Latest news with #hummus
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
TSA Just 'Banned' These 7 Surprising Snacks From Carry-On Bags
Packing snacks before a flight is a tried-and-true travel hack—saving money, cutting down on sodium-packed airport food, and keeping hunger at bay on long hauls. But if you're not careful, your go-to favorites might be headed straight for the TSA's trash bin. The Transportation Security Administration has recently cracked down on a handful of surprisingly common foods. These snacks violate the 3.4-ounce rule for liquids, gels, and spreadable items. While that rule is nothing new, travelers often forget it applies to more than just toiletries. This summer, it's catching people off guard at security checkpoints nationwide, according to The Mirror. Spreadable and scoopable snacks like hummus and peanut butter are high on the list of problematic items. Even if paired with pretzels in a handy travel pack, those creamy containers often exceed the carry-on limit. Yogurt and pudding, fan favorites among frequent flyers and parents alike, fall under the same category. Many individual-sized cups still cross the 3.4-ounce threshold, meaning they'll get flagged during bag checks. Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert are also considered too spreadable to pass muster. And it's not just dairy that's a problem—sweet items like honey and savory staples like salsa have joined the list as well. All are considered liquid or gel-like substances under TSA guidelines, and anything over the limit won't make it through. While the rules themselves haven't changed, enforcement appears to be tightening. More travelers are reporting confusion over which items are allowed, especially when they look solid but fall into the "spreadable" or "gel" category. Even foods in resealable containers or single-serve packs can trip the alarm if they exceed the size limit. The consequences? Delays, tossed snacks, and the occasional argument at security—all of which can derail an otherwise smooth travel day. If you're flying soon, it's worth double-checking not only what you pack, but how much of it is going into your carry-on. Anything remotely creamy, gelatinous, or spreadable should be under 3.4 ounces or stowed in checked luggage. In short, TSA is reminding travelers that if you can smear it on toast or eat it with a spoon, it probably counts as a liquid. And if it's over the limit, it's not coming on Just 'Banned' These 7 Surprising Snacks From Carry-On Bags first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 22, 2025
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
As a dietitian, I always keep hummus in my fridge. Why it's the ultimate snack.
Hummus has secured a spot in many people's snack rotations for good reason. This creamy, flavorful dip that originates from the Middle East brings together an unbeatable combination of taste, nutrition and versatility. Whether you're dipping veggies into it, spreading it on toast or using a dollop of it as a salad topper, hummus checks a lot of boxes. But is it really the ultimate snack? From a dietitian's perspective, it just might be. One of the best things about hummus is how simple and wholesome its ingredients are. Traditionally made from chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans), tahini (sesame seed paste), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and seasoning, hummus packs both a flavorful and nutritional punch. Here's a breakdown of why this humble OG dip is so good for you: Protein for sustained energy Chickpeas, the main ingredient in hummus, are a fantastic plant-based source of protein. Protein is essential not only for building and repairing tissues but also for keeping you feeling full and satisfied. This makes hummus a great option for curbing hunger between meals. While not as protein-heavy as some animal-based snacks, hummus still delivers a solid 2-3 grams of protein per tablespoon, making it an excellent choice for a quick energy boost. Healthy fats for brain and heart health The healthy fats in hummus mainly come from tahini and olive oil. These unsaturated fats are known to support cardiovascular health by improving cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation. Plus, healthy fats may help keep your brain sharp and your skin glowing. Fiber for digestion and satiety Most Americans are not eating nearly enough fiber every day, resulting in what scientists call the "fiber gap." Chickpeas are a natural source of fiber, so consuming them can help people meet their needs. Yes, even if they are pulverized into a chickpea-based spread. Fiber also helps promote gut health, regulate blood sugar and keep you feeling full for longer. Vitamins and minerals galore Hummus is a natural source of several important nutrients, including folate, iron, phosphorus and B vitamins that play critical roles in energy production, red blood cell health and bone strength. The sesame seeds in tahini also provide calcium, which supports strong bones and teeth. Another reason hummus stands out as a snacking hero is its accessibility and affordability. You can make it at home with just a handful of pantry staples, or you can pick up a tub at almost any grocery store (just make sure your choice is made with quality ingredients!). Hummus proves that healthy eating doesn't have to