We take our time choosing the appetizers we want to serve when it comes to getting ready for company. We often reach for hummus because it’s so tasty and easily accessible. It’s a tasty alternative that works well for many, even those on plant-based diets, thanks to its wide range of taste options and capacity to combine with a wide variety of meals for different dipping possibilities. What’s left over also makes for great sandwich toppings the next week.
A tasty appetizer is only enhanced by one that requires almost little preparation on your part. We were eager to try Cava’s selection of ready-to-eat dips because of this. We are all in favor of a service that not only wows our visitors but also simplifies hosting. Cava’s dips promised to provide our appetizer selection that extra something with little work, giving us more time to enjoy our visitors’ company.
Cava is a fast-casual restaurant brand with numerous locations around the United States, well-known for its Mediterranean meals. Beyond the well-liked menu items offered in its restaurants, Cava’s supermarket line of dips delivers flavors straight from its cooks to your living room. These dips are perfect for a number of events, such as game nights, holiday festivities, or even simply an informal late-night snack.
Although we were not given access to Cava’s whole variety of dips, the ones we were given seemed to cover a good portion of the company’s product line. The Tzatziki and Spicy Feta are two of the ones that we received, and they both include dairy. But to our joyful surprise, there were a good variety of dairy-free products that would satisfy vegans and accommodate a wider range of dietary needs.
Even though they aren’t the subject of this article, Cava also has a range of dressings. We’re excited to give these a try the next time we prepare Greek salad.
Cost And Availability Vary
Cava dips are sold in major stores like Whole Foods Market. If you shop at Whole Foods often, you’ve probably noticed Cava’s assortment of dips. However, availability varies by location. Customers have access to a greater range of Cava product choices and retailers in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions. In comparison, the Midwest has fewer options and mostly sells these dips at Whole Foods.
Each place has a different variety of dips. For instance, Illinois retailers have a large assortment of Organic Traditional Hummus, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Tzatziki, Spicy Hummus, Harissa, and Spicy Feta. There’s only traditional hummus, tzatziki, and spicy hummus available in Florida. Even though Whole Foods sells Cava dips in both states, the variety is noticeably different.
Another factor that varies by region is price. For instance, an 8-ounce container at Whole Foods costs $5.29 in Florida but only $4.79 in Illinois. We found that your experience—from the selection to the cost—varies greatly depending on where you live when it comes to Cava dips.
There Is Generally Consistent Nutrition
When delving into the nutritional aspects of Cava’s dips, the hummus variants — both the Traditional and Spicy — clock in at 45 calories per 2 tablespoon serving. This portion also packs in between 2.5 to 3 grams of fat, and offers 2 grams of protein. A serving of Tzatziki, on the other hand, has only 30 calories and 2 grams of fat, with a single gram of protein.
Note that the nutritional values given here are based on a typical serving size of two teaspoons. But in actuality, we discovered that this serving is rather small—especially if you plan to spread the dips on pita bread. Though it’s enough for a mild flavor, people who like their pita extra-coated may find that this portion size isn’t as large as they would have hoped and end up eating multiple plates at a time.
Taste Test of Organic Traditional Hummus
Strangely enough, we thought Cava’s Traditional Hummus and Organic Traditional Hummus would taste similar, yet a few of us could tell the difference. The flavor difference was quite apparent, even though they looked the same in the container and had comparable textures when spread on pita bread or dipped in carrot.
Upon careful examination of the ingredients list, it becomes clear that both variations include nearly identical ingredients. The main difference is that the Organic Traditional Hummus uses organic products, which is understandable. But we did notice one important detail: garlic was listed among the ingredients. Garlic is noted a little later on the list in the organic hummus, indicating that it is used less frequently than in the conventional hummus.
This minor change in the combination of ingredients seems to have a discernible effect on the flavor as a whole. Those who prefer the more intense garlic flavor of the original hummus may not be as fond of the softer taste of the organic hummus, which has less garlic.
Customary Taste Test for Hummus
Interestingly, some of us couldn’t taste any difference at all between the ordinary and organic hummus, while others detected a noticeable difference in flavor. This very perception—or lack thereof in some situations—indicates that choosing one over the other is mostly a question of personal preference. The Classic Hummus is probably your favorite if you enjoy a lot of garlic flavor. But the organic hummus might taste better to people who like their flavors a little more understated.
Notwithstanding these personal tastes, it’s important to note that Cava’s hummus comes in two outstanding types. They have a silky feel that stays cohesive without breaking apart. It should be noted that the hummus is rather thick, which makes it ideal for spreading over a variety of dishes or using as a thick dip. The style of this hummus would work well in a bowl for your snack spread, even though we felt it behaved well in its container.
Taste Test of Spicy Hummus
We had the opportunity to try Cava’s Spicy Hummus in addition to their standard selection, and it quickly became a favorite among us. This variation was distinguished by its vivid but subdued reddish color. Its flavor profile was pleasantly surprising as well as wonderful. It was just spicy enough to be exciting without being too much. That was our opinion. The slight spice complements the flavor profile rather than overpowers it. It’s more about giving the flavor greater depth than it is about fire.
The fact that the Spicy Hummus is suitable for a variety of palates is something we especially valued. For people who like a little spice but don’t necessarily want it hot, it’s a great option. This kind of hummus is easily approachable and delightful, even for hummus lovers who generally avoid spicy dishes. With this one, you might even be able to win over a few skeptical people to the hummus cause.