Athenos Hummus Nutrition Facts | Tasty, Nutritious, Simple

Understanding the Nutritional Profile of Athenos Hummus

Athenos hummus stands out as a popular Mediterranean-inspired spread made primarily from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and spices. This blend results in a creamy texture packed with nutrients. The appeal lies not only in its flavor but also in its nutritional content that fits well into various diets. Each serving provides a compelling combination of macronutrients and micronutrients that contribute to overall health.

Chickpeas, the main ingredient, are an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. Tahini adds healthy fats and minerals like calcium and magnesium. Olive oil boosts the profile with monounsaturated fats known for heart benefits. Together, these ingredients create a nutrient-dense food that supports energy levels and digestive health.

Macronutrient Breakdown

The balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in Athenos hummus makes it suitable for snacking or as part of meals. Carbohydrates mainly come from chickpeas and provide steady energy release. Protein content supports muscle maintenance and repair while also promoting satiety. Fat content is dominated by heart-healthy oils that help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

Below is a detailed table showing typical nutritional values per 2-tablespoon serving size:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	70 kcal	3%
Total Fat	5 g	8%
Saturated Fat	0.5 g	3%
Sodium	140 mg	6%
Total Carbohydrates	4 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	1 g	4%
Total Sugars	<1 g	–
Protein	2 g	–

*Percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

The Role of Protein in Athenos Hummus

Protein is crucial for repairing tissues and building enzymes. Athenos hummus offers about 2 grams per serving, which may seem modest but adds up when combined with other protein sources throughout the day. Since it’s plant-based, it appeals to vegetarians or those reducing animal products while still helping meet daily protein needs.

Chickpeas provide essential amino acids that support metabolism and immune function. Though not a complete protein on their own, combining hummus with grains like pita bread creates complementary proteins for better nutrition.

The Fiber Advantage: Digestive Health Booster

Fiber content in hummus supports digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and feeding beneficial gut bacteria. With about one gram per serving, it contributes to daily fiber intake goals that many people fall short on.

Dietary fiber also helps regulate blood sugar levels by slowing carbohydrate absorption. This prevents sudden spikes after eating and keeps energy steady over time.

The Healthy Fats That Make a Difference

Most fats in this spread come from tahini (sesame seed paste) and olive oil—both rich sources of unsaturated fats linked to cardiovascular benefits. These fats help lower LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol.

Monounsaturated fats found in olive oil reduce inflammation and improve artery function. Meanwhile, sesame seeds bring antioxidants like sesamin that protect cells from damage.

Even saturated fat remains low at around 0.5 grams per serving, aligning well with dietary recommendations for heart health.

Sodium Content: What to Watch For?

Sodium is present at roughly 140 milligrams per serving due to added salt enhancing flavor. While this amount fits within moderate consumption limits for most people, those monitoring salt intake should be mindful of portion sizes.

Choosing varieties labeled “low sodium” or rinsing some off can help reduce intake if necessary without sacrificing taste.

Athenos Hummus Varieties: Nutrition Differences Worth Noting

Athenos offers several flavors beyond the classic recipe—roasted garlic, spicy jalapeño, red pepper hummus among others—that vary slightly in calories or sodium due to added ingredients like peppers or spices.

For instance:

• Roasted Garlic: May have marginally higher calories due to extra oil.
• Sriracha: Typically contains more sodium because of hot sauce additions.
• Lemon & Herb: Often similar calorie count but with fresher herb notes.

These subtle changes mean consumers can select options aligned with personal taste preferences without drastically altering nutritional intake.

Nutritional Comparison of Popular Flavors (Per Serving)

Nutrient / Flavor
Calories	70 kcal	75 kcal	70 kcal
Total Fat	5 g	5 g	5 g
Sodium	140 mg	150 mg	180 mg

These minor differences rarely impact overall diet quality but offer variety without guilt.

The Micronutrients Packed Inside Athenos Hummus

Beyond macros, this spread contains minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium—all vital for bodily functions like oxygen transport (iron), bone strength (calcium), muscle contraction (potassium), and energy metabolism (magnesium).

Vitamin B6 from chickpeas supports brain health while folate aids DNA synthesis during cell growth periods such as pregnancy or recovery from illness.

Though amounts per serving are modest compared to vegetables or fortified foods, regular consumption contributes meaningfully over time.

A Closer Look at Key Minerals Per Serving Approximate Values:

• Iron: 0.6 mg – Supports oxygen transport in blood.
• Manganese: 0.4 mg – Important antioxidant cofactor.
• Potasium: 60 mg – Helps regulate fluid balance.
• Copper: 0.1 mg – Assists enzymatic reactions.
• Zinc: 0.3 mg – Supports immune system function.

These trace elements contribute quietly but steadily to maintaining health when included as part of balanced meals.

The Role of Athenos Hummus in Balanced Eating Patterns

This product fits well into diets emphasizing whole foods while accommodating convenience needs. It pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables for dipping or spreads easily on sandwiches replacing less nutritious condiments high in sugars or saturated fats.

Portion control matters since calories add up quickly if consumed excessively alongside other snacks or meals rich in fats or carbs.

Its plant-based origin makes it an excellent choice for those reducing meat consumption without sacrificing nutrient density or flavor satisfaction.

Culinary Uses That Enhance Nutrient Absorption and Variety

Combining hummus with vitamin C-rich foods like bell peppers or tomatoes enhances iron absorption from plant sources due to vitamin C’s role in converting non-heme iron into more bioavailable forms.

Using whole grain crackers instead of refined options adds fiber content further supporting digestion and blood sugar control.