break the bank. With its minimalistic ingredient list, it's a budget-friendly option that fits easily into most grocery trips. Plus, it's adaptable to what you already have on hand; you can customize it with herbs, spices or roasted vegetables for added flavor without spending extra. Even store-bought versions come in a wide range of price points, making it an accessible choice for nearly everyone. Whether you're whipping it up in your kitchen or grabbing a tub at the store, hummus can be a cost-effective way to enjoy a nutritious and satisfying snack. There is nothing wrong with the classic dip-your-pita-in-hummus nosh. Or if you are a veggie lover, you can't go wrong using carrot sticks or cucumber slices as a vessel for this pulse-packed dip. But if you want to take your hummus game to the next level, here are a few ideas: Spread it on toast Move over, avocado. Hummus makes an excellent spread for toast, especially when topped with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes or even smoked salmon. It's a filling and satisfying way to start your day. Use it as a salad dressing Thinning out hummus with a bit of water, lemon juice or olive oil turns it into a creamy, nutrient-packed salad dressing. It works especially well with hearty salads featuring grains or roasted veggies. Spread it on wraps and sandwiches Skip the mayo and add a layer of hummus to your wraps and sandwiches. It pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables and falafel. The creaminess adds flavor and moisture without the need for less healthy condiments. Pair it with unconventional dippers Sure, carrots, celery and pita chips are classic companions, but why not try dipping apple slices, sweet potato fries or roasted cauliflower into hummus? These tasty combinations just might surprise you. Use it as a marinade or sauce Hummus can double as a marinade for chicken or tofu. You can also dollop it into grain bowls or pasta dishes for added texture and flavor. Elevate your snack board Hummus makes an excellent centerpiece for a snack or charcuterie board. Surround it with pita chips, olives, crunchy vegetables and even pickles for a spread that looks as good as it tastes. While hummus is an incredible snack, it's worth noting that portion size matters. Eating an entire tub in one sitting (we've all been there!) can lead to excess calorie intake, especially if your dippers are heavy on refined carbs like white pita bread. For the best nutritional benefits, try pairing hummus with fiber-rich veggies or whole-grain crackers. Also, store-bought hummus can sometimes contain extra sodium or preservatives, so be sure to check the label if you're buying premade versions. From its rich nutritional profile to its versatility in the kitchen, hummus certainly makes a strong case for itself as the ultimate snack. It's affordable, easy to prepare and packed with nutrients that support your health. Whether you're dipping, spreading or dolloping, hummus can fit into your meals in countless delicious ways. If you're not already reaching for it regularly, now's the time to start letting hummus shine as your go-to snack.
The Guardian
6 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
Australian supermarket tahini taste test: one of the worst is ‘thick enough to build a sandcastle'
This morning I made myself a tahini latte. The morning before, I mixed tahini with yoghurt and powdered ginger and poured it over my muesli. I use tahini in salad dressings, in sauces for spicy noodles, I've even put it in pesto. But until a few weeks ago, I only had the most vague idea of which tahini I liked or not (I just knew to avoid any brands in the health aisle) and I suspect I'm not the only picnic-attending hummus-maker that needs an education. I gathered 18 supermarket aisle tahinis and four reviewers (including Syrian Australian author and chef Sharon Salloum, and Tuli Keidar, a friend who came close to dedicating their life to hummus before joining the coffee industry) for a blind taste test. We tasted the tahini in two rounds, hulled first and unhulled second. Before presenting the reviewers with the tahini, we stirred each container to make sure the oil and paste had mixed together. We scored them on taste and texture, but texture was cut from the final score as the tasters decided different consistencies and mouthfeels each had valid merits and uses. As tahini is rarely eaten straight, I did an extra round on my own after the taste test, using the top- and bottom-scoring brands, as well as the most unusual, to make hummus. My thinking is if their qualities, good or bad, stand out in a hummus, they'll stand out in a sauce, dressing or whatever other mix. When I finished the taste test and checked all the jars, I was shocked to find every single one claimed to be 100% sesame seeds with nothing else added. Compliments to nature – it's extraordinary how different 18 batches of ground sesame can be. Usually here I'd try to give you a neat summary of what to look for or analyse why some scored highly and others didn't, but I found no consistency in ratios of fat to protein, country of production (I would prefer to know where the sesame is grown, but most brands don't advertise that) or best before date. The only exception was this strange fact: all the organic tahini scored badly, except for the unhulled, where the opposite was true. Al Kanater Tahini, 900g, $13.75 ($1.53 per 100g), available from Coles and select grocers Score: 8/10 I have a friend who doesn't like tahini. 'It's building material,' they say with a grimace befitting a morgue intern. What would they think of this? It's thin, luscious and pours out of the jar like warm honey. On top of that, it tastes as though it was made yesterday – just a simple, clean nutty flavour with barely any bitterness to oppose it. It makes a silky hummus and might even convince my partner it's a worthwhile inclusion to a cumin-drenched roast eggplant pasta or whatever other midweek experimental meal I make. Spiral Foods Organic Tahini Hulled, 375g, $8.99 ($2.40 per 100g), available from select grocers Score: 7.5/10 Based on nothing but prejudice against 'health foods', I assumed every unhulled product would be joyless, impractically thick and bitter, like the guys in manosphere podcasts turned into goop. I was wrong about one of those things. While bitter and hard to distribute, they all carried this intense, savoury flavour, as if a few drops of soy and sesame oil had been mixed into a very dark roast tahini. Of the four unhulled tahini, this was the most intense version. 'Every flavour dialled up … strange to taste something so toasted and it's not crunchy,' wrote one reviewer. There's a lot of joy to be had in that. Oh So Natural Organic Hulled Tahini, 375g, $4.79 ($1.28 per 100g), available from Aldi Score: 6/10 Not all of the tahini had wild, differentiating flavours warranting wine label poetry; some just tasted like tahini. This was one. Reviewers described it as slightly sweet, bitter, wheaty, thick and sticky. 'Feels like a textbook tahini but a little too bitter for how unmemorable this flavour is,' wrote one reviewer, seemingly doing my job for me. Of all the 14 hulled products, it was the highest-scoring organic tahini. I was proud to see my guess 'tastes cheap' turn out to be true. Al Wadi Tahini, 454g, $6.60 ($1.45 per 100g), available from select grocers Score: 7.5/10 If Aldi wanted to create a slightly cheaper version of Al Kanater, this is what I imagine they'd come up with. It's similarly thin but while the taste test winner feels like a velvety, pure sesame experience, this feels as though it has been watered down. Or oiled down? Along with the texture being a little slippery, the aftertaste is buttery (two reviewers said it was peanut butter-y). My guess is the difference in protein and fat. Al Kanater was the highest-protein tahini of the day (the presence of protein likely means more flavour-enhancing amino acids), while Al Wadi had the highest fat content of the day. Buttery, nutty and smooth, I'm thrilled with that. Mezzabibi Tahini, 1kg, $19.60 ($1.96 per 100g), available from select grocers Score: 7/10 One of the surprises of the taste test was finding out there was no relationship between viscosity and clagginess. I assumed the thicker the tahini the more likely it was to turn your mouth into a swamp but here we have a thin, silky tahini that hangs on to the top of your mouth like toffee made in a glue stick. That's no complaint – it's a normal part of the tahini experience. What I care about is the flavour. It's a little more salty and savoury than its competitors but still on the mild end compared with something like Kalaajieh (below). Sign up to Saved for Later Catch up on the fun stuff with Guardian Australia's culture and lifestyle rundown of pop culture, trends and tips after newsletter promotion Carwari Organic Black Tahini Unhulled, 375g, $9.99 ($2.66 per 100g), available from select grocers Score: 6.5/10 I wonder what the reviewers would have written if this was a blindfolded tasting. As the colour is pitch black, like an edible horror film prop, it stands out. Surely that affected our reviews. But while there is a distinct aroma, the flavour isn't markedly different from other unhulled tahinis other than it being a little less intense and maybe a bit peppery and sweet. For those thinking of making experimental hummus, it's as usable as other unhulled tahini – you'll just end up with an office-carpet grey. I will be experimenting at home to see what hulled versions are like. Kalaajieh Tahine Extra, 450g, $6.50 ($1.44 per 100g), available from Coles and select grocers Score: 6/10 Based on a recommendation from a man I met in the aisle of an Afghan grocer in 2018, I've bought this tahini many times but I'd never noticed how much it tastes like olive brine. It's not notes of olive brine, either – it tastes smoky, bitter and fruity, just like an olive. All of the reviewers agreed. One of them, having recently picked, brined and eaten a large amount of olives, said it was unmistakable in smell and taste. Another reviewer wrote: 'Very unexpected, very distinct tahini. Hard to believe it's just sesame seeds!' I like it but, due to the crime of comparison it's no longer what I want in a tahini. Green Hill Tahina, 908g, $13 ($14.3 per 100g), available from Coles and select grocers Score: 6/10 Like fish eyes, ghosting or seeing your celebrity crush dressed as your greatest fear, this is going to be appealing to some, unnerving to others – or, if you're like me, a bit of both. The division in this group was caused by the tahini's acidity. Tahini shouldn't be particularly sour. It was slight and I didn't mind it but others accused