Which One is More Nutritious: Yogurt or Hummus? 

Rohit Panwar

Yogurt versus hummus, do you wonder which one would be a more appropriate dietary choice? As a nutritionist let me help you make this decision.

In this blog, I will be comparing the nutritional variations in yogurt and hummus. This will help you make the perfect pick as per your needs and lifestyle.

yogurt versus hummus

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Comparing Yogurt Versus Hummus Nutrition and Benefits 

Let us begin the comparison by taking a quick look at yogurt and hummus differences  – 

BASE INGREDIENTS
Yogurt

Milk & Starter Culture

Hummus

Chickpea, Olive Oil, etc.

TASTE
Yogurt

Sweet & Sour

Hummus

Creamy & Tangy 

DAILY INTAKE
Yogurt

200-250 g

Hummus

25- 55 g

CALORIES
Yogurt

70*

Hummus

166*

CARBOHYDRATES
Yogurt

5 g*

Hummus

 14 g*

FAT CONTENT
Yogurt

3.5 g*

Hummus

10 g*

PROTEIN CONTENT
Yogurt

 3.5 g*

Hummus  

8 g*

CALCIUM CONTENT
Yogurt

132 mg*

Hummus

38 g*

RECOMMENDED TIME
Yogurt

Morning or Noon

Hummus 

Daytime

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Yogurt

Negative

Hummus 

Positive

VEGAN FRIENDLINESS
Yogurt

No

Hummus

Yes

ORAL HEALTH OUTCOME
Yogurt

Very Good

Hummus

Good

TUMMY HEALTH OUTCOME
Yogurt

Very good

Hummus 

Very Good

BODY COOLING EFFECT
Yogurt

Very Good

Hummus

Good

ADDITIVES
Yogurt

Fruits & Honey 

Hummus 

Spices & Herbs

*Source: USDA; Quantity defined is 100g  

Now that we have clarity on their nutritional differences of yogurt and hummus, let’s dig a little deeper into each one.

How is Yogurt Vs Hummus Made? 

Yogurt is made by  adding an active starter culture to warm milk.  The yogurt culture is a combination of good bacteria that ferment the milk. It  is easily available in the market and I would recommend using a new culture every time to get the perfect yogurt. 

Hummus is made by grinding many ingredients together. This includes soaked chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, tahini or sesame seeds. The blended hummus is usually topped with some fresh herbs and spices. 

Yogurt Vs Hummus: Difference in Taste and Texture?

Yogurt is thick, creamy and has a slightly sour taste. This sour taste is a result of the fermentation process. 

Hummus is smooth and creamy. It has  a tangy and slightly garlicy flavour and pairs well with a lot of food items.

What is the Daily Recommended Quantity of Yogurt Vs Hummus?

Yogurt is a nutritionally rich food that can be included in your everyday diet. You can consume up to 1 cup of yogurt everyday. 

Hummus too is a nutritionally rich food that can be included in your diet. However, just like other foods, it is important to consume it in moderate quantities. 2-4 tablespoons are good enough for a day. However, if you are new to the product, you might want to start with smaller quantities.

Better Choice for the Calorie- Conscious – Yogurt or Hummus?

If we compare equal quantities of yogurt and hummus, we find that hummus has higher calories.  Yogurt is also available in lower calorie variations. 

You don’t have to worry about the higher calorie count in hummus, because the serving size is much lower than that of yogurt. 

Which One’s Suitable for a Low- Carb Diet: Yogurt or Hummus?

Yogurt is made using milk which makes it moderately high in carb content.  Hummus on the other hand is high in carbs. 

So, yogurt would be a better choice for a low-carb diet if consumed in limited quantities. 

Lower in Fats: Yogurt or Hummus?

Yogurt made using whole milk is usually high in fat content. However, it is possible to get low fat variations that are made using low fat milk or skimmed milk. In comparison to hummus, yogurt is much lower in fats.

