As a Middle Eastern chef with more than 20 years of experience making traditional falafel the way it’s been done for generations, this is one of the most common questions customers ask me: is falafel gluten free?

The short answer is yes — traditional falafel is naturally gluten-free, when it’s made correctly.

But like many foods, the details matter. Let me explain this clearly, honestly, and without any confusion.

What Traditional Falafel Is Made Of

Authentic falafel has very simple roots. Long before gluten-free diets became a trend, falafel was a humble street food made from everyday ingredients:

• Dried chickpeas (never canned)
• Fresh parsley and cilantro
• Onion and garlic
• Cumin, coriander, and spices
• Salt
• Water
• Oil for frying

That’s it. No flour. No breadcrumbs. No fillers.

When I make falafel, I soak dried chickpeas overnight, grind them with herbs and spices, and form them into balls or patties before frying. There is no wheat, barley, or rye anywhere in the recipe, which is why, in its traditional form, falafel is naturally gluten-free.

So when customers ask me, are falafels gluten free? — my answer is yes, authentic falafel absolutely is.

Why Falafel Is Naturally Gluten-Free When Made Correctly

Chickpeas are a legume, not a grain. They contain no gluten at all. Herbs, spices, onions, and garlic are also gluten-free.

When falafel is made the traditional way:

• The chickpeas bind naturally after soaking and grinding
• No flour is needed to hold the mixture together
• The texture comes from technique, not additives

This is why, in Middle Eastern homes and traditional kitchens, falafel was always gluten-free — even before anyone used that term.

So if you’re asking, are falafel gluten free by default?

Yes — when they’re made the right way.

When Falafel Is NOT Gluten-Free (Common Mistakes)

Here’s where confusion starts, and where I always advise customers to be careful.

Some restaurants take shortcuts. These shortcuts save time, but they can change whether falafel is safe for someone avoiding gluten.

Common ingredients that add gluten:

• All-purpose flour
• Breadcrumbs
• Wheat flour or semolina
• Pre-made falafel mixes

These are often added to:

• Help bind the mixture faster
• Compensate for using canned chickpeas
• Reduce preparation time

Once flour or breadcrumbs are added, falafel is no longer gluten-free.

This is why the answer to are falafel balls gluten free? depends on how they’re made, not just what they’re called.

Authentic Falafel vs. Shortcuts

Let me be very honest as a chef:

Good falafel takes time.

Authentic falafel:

• Uses soaked dried chickpeas
• Relies on natural binding
• Has a light, fluffy interior
• Is naturally gluten-free

Shortcut falafel:

• Uses canned chickpeas
• Needs flour or breadcrumbs to hold together
• Is denser and heavier
• May contain gluten

If a kitchen needs flour to “fix” their falafel, it’s a sign they skipped the traditional process.

So when people ask me, are falafel gluten free in restaurants?

My answer is: sometimes — but you should always ask.

Cross-Contamination: The Hidden Issue

Even when falafel itself is gluten-free, cross-contamination can be a problem.

This happens when:

• Falafel is fried in the same oil as breaded foods
• Prep surfaces are shared with wheat products
• Scoops or trays are used for both items

For someone with celiac disease, shared fryers are especially important to ask about. Oil carries tiny particles, and those particles matter.

If you’re gluten-sensitive or celiac, I recommend asking:

• “Is the falafel fried in a dedicated fryer?”
• “Do you add any flour or breadcrumbs?”
• “Is the prep area shared with wheat products?”

A good kitchen will know the answers.

Is Falafel Dairy Free?

Another common question I hear is: is falafel dairy free?

Traditional falafel is 100% dairy-free.

There is:

• No milk
• No butter
• No yogurt
• No cheese

Falafel is naturally vegan when made the authentic way.

However, be careful with what’s served alongside it. Sauces like tzatziki or yogurt-based dressings contain dairy. Tahini sauce, on the other hand, is sesame-based and dairy-free.

So if you’re avoiding dairy, falafel itself is safe — just ask about the sauces.

Practical Advice for Gluten-Sensitive and Celiac Customers

If you’re ordering falafel and need it to be gluten-free, here’s my honest advice as a chef:

1. Ask how it’s made

A simple question can save a lot of trouble.

2. Ask about flour or breadcrumbs

If they say yes, it’s not gluten-free.

3. Ask about the fryer

Shared fryers matter.

4. Choose traditional kitchens

Places that make falafel from scratch are more likely to do it right.

5. Don’t assume

The word “falafel” alone doesn’t guarantee anything.

When customers ask me directly, I respect that. A good chef never gets offended by food safety questions.

Final Thoughts from a Chef

So, is falafel gluten free?

When it’s made traditionally, with soaked chickpeas and no shortcuts, yes — it absolutely is.

Falafel has been naturally gluten-free and dairy-free for generations. Problems only arise when modern shortcuts change the recipe or when kitchens don’t manage cross-contamination carefully.

As a chef, my goal is always simple: serve food that’s honest, safe, and made the right way. If you ask the right questions and choose places that respect tradition, you can enjoy falafel with confidence — just as it was meant to be enjoyed.