it of being metallic, oily and unlike sesame in smell or taste. In a sauce, hummus or anything else with acidity added in, you're not going to notice. Mayver's Hulled Tahini, 385g, $6.50 ($1.69 per 100g), available from major supermarkets Score: 5.5/10 Like Kalaajieh, this has the same bitter olive flavour, but worse; it's as if the fat from the seeds has aged beyond the range of deliciousness. It's also impractically thick and comes with a pool of oil on top – that's fine, many tahinis separate on the shelf, you just need to mix them before you use it, I hear you saying. Sadly, few of us will have the forearm strength or stamina to actually do it. The unhulled version from the same brand was one of the only tahinis to outmatch this product in thickness. It was so thick, I held a bowl of it upside down and it just hung there without dripping. I imagined someone throwing it on to my ceiling: unless I scraped it off, it might live there for ever. Macro Organic Hulled Tahini, 375g, $5 ($1.33 per 100g), available from Woolworths Score: 4/10 In the tahini world, this is pretty much my nemesis. Like many products made with a goal that isn't deliciousness, it's found in the health food aisle despite being no more or less healthy than any other tahini on this list. Before you even eat it, you have to spend a minute working the oil and solids through couples therapy. Even if you have the patience to make it to the end, you still have a paste thick enough to build a sandcastle. For me, it's too bitter to use in hummus (or much else) and too gritty and dry to bake with. What is the point of it other than convincing people tahini should be stocked in the building material section? Gaganis Hulled Tahini, 375g, $7 ($1.87 per 100g), available from Coles Score: 4/10 Many of the reviewer scorecards read the same. The first comment is about the tahini having a slight sweetness. Next is the recognition of the olive taste from previous tahinis. Then there's the aftertaste, which one reviewer describes as 'a very particular mustiness, like old powdered spices that have lost their flavour'. Other comments included 'tastes artificial' and 'like you'd eat in wartime'. Chef's Choice Stone Ground Tahini 5/10 Coles Wellness Road Organic Hulled Tahini 5.5/10 Macro Organic Unhulled Tahini 6.5/10 Mayver's Unhulled Tahini 5/10 Melissa Organic Sesame Tahini 5.5/10 Melissa Sesame Tahini 4.5/10 Spiral Foods Organic Unhulled Tahini 5.5/10
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Brand That's Behind Trader Joe's Popular Hummus
Long-time patrons of Trader Joe's aren't surprised at the lack of brand-name products when they pop in for TJ's best snacks, but they are constantly on the hunt to find out which companies supply the store with its private-label merchandise. Instead of manufacturing the in-store brands itself, the retailer outsources production to businesses more aptly equipped to make its signature grocery items, often utilizing corporations many are personally familiar with. Some folks may already be aware of the brands behind Trader Joe's smoothies and salad kits, yet the producer of the neighborhood market's hummus has remained somewhat elusive. It was discovered through a recall notice in 2015 that, for at least some time, TJ's hummus was provided by Tribe Mediterranean Foods. However, it seems that the grocer has since moved on to another manufacturer to make its creamy hummus. The cat was let out of the bag via another recall notice in 2023, which indicated Bakkavor Foods was responsible for making at least one of Trader Joe's eight varieties of hummus. The recall occurred as a consequence of Bakkavor mistakenly placing Genova Pesto in a tub marked "Hummus Dip." The hummus container listed the ingredients for that item, not pesto, resulting in a recall of the product for undeclared milk and walnuts. Although Bakkavor was never officially identified as a manufacturer of Trader Joe's hummus, it is clear the company was supplying the grocer with that commodity, given that it had the containers for TJ's snack in its possession. Read more: 15 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Shopping At Trader Joe's Bakkavor Foods touts itself as the leading producer of fresh prepared food. With operations in the U.S., U.K., and China, the company manufactures artisan breads, dips, soups, sauces, and other fresh meals for several grocery retailers in those regions. Its United States division is the smallest of the three, only accounting for roughly 5% of the corporation's revenue. Interestingly enough, Bakkavor lists some of its grocery retail customers in the U.K. and China but not the United States. Companies like Aldi that lack brand-name products by design are notoriously tight-lipped about the suppliers of their private-label products. It wouldn't be much of a stretch to assume Bakkavor Foods may furnish prepared dips, soups, and sauces for Trader Joe's competitors like Aldi and Costco's Kirkland Signature brand. Still, while Bakkavor appears to be making hummus for TJ's as recently as 2023, that may no longer be the case. It seems apparent that Trader Joe's moved on from Tribe Mediterranean Foods after its recall fiasco in 2015, and it is possible that the retailer has found another supplier of its signature hummus after Bakkavor committed its blunder. Read the original article on Foodie.
