Hummus
Smooth chickpea hummus — a high-protein, high-fibre IDDSI Level 4 (Puréed) food when prepared without chunky toppings.
Natural IDDSI Level
Commercial hummus prepared from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and olive oil is uniformly smooth and holds its shape on a plate. It is naturally Level 4 compliant when served plain without toppings such as whole chickpeas, paprika flakes, or seeds.
Safe Preparation
Use smooth commercial hummus or blend canned chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic until completely smooth. Pass through a fine sieve if any whole chickpea skins remain. Serve plain — do not add paprika, whole spices, or garnishes that introduce particles. Test: should mound and hold shape.
- ✓Commercial hummus varies in texture — test each brand with the IDDSI Spoon Tilt Test before serving.
- ✓Blending canned chickpeas with their aquafaba (liquid) produces a smoother texture.
- ✓Add extra lemon juice or tahini for flavour without compromising texture.
- ✓Portion into individual containers immediately after opening for hygiene in care settings.
Important Warnings
- Do not add whole chickpeas as garnish — they are a choking hazard. Do not use chunky or rough-textured varieties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hummus a good protein source for vegetarian dysphagia patients?
- Yes. Hummus provides approximately 8 g of protein per 100 g and is an excellent plant-based protein source for vegetarian or vegan dysphagia patients. It also provides iron, folate, and dietary fibre. Pair with smooth olive oil for additional calories to support energy needs on a modified-texture diet.
Need texture-modifying products?
Browse productsEducational content only. This page does not constitute medical advice. Texture level prescriptions must come from a qualified speech-language therapist or physician.