This hummus offers a balanced blend of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a nutritious snack option.
Understanding the Nutritional Profile
Athenos hummus stands out as a popular choice for those seeking a tasty yet nutritious dip. Its core ingredients—chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and spices—combine to create a product rich in essential nutrients. Each serving delivers a solid amount of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and heart-healthy fats. These components contribute to satiety and support various bodily functions.
The exact nutritional values can vary slightly depending on the variety—classic, roasted garlic, or red pepper—but the base remains consistent. The hummus provides energy primarily from carbohydrates and fats while maintaining moderate calorie content per serving. This balance makes it suitable for snacking without excessive calorie intake.
Macronutrient Breakdown
The macronutrient composition of this hummus reveals why it’s a favorite among health-conscious consumers. Protein content comes mainly from chickpeas and tahini, offering about 2 to 3 grams per two-tablespoon serving. This amount supports muscle repair and maintenance in small but meaningful doses.
Carbohydrates in the dip include complex carbs from chickpeas and minimal sugars. Fiber plays a crucial role here; with roughly 1 to 2 grams per serving, it aids digestion and promotes feelings of fullness. Fat content is primarily unsaturated, sourced from olive oil and sesame seeds in tahini. These fats contribute to cardiovascular health without raising bad cholesterol levels.
Caloric Value
Calories per serving typically range between 60 and 80 calories for two tablespoons. This moderate caloric load allows for portion control while enjoying flavorful dips or spreads on sandwiches and snacks.
| Nutrient | Amount per 2 tbsp (30g) | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 70 | 4% |
| Protein | 2 g | 4% |
| Total Fat | 5 g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g | 4% |
| Sodium | 140 mg | 6% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
The Role of Protein in This Hummus
Protein content is modest but meaningful considering its plant-based origin. Chickpeas serve as an excellent source of vegetarian protein with essential amino acids that contribute to muscle maintenance and repair. While not as high as animal proteins, this hummus offers an accessible protein boost within snacks or meals.
Tahini adds another layer of protein along with healthy fats. Combined, these ingredients help keep hunger at bay by promoting satiety after consumption. The synergy between fiber and protein further enhances this effect by slowing digestion.
The Importance of Fiber Content
Dietary fiber plays multiple roles beyond digestion regulation. It aids in maintaining steady blood sugar levels by slowing carbohydrate absorption into the bloodstream. This contributes to sustained energy release rather than sudden spikes followed by crashes.
Fiber also supports gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria in the intestines. A well-balanced gut microbiome can influence immune function positively while reducing inflammation risks.
Given that many diets fall short on daily fiber intake, incorporating foods like this dip can help fill that gap naturally without extra effort.
The Impact of Healthy Fats Present
The fat profile here favors unsaturated fats, primarily monounsaturated fats found in olive oil and sesame seeds (tahini). These fats have been linked to improved heart health through lowering LDL cholesterol levels while maintaining HDL cholesterol.
Saturated fat remains low at less than one gram per serving, which aligns well with dietary recommendations limiting saturated fat intake to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
These healthy fats also aid in nutrient absorption for fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K present in other foods consumed alongside the hummus.
Sodium Levels: What to Watch For?
Sodium content varies slightly between flavors but generally stays around 140 mg per two-tablespoon serving. While not alarmingly high for most individuals, those monitoring sodium intake due to hypertension or other health concerns should consider portion sizes carefully.
Opting for varieties labeled “low sodium” or rinsing fresh homemade versions can reduce salt content further without sacrificing flavor.
A Closer Look at Micronutrients
Beyond macronutrients, this dip contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals critical to bodily functions:
- Iron: Chickpeas provide non-heme iron aiding oxygen transport in blood.
- Manganese: Essential for metabolism and antioxidant defenses.
- B Vitamins: Folate from chickpeas supports DNA synthesis and cell repair.
- Zinc: Important for immune system modulation.
Though these micronutrients appear in small quantities per serving, regular consumption contributes positively over time when combined with a balanced diet.
The Benefits of Plant-Based Ingredients
The primary ingredients are plant-based whole foods known for their nutrient density:
- Chickpeas: Rich in complex carbs, fiber, protein.
- Tahini: Ground sesame seeds loaded with healthy fats & minerals.
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids plus antioxidants.
This combination creates a wholesome product free from animal-derived cholesterol while delivering essential nutrients naturally found in plants.
The Role of Additives and Preservatives
Commercially prepared dips often include additives to enhance shelf life or texture. Athenos keeps these minimal but may contain natural preservatives like citric acid or calcium disodium EDTA to maintain freshness without compromising taste or safety.
Artificial colors or flavors are generally absent or very limited compared to other brands that rely heavily on synthetic ingredients. This approach appeals particularly to consumers seeking cleaner labels with recognizable components.
Shelf Stability & Storage Tips
Proper storage preserves both safety and nutritional quality:
- Keeps refrigerated after opening: Prevents spoilage by slowing bacterial growth.
- Avoids exposure to heat: High temperatures can degrade oils leading to rancidity.
- Tightly sealed container: Minimizes air contact which accelerates oxidation processes.
Following these guidelines ensures optimal flavor retention alongside nutrient preservation throughout the product’s lifespan post-opening.
Nutritional Comparison With Other Dips
Compared against alternatives like sour cream-based dips or cream cheese spreads, this hummus offers distinct nutritional advantages:
- Lowers saturated fat content significantly compared to dairy dips.
- Adds valuable plant proteins absent from most creamy counterparts.
- Packs dietary fiber which dairy dips lack almost entirely.
Such differences make it an appealing choice not only for vegetarians but anyone aiming for better nutrient density within their snacking habits without sacrificing flavor complexity.
Nutritional Highlights Table: Hummus vs Common Dips (per 30g)
| Nutrient | Athenos Hummus | Sour Cream Dip | Cream Cheese Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 70 kcal | 60 kcal | 90 kcal |
| Total Fat (g) | 5 g (mostly unsat.) | 5 g (mostly sat.) | 9 g (mostly sat.) |
| Protein (g) | 2 g | 1 g | 2 g |
| Carbs (g) | 4 g | 1 g | 1 g |
| Fiber (g) | 1 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Sodium (mg) | 140 mg | 90 mg | 150 mg |