At a glance
- 6.8 g protein and 170 calories per 3 patties (51 g).
- 4 g protein per 100 calories: #312 of 536 foods in our USDA list, #38 of 39 in legumes & soy.
- 150 mg sodium per serving.
What is falafel like to eat?
Falafel are small patties or balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans with herbs and spices, then fried or baked. They are usually served in pita with salad and tahini sauce.
How can you eat more falafel?
Try this
Stuff into pita with salad and tahiniAdd to a grain bowl with hummusServe on a salad with cucumber and tomatoBake instead of fry at homeIs falafel good on a GLP-1?
Fried falafel can feel heavy, so one or two with plenty of salad and a cool yogurt sauce may sit better than a full plate. Protein density matters more when your appetite is small: see protein on a GLP-1.
How does falafel compare?
| Food | Serving | Protein | Calories | Protein per 100 kcal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falafel | 3 patties | 6.8 g | 170 | 4 g |
| Chickpeas | 1/2 cup | 6 g | 113 | 5.3 g |
| Hummus | 2 tbsp | 2.2 g | 69 | 3.2 g |
| Lentils | 1 cup | 17.8 g | 230 | 7.8 g |
Close to falafel per calorie: peanuts (4.2 g), peanut butter (4.1 g), bagel (4 g), almonds (3.7 g).
Compare more foods with the protein finder, or see protein in every food we cover.
What should you look for when you buy it?
Baking falafel at home uses less oil than deep-frying; frozen falafel is convenient, so check labels for sodium.
What's the full nutrition for falafel?
| Nutrient | Per 3 patties (51 g) | Per 100 g | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 170 | 333 | |
| Protein | 6.8 g | 13.3 g | 14% |
| Fat | 9.1 g | 17.8 g | |
| Saturated fat | 1.2 g | 2.4 g | 6% |
| Carbohydrate | 16.2 g | 31.8 g | |
| Fiber | Not listed | Not listed | |
| Sugar | Not listed | Not listed | |
| Sodium | 150 mg | 294 mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 28 mg | 54 mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 3.42 mg | 9% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0 mcg | 0 mcg | 0% |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0 mcg | 0% |
USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy: "Falafel, home-prepared". % Daily Value uses the FDA's values for adults (protein 50 g, fiber 28 g, sodium 2,300 mg). "Not listed" means USDA didn't measure it for this food, not that it's zero. Brands differ, so check your label.