Hummus can also enrich salads by adding creaminess without the need for heavy dressings loaded with unhealthy fats or sugars—keeping meals light yet filling.

A Word on Ingredients Quality: What Makes Athenos Different?

Athenos prioritizes simple ingredients without artificial preservatives or fillers common in processed dips. The absence of hydrogenated oils means no trans fats lurk inside—a major plus given their harmful effects on heart health.

The use of olive oil rather than cheaper vegetable oils raises the standard nutritionally since olive oil contains antioxidants like polyphenols alongside monounsaturated fat benefits.

Sesame seeds used for tahini contribute unique lignans with antioxidant properties not found elsewhere widely—adding another layer of nutritional value beyond basic macronutrients alone.

Selecting Store-Bought Options Wisely Based on Labels

Reading nutrition labels carefully helps identify products with lower sodium levels if needed or minimal added sugars which some flavored varieties may contain despite natural sweetness being low inherently in chickpeas themselves.

Checking ingredient lists confirms absence of artificial dyes/preservatives ensuring cleaner eating habits aligned with whole food preferences even when choosing convenience items like pre-made dips.

Navigating Allergens And Dietary Restrictions With Careful Choices

Athenos hummus contains sesame seeds—a known allergen—which requires caution among sensitive individuals especially those prone to nut/seed allergies though sesame allergy prevalence remains lower than peanut allergies overall.

Gluten-free status makes it accessible to people avoiding wheat products either due to celiac disease or personal preference.

Vegan-friendly composition excludes animal-derived ingredients making it suitable across diverse dietary lifestyles including vegetarianism.

Low sugar content suits those monitoring carbohydrate intake carefully such as diabetics aiming for stable glucose control.

The Impact Of Portion Sizes On Nutritional Intake And Satiety Levels  

Eating moderate amounts provides steady energy release thanks to balanced macros while preventing calorie overload common when mindlessly snacking on dips paired with chips/crackers.

Two tablespoons generally suffice as a snack portion contributing meaningful nutrients without excess calories.

Increasing portion size proportionally raises calorie intake so balancing accompanying foods becomes key when planning meals/snacks involving hummus.

Athenos Hummus Versus Homemade Versions: Nutritional Comparison  

Homemade recipes allow customization controlling salt/oil amounts but store-bought versions ensure consistent texture/flavor appealing broadly at affordable price points.

Some homemade versions may use extra oil increasing fat/calories beyond typical commercial servings.

Conversely commercial brands often fortify flavor using additives though Athenos keeps ingredients simple minimizing unnecessary extras.

Nutrient-wise both provide similar profiles dominated by chickpeas/tahini base but convenience often tips scales toward ready-to-eat options without compromising much nutritionally.

Nutrient/Type	Athenos Store-Bought	D.I.Y Homemade
Calories	70 kcal	80-90 kcal
Total Fat	5 g	6-7 g
Sodium              | / Td | 140 mg     | 50-100 mg     | / Tr | Tr | Td | Protein     | 2 g     | 2-3 g     | / Tr | Tr | Td | Fiber     | 1 g     | 1-1.5 g     | / Tr | Tr | Td | Sugar     | <1 g     | <1 g     | / Tr |

This comparison shows homemade options might edge higher calories/fats depending on recipe specifics but both remain nutrient-dense choices relative to many processed dips loaded with empty calories/sugars.

Taste And Texture: Why It Matters Nutritionally Too   

Creaminess enhances palatability encouraging vegetable consumption which boosts overall diet quality indirectly by increasing micronutrient/fiber intake beyond just the dip alone.

Flavor variety keeps snacks interesting preventing boredom which often leads people away from healthy choices toward sugary/salty alternatives lacking nutrients entirely.

Mildly nutty undertones combined with subtle acidity balance richness making it versatile enough across cuisines—from classic Mediterranean plates to modern fusion dishes alike.

The Bottom Line On Shelf Life And Storage Safety   

Refrigerated shelf life typically ranges around one week after opening depending on storage conditions ensuring freshness remains intact without spoilage risk if consumed timely.

Keeping containers sealed tightly prevents oxidation which can degrade flavor/nutrition over time especially sensitive oils prone to rancidity under air exposure.

Freezing is generally not recommended due to texture changes post-thaw affecting enjoyment although safe microbiologically if done properly.

This spread’s natural composition demands mindful handling unlike heavily preserved processed foods where longevity extends artificially but at potential cost nutritionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Key Nutrients Found In This Popular Mediterranean Spread?

This spread is rich in plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and healthy fats. Its main ingredients—chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil—combine to provide essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and monounsaturated fats that support heart health and digestion.

How Does The Protein Content Benefit Those Who Eat This Snack?

Containing about 2 grams of protein per serving, this hummus supports muscle maintenance and repair. It’s especially beneficial for vegetarians or those reducing animal products, offering essential amino acids that aid metabolism and immune function.

Can This Spread Help With Digestive Health?

Yes, the dietary fiber in this hummus promotes regular bowel movements and feeds beneficial gut bacteria. With roughly one gram of fiber per serving, it supports overall digestive wellness as part of a balanced diet.

What Makes The Fat Content In This Spread Heart Healthy?

The fat comes mainly from tahini and olive oil, which provide monounsaturated fats known to support cardiovascular health. These healthy fats also help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins efficiently.

Is This Snack Suitable For Including In Balanced Diets?

Absolutely. It offers a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that provide steady energy release. Its nutrient-dense profile makes it a wholesome option for snacking or complementing meals in various diet plans.

Nutritional Benefits Beyond Basic Calories And Macros   /h2>

Antioxidants present through olive oil polyphenols plus sesame lignans offer cellular protection helping reduce oxidative stress linked