The Hummus Shelf at Whole Foods — What I’ve Tried, What’s Next
I spend a fair amount of time in the hummus aisle. Vegetables, pita, sometimes just a spoon — I’m always working through a tub of something. These are the ones currently on my radar: two I’ve been eating, two I’m curious about, and one that keeps coming up as a best overall pick.
⭐ The Two I’m Currently Eating
01 Ithaca x Graza — Olive Oil & Sea Salt
Picked this up on a Whole Foods sale, mostly because I already use Graza olive oil at home and the packaging caught my eye. Low expectations going in — but one dip with a carrot and I got it immediately.
The texture is thick and creamy, not watery, not gluey. The olive oil is clearly the star: fresh and bright, with a subtle tang from lemon juice and a light kick from garlic that doesn’t overpower. Not too salty. Goes beautifully with any vegetable or pita. I’ve gone through several tubs now.
Ingredients: Chickpeas, Graza Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Spain), Tahini, Lemon Juice, Garlic, Sea Salt, Citric Acid, Crushed Red Pepper
✅ Best for: Vegetables, pita, snack boards
02 Ithaca — Lemon Garlic
The one I keep coming back to between Graza tubs. Exceptionally lemony tang, garlicky bite, and a nutty tahini taste — no citric acid, and it tastes as fresh as store-bought can get. The lemon is bold, so if you prefer something milder this might be a touch much. For me it’s exactly right.
Ingredients: Chickpeas, Sunflower Oil, Tahini, Cold Pressed Lemon Juice, Water, Garlic, Salt, Vinegar, Crushed Red Pepper
✅ Best for: Pita, sandwiches, wraps — anything that needs a bright citrusy lift
🔜 Next on My List
03 Little Sesame — Smooth Classic
Haven’t tried this one yet, but it keeps coming up whenever I research what’s actually worth buying. Made in small batches with 100% organic chickpeas and fresh squeezed lemon juice, sourced directly from regenerative farms. Reviewers consistently say it’s the smoothest, most restaurant-quality store-bought hummus they’ve had. This one’s next for me.
Ingredients: Cooked Organic Chickpeas, Water, Organic Tahini, Sunflower Oil, Fresh Lemon Juice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Garlic
04 Cedar’s — Organic Original
Also on my to-try list. A Mediterranean family brand that’s been making hummus for decades — certified organic, Non-GMO Verified, gluten-free, and vegan. Reviewers describe the texture as notably smooth and creamy with no graininess, and the flavor as well-balanced with garlic and cumin. Sounds like a solid everyday option.
Ingredients: Organic Steamed Chickpeas, Organic Sesame Tahini, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Organic Garlic, Citric Acid, Organic Cumin, Organic Guar Gum
✅ Best for: Everyday use, family-friendly, widely available
✦ Best Overall — Worth Knowing About
05 Hope Foods — Organic Original
Haven’t been able to try this one yet — currently out of stock at my local store. But it comes up repeatedly as a top pick: 100% USDA Certified Organic, cold-pressed (HPP) for freshness with no preservatives, and recommended by nutritionists for its clean ingredients and homemade-style texture. The flavor has a gently spiced profile — cumin, garlic, a hint of cayenne. Definitely on my list.
Ingredients: Organic Garbanzo Beans, Water, Organic Tahini, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Organic Lemon Juice, Organic Spices, Organic Garlic Powder
✅ Best for: Anyone who prioritizes fully organic, clean-label options
At a Glance
| Brand | Flavor | Texture | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ithaca x Graza ⭐ | Olive Oil & Sea Salt | Thick, creamy | Currently eating |
| Ithaca ⭐ | Lemon Garlic | Thick | Currently eating |
| Little Sesame 🔜 | Smooth Classic | Ultra-smooth | Want to try |
| Cedar’s 🔜 | Organic Original | Smooth, creamy | Want to try |
| Hope Foods ✦ | Organic Original | Homemade-style | Out of stock locally |
The Bottom Line
Ithaca x Graza was the unexpected favorite — picked it up on a Whole Foods sale with zero expectations and haven’t stopped buying it since. The Lemon Garlic is a close second for everyday use. Little Sesame, Cedar’s, and Hope Foods are all next on my list based on what I keep reading. Good hummus genuinely makes vegetables enjoyable, and these five are the ones I keep coming back to. 😊