Hummus on the other hand is rich in fats. Having said that, the fats in hummus are healthy fats and good for the body. 

Better in Protein Content: Yogurt Or Hummus?

Yogurt and Hummus are both nutritionally rich foods and have a lot of vitamins, minerals and proteins. Hummus has more proteins when compared to regular yogurt. This makes it a good choice for fitness enthusiasts. 

Remember we are talking here about normal yogurt. Greek yogurt which is a thicker variation of yogurt is much higher in proteins as compared to normal yogurt and hummus.  

Yogurt or Hummus : Better Option for Calcium?

Yogurt is a dairy product and just like all milk products it is rich in calcium. If we compare hummus and yogurt for calcium content, yogurt takes the cake. 

Hummus is also a decent source of calcium but does not fare well against dairy. So, if calcium is your preferred nutrient, opt for yogurt. 

When Should You Consume Yogurt Versus Hummus?

The best time to consume yogurt is either in the morning or in the afternoon. Consuming it early gives your body enough time to absorb and digest the nutrients.  

Hummus is best consumed in the morning, afternoon or in the evening. Avoid it after nightfall because it is high in fats and calories.

Yogurt or Hummus: Which One’s Vegan-Friendly?

Yogurt is usually made using cow’s milk. Therefore, it is not suitable for vegans. However, a lot of plant based variations of yogurt are increasingly becoming available in the market. 

Hummus on the other hand is vegan-friendly. It is a rich source of many vital nutrients for vegans and vegetarians alike.  

Yogurt Versus Hummus: Their Impact on the Environment?

Dairy-based products like yogurt are not good for the planet. This is because the raising cattle for milk is associated with higher emission of greenhouse gasses, deforestation and soil erosion among other things. 

Hummus is very environmentally sustainable. Chickpeas production is said to cause minimum impact on the environment. 

What is Better for Oral Health: Yogurt or Hummus?

Yogurt is made using milk which makes them high in calcium. This makes it a good food for maintaining overall dental health. Apart from the calcium, yogurt has good bacteria which helps in battling the bad bacteria in the mouth. 

Hummus contains a good amount of calcium which is good for teeth. Also, it is rich in vitamins like folic acid that promote a healthy mouth. 

Yogurt or Hummus for Better Tummy Health

Yogurt is rich in probiotics of good bacteria, which make it good for digestion. Yogurt is also low in lactose, a component found in milk, which many people have difficulty digesting. 

Hummus is also good for the overall stomach health.  Hummus is rich in fibre which is important for helping you poop easily. 

Body Cooling Effect of Yogurt Vs Hummus 

Yogurt is good food for the summers. This is because it contains a lot of water. It also contains minerals like calcium, potassium which help in maintaining the water level in the body. 

Hummus also by its very nature is cooling. It is a staple in the Mediterranean diet which testifies its effectiveness in tackling heat. 

Versatility of Yogurt Versus Hummus

Yogurt is quite versatile and can be used in a variety of sweet and salty preparations. Blend it into a smoothie or prepare some dips using yogurt, there are many ways of enjoying its goodness.   

Hummus too is a very versatile food. You can garnish it with fresh herbs and use it to make nutrient-rich dips. You can also use it as spreads, base for your pasta sources and much more. 

This brings us to the end of the blog. We can conclude on the note that yogurt and hummus are both very nutrient-rich foods. You can include one or both in your diet and benefit from them. Your final choice depends on your needs and preferences. 

I hope I made choosing between the hummus and yogurt easier. If you have any more questions, I am happy to answer.

Rohit Panwar

Hi! I'm Integrated Nutrition Coach Rohit Panwar. I hold twin Certifications from IIN, New York & SAFM, Massachusetts. I am a passionate vocalist of holistic lifestyle and have fully committed the past several years to educate & empower people towards their wellbeing. Despite a successful yet hectic corporate stint of 21+ years, I have prioritised nutriment in my life. I truly hope my personal journey from illness to wellness helps everybody reading this forge their own path.