Is Hummus Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Lidl
Hummus is one of the food products analyzed by Zerotox for Lidl. The product scores 80/100 in Zerotox, meaning it is generally considered low concern based on the current ingredient profile.
The composition includes 52% cooked chickpeas and tahini, which are beneficial. However, the presence of citric acid and ascorbic acid as additives raises some concerns about processing.
80 / 100
Why score is 80
The composition includes 52% cooked chickpeas and tahini, which are beneficial. However, the presence of citric acid and ascorbic acid as additives raises some concerns about processing.
Main concern
Contains processed ingredients like canola oil, which may raise concerns about quality.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains 52% cooked chickpeas, a good source of plant-based protein and fiber.
- Tahini (sesame paste) adds healthy fats and enhances flavor.
- Citric acid acts as a natural preservative, helping to maintain freshness.
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) serves as an antioxidant, which can improve shelf life.
Concerns
- Contains processed ingredients like canola oil, which may raise concerns about quality.
- The presence of multiple allergens indicates potential cross-contamination risks.
- Use of acidulants like citric acid may suggest a more processed product.
- Antioxidants like ascorbic acid, while beneficial, indicate some level of processing.
Who should avoid this product?
This product may be less suitable for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this food.
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Is Chickpeas safe in this food?
Good
Chickpeas is used here as base. Chickpeas are the primary ingredient, providing a rich source of plant-based protein and fiber, contributing positively to the product's nutritional profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: pois chiche cuit (pois chiche, eau)
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Is Water safe in this food?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water is used as a solvent and to achieve the desired consistency in the hummus, posing no quality concerns.
Role in formula: base
Original: eau
-
Is Canola Oil safe in this food?
Medium
Canola Oil is used here as emulsifier. Canola oil is a refined oil used for texture and mouthfeel, but its processing raises some concerns about quality and health implications.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: huile de colza
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Is Tahini safe in this food?
Good
Tahini is used here as base. Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds, providing healthy fats and a rich flavor, enhancing the overall quality of the hummus.
Role in formula: base
Original: pâte de _sésame_
-
Is Salt safe in this food?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used for flavor enhancement, but excessive consumption can raise health concerns, particularly in processed foods.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: sel
-
Is Citric Acid safe in this food?
Medium
Citric Acid is used here as acidulant. Citric acid is used to enhance flavor and preserve freshness, but its presence indicates some level of processing.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: acidifiant: acide citrique
-
Is Garlic Powder safe in this food?
Good
Garlic Powder is used here as flavor. Garlic powder adds flavor and potential health benefits, contributing positively to the overall composition.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: ail en poudre
-
Is Ascorbic Acid safe in this food?
Medium
Ascorbic Acid is used here as antioxidant. Ascorbic acid is included as an antioxidant to improve shelf life, but its synthetic nature raises some concerns about processing.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: antioxydant: acide ascorbique
-
Is Cumin safe in this food?
Good
Cumin is used here as flavor. Cumin adds a distinctive flavor and potential health benefits, enhancing the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: cumin
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 3845466
More from this brand: Lidl products in Zerotox
Similar products: food in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: egg , fish , gluten , shellfish , milk , tree nut , mustard , soy
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.