‘They should be tracked down and reported’: the best (and worst) supermarket hummus tasted and rated by Honey & Co

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Honey & Co Assesses Supermarket Hummus: A Guide to the Best and Worst Options"

‘They should be tracked down and reported’: the best (and worst) supermarket hummus tasted and rated by Honey & Co analysis cover image The Guardian 7.6
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2025/may/24/best-supermarket-hummus
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AI Analysis Average Score: 7.6
These scores (0-10 scale) are generated by Truthlens AI's analysis, assessing the article's objectivity, accuracy, and transparency. Higher scores indicate better alignment with journalistic standards. Hover over chart points for metric details.

TruthLens AI Summary

The recent taste test conducted by Honey & Co has sparked a conversation about the quality of supermarket hummus, highlighting a significant concern regarding the prevalence of long-shelf-life, readymade options. The chefs at Honey & Co express their discontent with the notion that pre-packaged hummus can be a healthy choice, arguing that true hummus should be freshly made using quality ingredients such as chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic. Their findings suggest that many of the hummus products available in stores contain unhealthy additives, including various oils and preservatives, which classify them as ultra-processed foods. Despite their reservations, the team acknowledges that convenient hummus can still serve a purpose in casual settings like picnics or office lunches, hence the need to discern between the good and the bad in store-bought options.

In their evaluation, the taste testers provided ratings for several hummus brands, revealing a mix of successes and failures. For instance, a hummus priced at £3.50 for 500g from Tesco and Sainsbury's received high praise, largely due to its chickpea flavor and balanced seasoning, despite containing some additives. In contrast, products such as a £2.95 option from Waitrose were criticized for their unpleasant texture and odd flavors, reminiscent of grout. The most disappointing entries, priced at 99p, were described as having a chalky texture and a taste that lingered uncomfortably. The testers concluded that some brands might share the same manufacturer, leading to the suggestion that these should be 'tracked down and reported.' The overall takeaway from this tasting is a strong recommendation for consumers to either make their own hummus or seek out specialty producers to ensure they enjoy a truly wholesome product.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article provides an in-depth analysis of ready-made supermarket hummus, highlighting both its advantages and disadvantages. It reflects a growing trend of scrutinizing processed foods while advocating for fresher, healthier alternatives. This sentiment resonates with a broader audience concerned about food quality and health.

Purpose Behind the Publication

The intent seems to be to inform consumers about the quality of supermarket hummus options while promoting the idea that homemade hummus is superior. The article challenges the perception of convenience foods being inherently healthy, potentially encouraging readers to reconsider their purchasing habits.

Public Perception

By presenting a critical view of processed hummus, the article aims to cultivate an awareness of food quality standards among consumers. It encourages a shift towards fresher, homemade food, thereby fostering a community that values artisanal and health-conscious eating.

Hidden Agendas

There is no apparent hidden agenda, but the article does promote specific brands and a way of eating that aligns with the authors' values. The emphasis on making hummus at home suggests a lifestyle choice that may not resonate with all demographics, particularly those seeking convenience.

Manipulative Elements

The article does employ a persuasive tone by contrasting the freshness of homemade hummus with the processed nature of supermarket options. This could be seen as manipulative, as it may lead consumers to feel guilty about their choices, though it is presented within the context of health and quality.

Truthfulness of the Article

The information appears credible, as it is based on taste tests and honest reviews of various hummus products. However, the subjectivity inherent in taste tests could influence the conclusions drawn.

Societal Implications

This piece could impact societal eating habits by promoting the idea that convenience foods are not as healthy as perceived. The potential economic effect could be a shift in consumer spending towards specialty food stores or increased interest in homemade food preparation.

Target Audience

The article appeals to health-conscious consumers, food enthusiasts, and those interested in cooking. It is likely to resonate with a demographic that values quality over convenience and seeks to make informed dietary choices.

Market Impact

While the article may not directly influence stock prices, it could affect companies producing ready-made foods by shifting consumer preferences towards healthier options. Brands that prioritize fresh, natural ingredients may benefit from this trend.

Global Context

The discussion around food quality is part of a larger global movement towards health and wellness. In light of ongoing health concerns, articles like this contribute to the conversation on nutrition and consumer awareness.

Potential Use of AI

The writing style suggests a human touch, but AI could have been used for data analysis or summarizing product reviews. If AI were involved, it might have influenced the tone or presentation of the information, steering it towards a more persuasive narrative.

