# Traditional Falafel, 9 OZ

> Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop.

## Snapshot

- **Brand:** Afia
- **Retailer listed:** Whole Foods
- **Category:** frozen-foods/frozen-entrees-appetizers
- **Listed price:** $5.99
- **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/afia-traditional-falafel-9-oz-4
- **Slug:** `afia-traditional-falafel-9-oz-4`

## NOVA classification

**NOVA 3** - Processed foods

Made from recognizable whole ingredients (garbanzo beans, herbs, sunflower oil, salt) with only baking soda as a processing aid and sold as a ready-to-eat/reheat product, which fits NOVA group 3 (processed) rather than NOVA 4 ultra-processed.

## Review

You'd spot Afia Traditional Falafel in the refrigerated or frozen prepared foods aisle as an easy Mediterranean-style grab for a quick lunch, snack, or weeknight dinner. It gives off a wholesome, comforting vibe—like a homemade falafel shortcut that nods to takeout nostalgia. The ingredient list is mostly recognizable whole items (garbanzo beans, herbs, oil) and a simple leavening agent, so the texture expectations (soft chickpea interior, crisped exterior when heated) and lack of industrial additives point to a processed ready-to-eat product rather than a heavily ultra-processed formulation.

## Diet flags

- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free

## Nutrition

- **Serving size:** 3 (51G)
- **Servings per container:** 5
- **Calories:** 90
- **Total fat:** 6g (8% DV)
- **Saturated fat:** 0.5g (3% DV)
- **Trans fat:** 0g
- **Cholesterol:** 0mg (0% DV)
- **Sodium:** 450mg (20% DV)
- **Total carbs:** 6g (2% DV)
- **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV)
- **Protein:** 2g

## Ingredients

GARBANZO BEANS WATER SUNFLOWER OIL ONION* SALT CILANTRO* CUMIN PARSLEY* BAKING SODA GARLIC* CAYENNE PEPPER

## Flagged ingredients

- **sunflower oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids

## Context tags

- **Occasions:** weekend-brunch, game-day-prep, meal-prep-sunday
- **Vibes:** wholesome, convenient, comforting

## FAQ

### Is the falafel healthy?

The traditional falafel from Afia is a pretty decent option if you’re looking for a snack or appetizer. At 90 calories per serving, it's relatively low in calories and doesn’t contain any added sugars or preservatives. However, with 450 mg of sodium per serving, it's best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you're watching your salt intake.

### Is this falafel vegan?

Absolutely! This falafel is made entirely from plant-based ingredients, making it a great choice for anyone following a vegan diet. So go ahead and indulge without worrying about any animal products sneaking in!

### Is the falafel gluten-free?

Yes, you can enjoy this falafel worry-free if you're avoiding gluten! Made from garbanzo beans and other gluten-free ingredients, it's a safe pick for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

### Does it contain seed oils?

Yes, this falafel uses sunflower oil, which is a type of seed oil. While some people choose to avoid seed oils due to their omega-6 fatty acid content, it's worth noting that sunflower oil is generally considered safe in moderation and can provide some vitamin E benefits.

### Does it contain artificial sweeteners?

Nope, this falafel is free from artificial sweeteners! The ingredient list is straightforward, focusing on natural flavors from herbs and spices, which is always a plus in my book.

### Is it high in sugar?

Not at all! This falafel contains zero added sugars and only a tiny amount of total sugars. If you’re looking for a savory snack without the sugar rush, this is a solid option.

### What are healthier alternatives?

If you're looking for alternatives, consider making homemade falafel using whole ingredients and controlling the oil and salt content. Alternatively, baked falafel can be a lighter option, or you could try chickpea salads for a fresh twist on those classic flavors.

### Can kids eat it?

Definitely! The mild flavors and fun shape make it a kid-friendly option. Just keep an eye on the sodium content if you're serving it to little ones, and consider pairing it with some veggies or a dip for a more balanced meal.

### Is it good for weight loss?

While this falafel is lower in calories, it's not particularly high in protein or fiber, which can help keep you feeling full. It can fit into a balanced diet, but pairing it with protein-rich foods or veggies will make it more satisfying if you're focusing on weight loss.

### Is it ultra-processed?

Not quite! This falafel is minimally processed, which means it retains more of its natural ingredients without a long list of additives. It’s a step up from many ultra-processed snacks, but remember that 'minimally processed' still means it’s not a whole food, so enjoy it as part of a varied diet.

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## For agents

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