International Hummus Day 2020: Top three recent innovations

Wednesday 13 May 2020 marks the 8th official International Hummus Day. Join FoodBev, and millions of other people around the world, in our celebration of this meze dip favourite.

Originating in the Middle East, hummus is usually made from basic ingredients, including blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon and garlic. The earliest known writing of hummus was recorded in cookbooks from Cairo in the 13th century, but since then hummus variations have developed in endless amounts as the dip has grown to be loved around the globe.

Now in 2020, hummus has a strong position in the savoury dips and spreads market. According to MarketWatch, the global hummus market is expected to grow at a CAGR of roughly 3.1% over the next five years and will reach $910.9 million in 2024.

FoodBev has gathered three of the most recent innovative hummus products from the past year.

Pumpkin Pie Dessert Hummus

Back in September 2019, Boar’s Head Brand added limited edition Pumpkin Pie Hummus to its line of dessert hummus.

This sweet hummus incorporates steamed chickpeas with real pumpkin, vanilla beans, sugar and spices and joins the company’s existing line of dessert hummus flavours: dark chocolate and chocolate raspberry.

Elizabeth Ward, senior director of marketing and communications at Boar’s Head said: “Every delicious bite of Boar’s Head Pumpkin Pie Dessert Hummus transports you to autumn and the rich flavours that come with the season.

“Whether smothered on a stack of pancakes, enjoyed as a dip with graham crackers, or just relished straight off your spoon – Pumpkin Pie Hummus is good any way you decide to indulge in it.”

Fava Bean Hummus Alternative

Moroccan-inspired brand Cuzena released a new range of dips made from fava beans in November 2019, which they described as the ‘spicy cousins of hummus’.

Fava beans have been part of the staple diet in Middle Eastern countries for over 5,000 years and offer hummus lovers an alternative if they are looking to explore something a bit different.

Made with British fava beans, each dip is cooked with onions, garlic, tomatoes and coriander, complemented with a combination of Moroccan spices and chilli. The three flavours are: Garlic & Coriander, Fiery Chilli and Caramelised Onion.

Cuzena’s Shadia Al Hili commented: “Our dips are examples of classic Arabian cooking – simple, flavoursome food that is not only delicious, but healthy. That ticks lots of boxes for today’s consumer, especially as they’re also perfect for a free-from or vegan diet.”

“We estimate over 75% of Brits are dip buyers, so the opportunity for these challengers to hummus and salsa is significant. They’re also just the start of our mission to introduce the UK to ‘undiscovered’ flavours and foods from the Middle East.”

Kid’s Hummus Snack Dips

Hummus is not only high in fibre and protein, it is also packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, making it a popular healthy snack.

August 2019, saw the release of baby hummus dipper snack pack products by UK baby snacking brand, Kiddylicious. The snack is targeted at toddlers and children aged 12+ months to encourage self-feeding and broaden a toddler’s interest in food.

Each snack pack contains a pot of hummus served with breadsticks and comes in two flavours: Original Houmous Dip-Dip and Roasted Red Pepper Houmous Dip-Dip.

Managing director of Kiddylicious, Twan Thorn, said: “Toddler tummies are too small to obtain all their energy needs from just three meals a day, which is why it’s important to supplement meal times with refuelling, nutritious snacks.

“Kiddylicious Houmous Dip-Dips have been created to fulfil this snacking need and unlike many commercial houmous products contain no added salt or sugar.”