Does Trader Joe's Falafel Have Gluten?

December 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official Trader Joe's product page, the Falafel Mix is labeled as vegan and gluten-free. However, navigating dietary restrictions requires careful attention to all product variations, ingredients, and potential cross-contamination concerns, especially when asking: Does Trader Joe's falafel have gluten?

Quick Summary

An in-depth look at the gluten status of Trader Joe's falafel products, examining ingredients, allergen statements, product recalls, and how to verify the safety for celiac and gluten-sensitive diets.

Key Points

Trader Joe's Falafel Mix is Gluten-Free: The official Trader Joe's website and ingredient list confirm that the Falafel Mix is made with naturally gluten-free ingredients like fava beans and chickpeas.
Fully Cooked Falafel Requires Vigilance: Different Trader Joe's falafel products exist. The Fully Cooked Falafel, while often gluten-free by ingredients, has different potential cross-contamination risks and may warrant more careful label scrutiny.
Always Read the Label: Product formulations and allergen information can change. It is critical to check the specific product label every time you buy to ensure it is safe for your dietary needs.
Consider Cross-Contamination Risk: For individuals with Celiac disease, potential cross-contamination in shared manufacturing facilities is a factor to consider, even with a gluten-free label.
Check for Third-Party Certification: While Trader Joe's labels are generally reliable, products with external gluten-free certifications provide the highest level of assurance for those with severe sensitivities.

Trader Joe's Falafel Mix: The Gluten-Free Option

Trader Joe's offers several Mediterranean-inspired products, including falafel. The Trader Joe's Falafel Mix is explicitly labeled as gluten-free on the official website. Its ingredients are fava beans, chickpeas, spices, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder (containing cornstarch), dehydrated parsley, and sunflower oil. These ingredients do not contain wheat or other gluten sources. The mix is also vegan and kosher.

The Importance of Label Verification

Even with a clear gluten-free label, it is important to always check the packaging of the Falafel Mix. Product formulations can change, and processing facilities might vary. A recall of the Fully Cooked Falafel in 2023 (a different product) shows the necessity of staying informed about product safety. Always review packaging for current allergen details and any "may contain" warnings, particularly if you have severe gluten allergies or Celiac disease.

Fully Cooked Falafel: A Different Product, A Different Answer

It is important to distinguish the Falafel Mix from Trader Joe's Fully Cooked Falafel. The mix is labeled gluten-free, but other versions like the Fully Cooked Falafel may have different ingredients and cross-contamination potential. While some versions of the Fully Cooked Falafel are noted as gluten-free by ingredients, others have listed components or been flagged by diet apps for potential gluten. Always check the specific product label for the most accurate information.

Cross-Contamination Concerns

For those with Celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten are problematic. Although the Falafel Mix's ingredients are gluten-free, Trader Joe's facilities handle products containing wheat, raising a potential for cross-contamination. The Falafel Mix is labeled gluten-free by Trader Joe's but lacks external certification, meaning individuals with Celiac disease should consider this risk. While generally safe for many, the possibility of shared equipment exists unless a product is made in a certified gluten-free facility.

Falafel Comparison: Mix vs. Fully Cooked


Feature	Trader Joe's Falafel Mix	Trader Joe's Fully Cooked Falafel (Historical)
Gluten Status	Labeled Gluten-Free by TJ's.	Labeled Gluten-Free in some versions, but potential cross-contamination concerns and recalls noted.
Preparation	Requires mixing with water and cooking (baking or frying).	Ready-to-eat; just needs reheating.
Ingredients	Fava beans, chickpeas, spices, no wheat.	Chickpeas, water, onions, spices, etc..
Cross-Contamination	Potential for cross-contamination due to shared facilities with other TJ's products.	Potential for cross-contamination due to shared facilities. Recalled in 2023 for foreign objects.
Best For	Cooking at home, customizing, and ensuring fresh, hot falafel.	Quick meals, snacks, or convenience when time is limited.

How to Ensure a Gluten-Free Falafel Experience

Read the Label Every Time: Always verify the current packaging as ingredients and allergen information can change.
Inspect the Ingredients: Confirm the absence of gluten-containing grains in the ingredient list.
Check for Certifications: For maximum assurance, look for external gluten-free certifications.
Stay Informed on Recalls: Monitor resources for product safety alerts.
Use Dedicated Cooking Equipment: To prevent cross-contact in your kitchen, use separate utensils and cookware.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Trader Joe's Falafel

So, does Trader Joe's falafel have gluten? The Falafel Mix is labeled as gluten-free and does not contain gluten ingredients. This is the most reliable option for gluten-free diets. Other falafel products, like the Fully Cooked Falafel, require careful scrutiny of the current label due to potential cross-contamination and past issues. Always check the most recent packaging for your dietary needs. By taking these precautions, gluten-free individuals can generally enjoy Trader Joe's Falafel Mix. For severe allergies, certified gluten-free options or sticking to the mix is recommended.

[Authoritative Link]: The official Trader Joe's page for the Falafel Mix provides the most accurate and up-to-date product information directly from the source. Trader Joe's Falafel Mix

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Falafel Mix is labeled gluten-free by Trader Joe's and is made with naturally gluten-free ingredients. However, for those with Celiac disease, be aware that it's not externally certified and potential cross-contamination in the manufacturing facility is a consideration.

No. You must check the label for each specific product. While the Falafel Mix is gluten-free, other versions like the Fully Cooked Falafel may have different ingredients or production methods, and some diet apps have flagged potential gluten risks.

The mix contains fava beans, chickpeas, spices, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder (with cornstarch), dehydrated parsley, and sunflower oil, none of which contain gluten.

Yes, in 2023, the Fully Cooked Falafel product was recalled due to the possibility of foreign objects (rocks) being inside. This recall did not affect the Falafel Mix.

The Fully Cooked Falafel has been historically labeled gluten-free, but some ingredient lists have raised concerns about potential gluten-containing additives. It is safest to always verify the current package label for the most accurate information.

Trader Joe's is generally trustworthy with its labels, but as with any product, it is wise for those with serious allergies to perform due diligence by reading the ingredient list, checking for recalls, and considering potential cross-contamination.

The most reliable and up-to-date information can be found on the official Trader Joe's product page for the Falafel Mix.