its own and scooped up with pita chips.

Here's how...