Conclusion

Overall, the article serves as a call to action for consumers to be more mindful about their food choices, advocating for a shift from processed to fresh. It effectively highlights the nuances of convenience foods while promoting healthier alternatives.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2025/may/24/best-supermarket-hummus

Let’s start with a caveat: we have serious issues with the concept of readymade, long-shelf-life hummus. Some dips lend themselves to tub life, but for us, hummus is like bread: something that should be made fresh daily. Indeed, inour restaurants, we make a batch every day, and the tubs we sell in the deli are good for three.

We also want to challenge the idea that readymade hummus is a “healthy” snack. Freshly made with chickpeas and tahini, and seasoned with lemon, salt, garlic and maybe a little cumin, yes, hummus is wholesome. However, most of the ones we tested had added oil (olive oil in the better ones, vegetable oil in the rest), and some included preservatives and other additives, making them ultra-processed foodstuffs and decidedlynothealthy.

For most of your hummus needs, we recommend buying from a specialist or, better yet, making your own using good-quality tinnedchickpeasand tahini. It comes together in seconds and tastes far better than anything you can buy. Still, even we aren’t above a readymade dip now and then, and hummus really is the perfect companion to an office spread, a long train ride or an impromptu picnic, so we may as well know the good from the bad.

£3.50 for 500g at Tesco (70p/100g)£3.50 for 500g at Sainsbury’s (70p/100g)★★★★☆

This really tastes of chickpeas, which is great and, not surprisingly, it contains more chickpeas (66%) than any of the others tested. Not too lemony, highly seasoned, but in a good way. Quite a few additives, though.

£1.95 for 150g at Morrisons (£1.30/100g)£1.95 for 150g at Sainsbury’s (£1.30/100g)★★★★☆

A very leftfield hummus, but one we thoroughly enjoyed. The smoke comes through powerfully and pleasantly. It’s vinegary, too, which is unusual, but it works in this context. Pleasant texture and mostly natural ingredients. Great as a dip or sandwich filler.

£2.50 for 250g at Ocado (£1/100g)★★★☆☆

Smooth, easy to eat and with a resealable lid. The seasoning is balanced, but the texture is a bit greasy and fatty. It’s also loaded with oil, preservatives and additives, and has a suspiciously long shelf-life, which is not so good if you’re avoiding UPFs.

£2.75 for 170g at Waitrose (£1.62/100g)★★★☆☆

The packaging is good and easy to open. It’s not resealable, but the quantity is suited to a single sitting. The texture is grainy, the seasoning heavily citric, and the oil makes it claggy and almost too rich. Still, this is pretty decent stuff, with no preservatives or additives and all-natural ingredients.

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£3 for 170g at Ocado (£1.76/100g)★★★☆☆

The texture is aerated in an unpleasant way, and it has a claggy mouthfeel and a heavily citric, almost metallic flavour. The chickpeas on top looked like a nice touch, but they were undercooked.

£2.65 for 250g at Tesco (£1.06/100g)£2.65 for 250g at Ocado (£1.06/100g)★★★☆☆

This tastes so much like the Sabra one that we thought it might be made by the same manufacturer. A close inspection of the packet confirmed our suspicions (see above for verdict), and we felt very proud of our palates.

£2.95 for 185g at Waitrose (£1.59/100g)£3.95 for 185g at Ocado (£2.14/100g)★★★☆☆

We really wanted to enjoy this one, but couldn’t. The glass jar is classy, but there was a weird, watery residue on top. The texture’s oddly bouncy (not unlike grout), and the flavour is what you’d imagine grout tastes like. That said, bar the citric acid, it’s all natural.

99p for 200g at Sainsbury’s (50p/100g)☆☆☆☆☆

Appealing container in a paper sleeve, but that’s where the positives end. Vile on every level: looks like thin glue (it’s split and congealed), the chickpeas are chalky, gravelly and undercooked, and have an aftertaste that lingers in a way that makes you want to brush your teeth for ever. Avoid at all costs.

99p for 200g at Tesco (50p/100g)☆☆☆☆☆

Tastes exactly like the Sainsbury’s version, and we suspect it’s made using the same misguided recipe by the same manufacturer. If that’s the case, they should be tracked down and reported.

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Source: The Guardian