The short answer is yes, Sabra spicy hummus is gluten free. Sabra is one of the most popular brands of hummus and they make many different flavors that are all certified gluten free, including their popular spicy hummus variety.
What is Sabra spicy hummus?
Sabra spicy hummus is a flavor of hummus made by the Sabra company. Hummus is a traditional Middle Eastern dip or spread made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. Sabra spicy hummus has all of these classic hummus ingredients but also includes an extra kick from various hot peppers.
The ingredients in Sabra spicy hummus are:
- Chickpeas
- Tahini
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Salt
- Vinegar
- Spices including red pepper
- Paprika
The blend of chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and spices gives Sabra spicy hummus its signature thick and creamy texture with a bold, spicy flavor. It has moderate spice level, being spicy but not too hot for most palates.
Is Sabra hummus certified gluten free?
Yes, all Sabra hummus varieties including the spicy flavor are certified gluten-free. Sabra is diligent about avoiding cross-contamination and ensuring their hummus meets the requirements to be labelled gluten-free.
On every Sabra hummus package you can find an official gluten-free certification mark from the Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO). The GFCO tests products to contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten, which is the requirement for being certified gluten-free.
You can also view certification documentation for Sabra products on the Celiac Support Association’s website which maintains a directory of GFCO certified gluten-free products.
What makes hummus gluten free?
Hummus is naturally gluten-free when made according to traditional recipes. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. Traditional hummus recipes do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. The main ingredients in hummus – including chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and spices – are all naturally gluten-free.
Here is a breakdown of why the main hummus ingredients are gluten-free:
- Chickpeas – Gluten-free legumes
- Tahini – Made from ground sesame seeds which are gluten-free
- Olive oil – Extracted from olives, which are naturally gluten-free
- Lemon juice – Juice extracted from lemons, which are gluten-free fruit
- Spices – Most common spices and seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper contain no gluten
So traditional hummus has no ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains. This makes standard hummus recipes completely gluten-free as long as care is taken not to introduce gluten through cross-contamination.
How Sabra ensures their hummus is gluten-free
Although hummus is naturally gluten-free, many commercial hummus brands take extra precautions to avoid gluten cross-contamination and to ensure their products meet strict certification standards. Sabra in particular takes several steps to eliminate gluten, including:
- Using chickpea flour instead of wheat flour: Some hummus companies may use flour or starch derived from gluten grains as a thickener. Sabra only uses chickpea flour.
- Cleaning equipment between batches: Equipment is thoroughly cleaned between hummus batches to avoid cross-contamination if other products containing gluten were made.
- Dedicating facilities and equipment: Some facilities and equipment are dedicated entirely to gluten-free production.
- Employee training: Employees are trained on gluten-free procedures and the importance of avoiding cross-contamination.
- Careful sourcing of ingredients: All ingredients are obtained from certified gluten-free suppliers.
- Rigorous 3rd party testing: Regular testing is done by accredited GFCO certifiers.
Following these procedures allows Sabra to meet the strict <10ppm gluten threshold required to achieve GFCO certification.
Verdict: Sabra spicy hummus is definitively gluten-free
Based on Sabra’s careful manufacturing procedures and official gluten-free certification, you can definitively conclude that Sabra spicy hummus is 100% gluten-free.
So if you avoid gluten for medical reasons like celiac disease, or by choice for diet or lifestyle, you can enjoy Sabra spicy hummus without worry. The spicy flavor contains no gluten whatsoever.
Sabra’s dedication to preventing cross-contamination means all their hummus flavors, including classics like original and options like roasted red pepper, can be part of a gluten-free diet.
Just look for the GFCO certification symbol on the packaging and feel confident that Sabra spicy hummus and other varieties are rigorously tested to be gluten-free.
Where to buy Sabra gluten-free hummus
You can readily find gluten-free Sabra hummus at most major grocery stores across the United States and Canada. Sabra hummus is available at large chains like:
- Walmart
- Target
- Publix
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Stop & Shop
- Giant
- Sobeys
- Loblaws
Sabra hummus can typically be found in the refrigerated section with other dips and deli items. Many stores will stock Sabra products on shelves labeled gluten-free foods.
In addition to supermarkets, many online retailers carry gluten-free Sabra hummus and can ship it directly to your home. Options include sites like:
- Instacart
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- FreshDirect
- Thrive Market
No matter where you live, you should be able to readily find Sabra’s certified gluten-free hummus options including their popular spicy flavor.
How to enjoy Sabra gluten-free spicy hummus
Here are some of the top ways to enjoy Sabra’s spicy hummus gluten-free:
- As a dip – Use it as a dip for fresh cut raw veggies like carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, radishes or celery.
- With crackers or gluten-free pita – Pair it with your favorite gluten-free crackers, bread or pita chips.
- As a spread – Try it spread on a gluten-free sandwich or wrap in place of traditional condiments like mustard or mayo.
- With falafel – Use it as a spicy dipping sauce for falafel fritters.
- With rice dishes – Add a dollop on top of rice bowls and plates to add flavor, creaminess and spice.
- As a salad dressing base – Thin it with lemon juice and olive oil to make a zesty salad dressing.
Spicy Sabra hummus can liven up so many gluten-free dishes. With its bold flavor, it’s a tasty alternative to hot sauce or chili oil when you want to add some heat.
Is other Sabra products gluten-free?
In addition to their hummus range, some other Sabra products are also certified gluten-free. This includes:
- Sabra Organic Guacamole
- Sabra Salsa
- Sabra Greek Yogurt Dips
Always check for the trusted GFCO gluten-free symbol on the packaging of these products as well. Sabra has the same rigorous standards and procedures for minimizing gluten across their product lines beyond just hummus.
Gluten-free Sabra hummus FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Sabra hummus and gluten:
Does Sabra hummus contain wheat?
No, Sabra hummus does not contain any wheat or wheat ingredients. It is made with chickpeas, tahini, and other gluten-free whole foods.
What if Sabra hummus is produced in a factory with wheat?
Any factory that produces GFCO certified gluten-free products like Sabra hummus must follow very strict procedures to avoid cross-contamination with ingredients like wheat. This includes thorough cleaning, separate equipment, and more. So products certified gluten-free are guaranteed to have no exposure to sources of gluten.
Can celiacs eat Sabra hummus?
Yes, people with celiac disease can safely eat Sabra hummus based on the company’s stringent production methods and independent lab testing verifying gluten levels are under 10ppm. All Sabra hummus varieties are considered celiac-safe.
Does Sabra hummus have soy?
No, Sabra’s traditional hummus does not contain soy. However, Sabra does make some flavored hummus varieties that include soy like edamame hummus. But their flagship original and spicy hummus products are soy-free in addition to being gluten-free.
Other brands of gluten-free hummus
In addition to Sabra, some other popular hummus brands that offer certified gluten-free options include:
- Tribe
- Cedars
- Hope
- Athenos
- Boar’s Head
- Lantana
Be sure to check labels and look for a certified GFCO gluten-free symbol when purchasing any brand of hummus.
Conclusion
Sabra spicy hummus, along with all Sabra hummus flavors, are definitively gluten-free. The company adheres to strict manufacturing processes and achieves official GFCO certification to guarantee their hummus contains less than 10ppm of gluten.
People avoiding gluten for medical reasons or personal diet preferences can enjoy Sabra hummus flavors like spicy with confidence that they are completely gluten-free. Just look for the certification on Sabra’s packaging at major grocery stores or buy online.
Sabra spicy gluten-free hummus can spice up raw veggies, gluten-free crackers, sandwiches, falafel, rice dishes and more. When you need a flavorful, creamy and certified gluten-free hummus choice, Sabra spicy hummus is the perfect option.
