^[1]Recently, the company that makes Tribe Hummus sent me two new flavors to sample (one of the nice perks of being in the vegan website biz — I get very cool things to try out) — Olive Tapenade and Cilantro Chimchurri. Did you know that hummus, as a category, has been one of the fastest-growing and best-selling of snack food categories in the U.S.? And unlike a lot of other snacks, even so-called “natural” ones, hummus actually has food value, as its main ingredients are chickpeas and tahini (sesame paste). 

Though hummus is traditionally eaten with wedges of fresh pita bread (it’s also great with pita chips), it can also be a gluten-free snack or appetizer served with raw veggies. I like it with baby carrots, red bell pepper, and celery. I especially appreciate a well-flavored, natural, and ready-made hummus when I’ve run out of time to make homemade hummus ^[2] to serve as an appetizer, or if I’m just feeling plain lazy. In addition, I enjoy being able to enjoy variations on this classic that I wouldn’t necessarily think to make at home.

^[3]Both the Olive Tapenade and Cilantro Chimchurri flavors of Tribe Hummus are delicious. Or I should say, were delicious, as with three males in the house they were gone almost as soon as they were opened. Aside from these two, which are described as hummus with toppings (they also offer the simpler classic varieties as well), Tribe offers these flavored variations as well:

• Roasted Vegetable
• Savory Mushroom
• Zesty Spice and Garlic
• Mediterranean Style
• Spicy Red Pepper

See more about these flavors on Tribe’s site. ^[4] There are a number of recipes on the Tribe site that sound intriguing; some are suitable for vegans, including a Grilled Veggie Wrap ^[5] that sounds wonderful and so easy to make.

Chances are very good that you can find Tribe hummus in your supermarket or natural foods store. Or check Tribe’s store locator.  ^[6]

• Read more reviews of products for healthy living in VegKitchen’s Product Guide. ^[7]