There are certain things I’ll always prefer to make at home—guacamole, pizza dough, pizza sauce… honestly, most sauces. Hummus is firmly on that list. I’ve tried to like the store-bought versions, but they always taste a little off—too plastic-y, too acidic, or just weirdly flat. They go bad quickly, lack flavor, and don’t come close to the fresh stuff.
And that’s a shame, because I love hummus. I’m constantly craving something Mediterranean-adjacent: tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, feta, and a big dollop of hummus to tie it all together. At restaurants, it’s all I want. But at home, unless I’m making it myself, I usually skip it.
However, I recently got my hands on the new collaboration between Graza Olive Oil and Ithaca Hummus. Their Olive Oil & Sea Salt Hummus just launched in stores, and I figured it was time to set my store-bought bias aside (at least for a taste). I also sampled a couple of Ithaca’s other flavors (French Onion and Lemon Garlic) to get the full picture.
Instead of just trying a bit, I fully committed, adding hummus to just about everything I ate for a week. (I briefly considered turning this into an “I ate hummus with every meal for a week” story, but then I got to pizza and called it.) TL;DR: As someone who’s long hated store-bought hummus, I was surprised at how much I liked this. I’d buy it again, willingly.
Photo by Graza x Ithaca
What is Graza?
You’ve probably seen Graza’s playful squeeze bottles in the olive oil aisle at Whole Foods or scrolling Instagram. They’re the brand behind Drizzle and Sizzle—two 100% Spanish olive oils made for finishing and cooking, respectively. Recently, they added Frizzle to the mix, designed for high-heat cooking.
Their vibe is simple: pure, uncut olive oil that’s actually affordable. Not your $5 bottom-shelf mystery blend, and not your $50 artisan bottle you’re scared to open. Just really good oil from one region, at a price that makes sense.
Graza’s also known for their fun collabs, from olive oil ice cream to this latest one with Ithaca hummus.
What is Ithaca Hummus?
This was a new-to-me brand, though I’ve definitely walked past it before. Ithaca has that same fresh, bold, slightly rebellious energy that Graza does. They’re focused on flavor, quality ingredients, and chef-level taste.
Founder Chris Kirby is a former chef who started Ithaca in 2013, making small batches in a commissary kitchen. Today, they’re sold in over 8,000 retailers and known for unconventional flavors like Lemon Dill, Everything Bagel, and French Onion (my sleeper favorite from this taste test).
Photo by Ithaca Hummus
My Honest Thoughts on the Graza x Ithaca Olive Oil & Sea Salt Hummus
I’ll cut to it: I liked this hummus. It was creamy, clean-tasting, and didn’t have that weird store-bought aftertaste that usually turns me off. I finished the small tub in just a couple of days and not because I felt obligated (though I was committing to the test).
It’s mild, but in a way that works. The olive oil flavor is there, subtle but smooth, and the sea salt could’ve been a touch punchier for my salt-fiend palate, but overall it felt fresh and versatile (I just love adding flaky salt to everything).
Surprise MVP use? Tossing it into my usual Trader Joe’s lemon arugula salad. I normally go for a grain bowl, but this added creaminess and made it feel a little more like a restaurant meal.
Now, is it better than homemade or something you’d get at a good mezze spot? Probably not. But for store-bought? This is easily my top pick. And for weeks when I don’t have time or desire (which is most) to fire up the food processor, I’ll be buying it again.
I also tried Ithaca’s Lemon Garlic and French Onion flavors, and those might be my favorite flavored options. They’re especially great if you’re more into some bold chip dips. But there’s something nice about keeping a classic on hand and dressing it up as you please.
Where to Buy It
The Graza x Ithaca Olive Oil & Sea Salt Hummus is available now at Whole Foods stores nationwide. You can also use Ithaca’s store locator to find it near you. A 10-ounce tub is $6.99.
It’s not a limited run (yet), so you’ve got time to make it a summer mezze staple.
10 Recipe Ideas to Eat With Hummus
Whether you’re scooping or spreading, here are ten easy ways to build meals around this hummus:
1. Warm farro bowl
Add roasted sweet potato, kale, and lemony tahini drizzle.
2. Homemade pita
Okay, store-bought works too, but warm it in the oven first.
3. Mediterranean bowl
Chickpeas, tomato, cucumber, olives, feta, and herbs.
4. Tacos
Swap in hummus as the base instead of sour cream or crema.
5. Grilled lamb
Serve as a dip or spread alongside.
6. Open-faced sandwich
Try it on sourdough with arugula and pickled onions.
7. Roasted veggie wrap
Zucchini, red pepper, and hummus in a warm tortilla.
8. Soft-boiled egg toast
Top with hummus and chili crisp.
9. Snack plate
Cheese, crackers, olives, nuts, and a big scoop of the hummus. Adding this potato recipe in particular that I love.
10. Crudité board
Cucumber, radish, carrot, and endive are great pairings.
Do you have a favorite store-bought hummus or go-to hummus recipe? Let me know so I can try! Or any other collaborations you’re eying?