Vogue Arabia
13-06-2025
- Health
- Vogue Arabia
Tahini Is The High Protein Food You Can Eat Every Day—With Almost Everything
When cooking at home, it's easy to get into a rut. Same-old salad. Same-old salmon. Same-old pasta dish. Sometimes, however, all it takes is a new ingredient to change everything. One favorite? Tahini. Not only is it delicious, but it's also high in protein, minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants. And if that isn't enough to convince you, consider this: Beyoncé apparently uses tahini as an ingredient in one of her go-to salad dressings. What is tahini? Tahini, also known as tahina, is a paste made from hulled, ground sesame seeds. It has a soft, creamy consistency and is made by mixing roasted and ground white sesame seeds with olive oil, avocado oil, or sesame oil. You probably know tahini as one of the main ingredients in hummus, but it's also present in other classic Middle Eastern dishes such as halva with almonds and pistachios and baba ganoush. Many dishes from North Africa and parts of Asia also feature tahini. What does tahini taste like? The flavor of tahini is mildly nutty and just a tiny bit bitter. Its neutrality, richness, and depth of flavor make it suitable for dishes that range from savory to sweet. It has a smooth, creamy texture similar to thin almond butter or peanut butter. One tablespoon of tahini has: Calories: 89 Protein: 3 g Carbohydrates: 3 g Fat: 8 g Fiber: 2 g Copper: 27% of the Daily Value (DV) Selenium: 9% of the DV Phosphorus: 9% of the DV Iron: 7% of the DV Zinc: 6% of the DV Calcium: 5% of the DV What are the health benefits of tahini? Tahini is high in protein, antioxidants, healthy fats, and contains essential minerals such as calcium, selenium, iron, and zinc. Below, a breakdown of some of the benefits of tahini. Tahini is high in antioxidants, especially lignans such as sesamin, which reduce the damage caused by free radicals in our bodies. Tahini possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Tahini may reduce the risk of certain diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Tahini may help lower high blood pressure, bad cholesterol and triglycerides, helping to prevent cardiovascular disease. Has antibacterial properties The antioxidants in tahini could protect brain cells, preventing degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. It could protect liver and kidney cells. Contraindications Tahini is safe for most people to consume, but should be avoided by those who are allergic to sesame. As it is rich in omega 6, it is important that it is always balanced by adequate amounts of omega 3, to avoid the onset of inflammation—so be sure to eat it as part of a balanced diet. How to use tahini Tahini is versatile, flavorful, and easy to use. It adds a dose of extra protein, minerals, and flavor to nearly anything and makes a tasty, plant-based substitute for dairy, butter, or cream. As mentioned, Beyoncé uses it in a dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, grated ginger, chopped parsley, Tabasco, and shoyu or soy sauce. You can use tahini as you would any other nut butter—spread it onto toasted bread, drizzle over avocado toast, spread it onto whole-grain crackers, or use it on a spread in sandwiches. For a quick sweet and savory snack, spread tahini over spelt crackers with a drizzle of honey, sliced banana, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
