Is Cava Falafel Gluten Free?

Yes, CAVA’s traditional falafel contains chickpeas and is not made with wheat flour, making it gluten-free. However, there is always a small risk of cross-contamination in restaurant kitchens, so individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity should confirm current practices with staff.
Is Cava Falafel Gluten Free?

Health Benefits

  • Rich in plant-based protein which supports muscle growth and repair
  • High in fiber which aids digestion and promotes gut health
  • Contains chickpeas that help regulate blood sugar levels
  • Good source of folate which is essential for cell division and DNA synthesis
  • Contains iron which helps prevent anemia and supports oxygen transport
  • Provides manganese that supports bone health and metabolism
  • Contains antioxidants from herbs and spices that combat oxidative stress
  • Offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil
  • Source of phosphorus which supports bone and teeth health
  • Provides potassium which helps maintain healthy blood pressure
  • Contains B vitamins that support energy production
  • Offers calcium from tahini which promotes bone health

Who Should Avoid

  • Individuals with soy allergies, due to potential soy content
  • People with sesame allergies (often found in tahini or garnish)
  • Those with chickpea/garbanzo bean allergies
  • Individuals with severe nut allergies (cross-contamination risk)
  • People with onion or garlic sensitivities
  • Those on low-FODMAP diets (chickpeas are high FODMAP)
  • Individuals with IBS who react to legumes
  • People monitoring sodium intake (falafel can be high in sodium)
  • Those on calorie-restricted diets
  • Individuals with certain digestive disorders like Crohn's disease
  • People with severe oil/fat restrictions for medical reasons
  • Those with specific herb/spice allergies (cumin, coriander, parsley)

Gluten Free Alternatives

  • Chickpea Flour - Made from ground dried chickpeas. High in protein, fiber, and provides a similar texture to traditional falafel base
  • Almond Flour - Created by grinding blanched almonds into a fine powder. Offers a nutty flavor and high protein content with low carbohydrates
  • Quinoa Flour - Produced by grinding quinoa seeds into a fine powder. Contains complete protein, all essential amino acids, and provides a slightly earthy taste
  • Cassava Flour - Derived from dried and ground cassava root. Neutral flavor, similar texture to wheat flour, and good for binding ingredients
  • Millet Flour - Made from ground millet grains. Light, mild flavor with good nutritional profile, rich in protein and minerals, and works well in gluten free recipes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cava's falafel made with any wheat flour or breadcrumbs?

Cava’s falafel is made with chickpeas, herbs, and spices and does not contain wheat flour or breadcrumbs.

Do they fry the falafel in the same oil as gluten-containing items?

Yes, most restaurants typically use the same fryer oil for falafel and other items including those containing gluten.

Is there cross-contamination risk with the pita at their assembly line?

Yes, there is risk of cross-contamination when ingredients are handled on shared assembly lines. Staff should follow strict food safety protocols and use separate utensils/surfaces for different ingredients.

Does Cava use any gluten-containing binders or fillers in their falafel mix?

Cava’s falafel is made with chickpeas and spices and is certified gluten-free. They do not use any gluten-containing binders or fillers in their falafel mix.

Are there any hidden sources of gluten in the seasonings for the falafel?

Traditional falafel seasonings like cumin, coriander, garlic, and parsley are naturally gluten-free. However, some pre-made seasoning blends may contain gluten-containing additives or anti-caking agents, so always check labels carefully.
Picture of Dr. Anne Verstegen

Dr. Anne Verstegen

Dr. Anne Verstegen specializes in orthomolecular therapy and nutritional coaching. With a background in public health research and management, she focuses on addressing health concerns through dietary approaches, gut health optimization, and stress reduction strategies. As Glutenfreeda's professional editor, she reviews all content to ensure accuracy, safety, and alignment with current nutritional science.

We Try Our Best

We understand how important it is to have trustworthy information when managing a gluten-free lifestyle, which is why we carefully source all our content from respected health and nutrition experts. You can find these trusted references listed below: 

  1. National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  2. Coeliac UK

  3. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

  4. Mayo Clinic

  5. World Health Organization (WHO)

  6. Celiac Disease Foundation

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If something doesn’t look quite right to you or if you have any questions, we’d genuinely appreciate you contacting us. It helps us keep improving and ensures everyone gets the reliable information they deserve.

The information on this site is for educational purposes only and doesn’t replace professional medical advice. If you suspect gluten sensitivity, consult with a healthcare provider before changing your diet.