Image by iStock

Hummus has been in the news a lot lately, causing controversy over its origins (Israeli? Arab? Who knows?) but for all the hummus lovers out there, the worst news is yet to come.

A global chickpea shortage has struck the world, driven by poor crops in some of the chickpea producing countries of the world. The price of hummus has soared recently, increasing by 12% since January 2017, and habitual hummus devourers (perhaps with some crispy pita, chips or falafel) have find cause to weep.

Last year, buying a 10 oz. tub of hummus would set you back £1.14, or $1.62. This year, buying hummus will cost you £1.47, or $2.08, according to UK site The Grocer. Demand for hummus has increased all over the world but supplies have not been able to match demand. The average American ate about 1.85 pounds of chickpeas in 2017, according to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center. Will the average American this year have to suffer by only consuming half a pound of hummus? Why are we being punished like this?

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

So how should the Jews prepare themselves for a future without hummus and without hope?

First, begin stockpiling hummus while you still can, before the inevitable market inflation takes even more of a toll on America. Second, memorize the taste of hummmus so you can tell your grandchildren about the food that once ruled the earth. Third, look into growing your own chickpeas. They require about 100 days to grow, some tender, loving care and patience.

Happy harvesting!

Shira Feder is a writer at the Forward. You can reach her at [email protected]

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount