How many calories are in one falafel ball?

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, a single medium-sized, homemade falafel patty contains just under 57 calories, primarily from chickpeas or fava beans. However, the number of calories in one falafel ball can vary dramatically based on how it's prepared and its size, with deep-fried restaurant versions often containing significantly more fat and calories.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a single falafel ball is not fixed, fluctuating based on size and cooking method. Deep-frying significantly increases the calorie count compared to baking, which is a healthier alternative. The difference between homemade and store-bought falafel is also a major factor in its total caloric value.

Key Points

Deep-frying significantly increases calories: A deep-fried falafel ball can easily contain 80-100+ calories due to absorbed oil, while a baked version is much lower.
Size matters for calorie count: A large falafel ball contains more calories than a small one, with restaurant-sized patties often having a higher calorie count than smaller, homemade ones.
Baked falafel is the healthier option: Baking falafel with little to no oil reduces the fat and calorie content dramatically, typically resulting in 40-55 calories per ball.
Falafel is a good source of nutrients: Made from chickpeas, falafel is naturally rich in plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium and potassium.
Consider the accompaniments: The total calories of a falafel meal can be heavily influenced by additions like tahini sauce and pita bread, so portion control is key.
Preparation method is crucial: The way falafel is cooked—deep-fried versus baked—is the single most important factor determining its final caloric density and overall health profile.

Factors Affecting Falafel's Calorie Count

The caloric content of a falafel ball is influenced by several factors beyond its core ingredients of chickpeas or fava beans. Understanding these variables can help you make more informed dietary choices when enjoying this popular Mediterranean dish.

Cooking Method: Deep-Fried vs. Baked

The single most significant factor in determining the calorie count of a falafel ball is the cooking method. Traditionally, falafel is deep-fried in oil, which dramatically increases its caloric density.

Deep-fried falafel: Soaking in hot oil causes the falafel to absorb a large amount of fat. A typical deep-fried falafel ball from a restaurant can contain 80 to over 100 calories, and sometimes even more depending on the size. A significant portion of these calories comes from the absorbed oil.
Baked falafel: As a healthier alternative, baking falafel uses little to no oil, which keeps the calorie count substantially lower. A baked falafel ball can contain as little as 40 to 55 calories. This method retains the flavor and texture without the added fat.

Size and Weight

Falafel balls are not one-size-fits-all. A larger, denser falafel ball will always have more calories than a smaller one, regardless of the cooking method. For instance, a 17-gram homemade patty has around 57 calories, while a larger, store-bought patty can average 250 calories.

Ingredients and Binders

While the primary ingredient is typically chickpeas, some recipes include other components that can affect the calorie count. Some commercial mixes may use additional binders like wheat flour, which can slightly increase the carbohydrate and calorie content. The addition of herbs and spices has a negligible impact on calories.

Calorie Comparison: Fried vs. Baked Falafel

To illustrate the impact of the cooking method, here is a comparison of the approximate nutritional values for a medium-sized, home-prepared falafel ball, either deep-fried or baked.


Nutritional Value	Deep-Fried Falafel (approx.)	Baked Falafel (approx.)
Calories	80-100+ calories	40-55 calories
Fat	6-8 grams	1-3 grams
Saturated Fat	0.4-0.5 grams	0.2 grams
Carbohydrates	5-7 grams	4-5 grams
Protein	2-4 grams	1-2 grams

The Healthier Choice: Baked Falafel

For health-conscious individuals, opting for baked falafel is the clear winner. By avoiding the deep-frying process, you significantly reduce the fat and calorie intake while still enjoying the rich, savory flavors of this dish. This is especially important for those monitoring their intake of saturated and trans fats.

How to Bake Falafel

Prepare the mixture: Follow a standard falafel recipe using soaked chickpeas, herbs, and spices.
Form the balls: Shape the mixture into small, uniform balls or patties.
Arrange on a baking sheet: Place the falafel balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray them with a healthy oil, such as olive oil.
Bake: Bake at a high temperature (around 400°F / 200°C) until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

Broader Nutritional Context of Falafel

While a single falafel ball's calories are an important metric, it is also beneficial to consider its overall nutritional profile. Falafel offers several health benefits thanks to its core ingredients.

Rich in Plant-Based Protein

Chickpeas, the base of most falafel, are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, making falafel a great meat alternative for vegetarians and vegans. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues.

High in Dietary Fiber

Falafel is rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and can help lower LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol). Fiber also contributes to feelings of fullness, which can be beneficial for weight management.

Contains Important Vitamins and Minerals

Thanks to its ingredients like chickpeas, herbs, and spices, falafel provides a good dose of nutrients like folate, magnesium, potassium, and manganese.

The Impact of Accompaniments

It's also important to remember that the total caloric impact of a falafel meal includes more than just the balls themselves. What you serve with your falafel can quickly add a significant number of calories.

Tahini sauce: A traditional and delicious accompaniment, tahini is sesame-seed based and can be high in fat and calories. A drizzle adds flavor, but a generous pour will increase the overall calorie count.
Pita bread: Serving falafel in a pita pocket adds carbohydrates and calories. Choosing whole wheat pita can add extra fiber, but the calories will still add up.
Toppings: Toppings like salad, tomatoes, and cucumbers are low in calories, but extra sauces, dressings, and pickles can contribute more calories and sodium.

For those seeking the healthiest option, enjoy a few baked falafel balls with a fresh salad and a moderate amount of tahini.

Conclusion

While a definitive answer for "how many calories are in one falafel ball?" is elusive due to variations in preparation, size, and ingredients, a general range can be established. A single baked falafel ball typically falls in the 40-55 calorie range, while a deep-fried one can easily contain 80 calories or more. For those aiming to keep their caloric intake lower, baking is the superior option, offering a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy this beloved Middle Eastern treat. By understanding the factors that influence the final calorie count, you can make smarter, healthier decisions and enjoy falafel as a nutritious part of your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Falafel's healthiness depends heavily on the cooking method. While the base ingredients like chickpeas offer protein and fiber, deep-frying significantly increases the fat and calorie content. Baked falafel is a much healthier option.

Yes, baking falafel drastically changes its nutritional value by eliminating the large amount of added fat and calories from deep-frying. A baked falafel ball is much lower in fat and calories while retaining its nutritional benefits from the chickpeas and spices.

A restaurant-style falafel ball, which is typically larger and deep-fried, can contain anywhere from 80 to over 100 calories per ball. The exact amount depends on the size and the restaurant's specific recipe.

There is a significant calorie difference. A baked falafel ball might have around 40-55 calories, whereas a deep-fried one can easily exceed 80 calories. This difference is primarily due to the oil absorbed during the deep-frying process.

The total calories in a falafel wrap will vary based on the number of falafel balls, the size of the pita bread, and the amount of sauce and fillings. A typical wrap with 4 falafel balls could range from 450 to 650 calories or more.

Yes, falafel can be part of a weight loss diet, especially if it is baked rather than fried. The high fiber and protein content can promote a feeling of fullness. Control portions and choose healthy accompaniments to keep calories in check.

The core ingredients of falafel—chickpeas, herbs, and spices—are naturally gluten-free. However, some commercial preparations and restaurants use wheat flour as a binder, so it is essential to check the ingredients or confirm with the restaurant if you have a gluten intolerance.