I like hummus and buy it every so often at the grocery store. Typically I'll buy either a plain hummus or one with fresh garlic added. But I've noticed many innovative varieties of hummus hitting store shelves lately. It's the perfect snack if you're following a gluten free diet (as all the varieties I've seen are gluten free) and a great item to incorporate into your diet if you're looking for more protein and fiber.
Recently I was sent a package of four varieties of hummus from a company I wasn't familiar with: Eat Well Embrace Life. Created just three years ago -- in 2011 -- the company has "Americanized the hummus category" by creating hummus from "other beans" (i.e. white beans, edamame, black beans, and lentils). They make many varieties of this "Other Bean Hummus" -- as well as a line of "Better For You Hummus." The ones I tried were divine.
From the "Other Bean" category, I enjoyed Tuscan White Bean Hummus with roasted pine nuts and herb topping, Spicy Yellow Lentil Hummus with sunflower seeds and apricot topping (this one definitely has a kick to it!), and Spicy Red Lentil Chipotle Hummus with poblano pepper and corn topping. I also loved the Beet Hummus (made with beets and white beans) with a pickled beet topping.
Their "Better for You" hummus includes more traditional varieties like classic, garlic, red pepper, pine nuts, and spicy. It's actually made using chick peas and low fat Greek yogurt, which creates a smooth, rich taste. But surprisingly, it has 50% less fat and 33% fewer calories than the leading brand of chick pea hummus. Pretty cool.
Each of the four innovative varieties I tried were equally amazing. I can't really describe it, but the flavors combined in each unique hummus went so well together -- with just the right amount of seasoning and spice. And they tasted so fresh, not bland like some other hummus I've tried. It sounds corny, but each bite is really like a flavor sensation.
All their hummus varieties are gluten free. It's indicated right on the packaging, along with how spicy that particular variety of hummus is.
Clearly, I haven't been paying close enough attention in the refrigerated deli sections of the stores where I shop, because Eat Well Embrace Life Hummus is widely available...at stores like Costco, BJ's, Stop & Shop, SuperTarget, Shop Rite, The Fresh Market, Sprouts, Giant Eagle, Harris Teeter, Gelson's, HyVee, Winn Dixie, Roche Brothers, Smart & Final, Kroger, and many other small and large chains.
There are some great recipes incorporating hummus on the Eat Well Embrace Life website, too, and you can even sort the recipes to easily find the ones that are gluten free. Personally, I just love it for snacking -- using it as a dip for fresh veggies or spreading it on gluten free crackers, pretzels, corn chips, tortillas, or bagel chips.
If you've tried Eat Well Embrace Life hummus, let us know what you think -- and which variety is your favorite!