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Afia Falafel Traditional
Photo: Open Food Facts contributors (CC BY-SA)

Falafels

Afia Falafel Traditional

9 oz

Good out of 100 Medium confidence
  • High in salt
  • Contains seed oils
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Why it scores 79

Afia Falafel Traditional scores 79 out of 100 (Good) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:

  1. Processed (NOVA 3): Classified NOVA 3: processed with added salt, sugar or oil. Emerging
  2. Salt 2.2 g / 100 g: Very high in salt. Strong
  3. Sunflower oil: High in omega-6 linoleic acid. Emerging

Capped at 79: High in salt (above the front-of-pack "high" level).

Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.

Better meatballs

The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.

The Receipt

Falafel Traditional

START100

Ingredients

  • Sunflower oil
    Emerging High in omega-6 linoleic acid. [1][2][3][4]
subtotal−2.5

Processing

  • Processed (NOVA 3)
    Emerging Classified NOVA 3: processed with added salt, sugar or oil. [5]
subtotal−8

Nutrition per 100 g

  • Salt 2.2 g / 100 g
    Strong Very high in salt. [6]
  • Energy 176 kcal / 100 g
    Info Energy-dense for its weight. [7]
subtotal−8
TOTAL 79Good

100 − 18.5 = 81.5 → 82 → capped at 79

Capped at 79. High in salt (above the front-of-pack "high" level). [8]

GTIN 00850002949001 · 2026-09-23

score v1.3.0 · kb 2026.10.11

Medium confidence

Same product, same score. Every time.

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy176 kcal
Fat11.8 g
Saturated fat1 g
Trans fat0 g
Carbohydrates11.8 g
Sugars0 g
Added sugars0 g
Fiber2 g
Protein3.9 g
Salt2.2 g

Serving: 5 falafel (85 g)

Ingredients

High Moderate Not recognized Tap an ingredient for its evidence and rules.
Label text, as published

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

Allergens and diets

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten-free
  • Palm-oil-free

Always check the package: recipes change.

Healthiest falafels in the US

Sources

  1. Re-evaluation of the traditional diet-heart hypothesis: analysis of recovered data from Minnesota Coronary Experiment (1968-73)

    BMJ · Apr 12, 2016 · Peer-reviewed

    “replacement of saturated fat in the diet with linoleic acid effectively lowers serum cholesterol but does not support the hypothesis that this translates to a lower risk of death from coronary heart disease or all causes.”

    doi.org

  2. Use of dietary linoleic acid for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease and death: evaluation of recovered data from the Sydney Diet Heart Study and updated meta-analysis

    BMJ · Feb 4, 2013 · Peer-reviewed

    doi.org

  3. Dietary Linoleic Acid and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies

    Circulation · Oct 28, 2014 · Peer-reviewed

    “These data provide support for current recommendations to replace saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat for primary prevention of CHD.”

    doi.org

  4. Dietary Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association

    Circulation · Jul 18, 2017 · Peer-reviewed

    doi.org

  5. Ultra-processed foods: what they are and how to identify them

    Public Health Nutrition · April 2019 · Peer-reviewed

    doi.org

  6. Sodium reduction (fact sheet)

    World Health Organization · May 11, 2026 · Agency assessment

    “For adults, WHO recommends less than 2000 mg/day of sodium (equivalent to less than 5 g/day salt), or just under a teaspoon.”

    who.int

  7. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture · January 2026 · Regulator

    “Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”

    cdn.realfood.gov

  8. Guide to creating a front of pack (FoP) nutrition label for pre-packed products sold through retail outlets

    Department of Health and Social Care / Food Standards Agency (GOV.UK) · Nov 8, 2016 · Regulator

    “Table 3: Criteria for drinks (per 100ml)”

    assets.publishing.service.gov.uk