United Supermarkets Health Tip: Hummus Tasty Option for Sweet and Savory Snacks

United Supermarkets corporate dietitian Brenda Garcia was encouraging us recently to expand our hummus horizons, so to speak. Hummus, which is chickpeas ground to the consistency of bean dip, packs 8 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber into 3.5 ounces.

It's a great substitute for dips or Ranch dressing if you're snacking on veggies, crackers or lighter versions of chips, like Parmesan crisps. It originated in Egypt, so Middle Eastern cuisine often pairs it with feta or pitas, but you can try it with toast and avocado, too.

It comes in flavors like roasted garlic, spinach and artichoke, and "everything," but it also comes in sweet flavors, like dark chocolate. Garcia said dark chocolate hummus reminder her of eating brownie batter, so it's great with strawberries or graham crackers.

If you want to get adventurous and make your own hummus at home, Garcia and her colleague shared an easy recipe here on their blog, Happy + Nourished.

To ensure you don't miss out on any of Happy + Nourished's great tips, scroll down to the bottom of their website and sign up for their newsletter. And the next time you're shopping at United, check out their hummus selection — you may be surprised at how many ways this healthy alternative fits into your menu.