Recently, I stumbled upon a new Starbucks offering that has quickly captured my taste buds and my heart: the Starbucks Spicy Falafel Pocket. This delightful wrap offers a burst of flavor in every bite, with spicy falafel, creamy hummus, and vibrant vegetables encased in a toasty pocket.
Table of Contents
How to make Starbucks Spicy Falafel Pocket
The Starbucks Spicy Falafel Pocket is a new menu item introduced as part of Starbucks’ Winter 2025 offerings. It promises rich flavors and is designed to cater to coffee lovers and plant-based eaters.
Ingredients
Falafel
- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight (don’t use canned as they are too soft)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to preferred spiciness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Spicy Herb Sauce
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1 jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat)
- 2 garlic cloves
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
Filling & Pocket
- Hummus (store-bought or homemade)
- Roasted red bell peppers, thinly sliced
- Pickled onions
- 2-4 pita bread or any pocket bread, depending on their size
Instructions
Make the Falafel
- Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt, pepper, and baking soda. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground but not pureed.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the flour until combined. Allow the mixture to rest for 10-15 minutes. Form the mixture into small patties or balls.
- Heat oil (about 2 inches deep) in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the falafel in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Spicy Herb Sauce
- In a blender, combine the cilantro, parsley, jalapeño, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and adjust to taste.
Assemble the Pockets
- Warm the pita bread slightly to make it more pliable. Cut in half to create pockets.
- Spread a generous layer of hummus inside each pocket. Add a few slices of roasted red bell peppers and some pickled onions.
- Add the falafel to the pockets, then drizzle with the spicy herb sauce.
Tips
- Falafel Texture: The key to the perfect falafel is to start with dried, soaked chickpeas. Canned chickpeas can make the falafel too soft or mushy.
- Frying Falafel: Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) before frying. Too hot, and the falafel will cook too quickly on the outside without cooking through. Too cool, and they may absorb excess oil and become soggy.
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the level of spices in the falafel and the sauce. The joy of making a dish that caters to your taste preferences is creating it at home.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the falafel, sauce, and vegetables separately in the fridge. Reassemble when ready to enjoy again.
What to serve with
Serving your homemade Starbucks Spicy Falafel Pocket allows you to pair it with an assortment of delicious sides that complement its flavors and textures.
1. Fattoush Salad: A light, refreshing Lebanese salad made with mixed greens, fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers, and pieces of crispy pita bread, all tossed in a zesty sumac dressing. It adds a crunchy and tangy counterpoint to the richness of the Starbucks Spicy Falafel Pocket.
2. Tabbouleh: This vibrant, herby salad consists of bulgur wheat, finely chopped parsley, mint, tomato, and onion, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. Tabbouleh’s refreshing qualities make it an ideal palate cleanser alongside the Starbucks Spicy Falafel Pocket.
3. Garlic Lemon Yogurt Sauce: If you’re a fan of creamy dips, mix some Greek yogurt with crushed garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. This sauce provides a cooling contrast to the spicy falafel, creating a beautiful balance of flavors.
4. Batata Harra: These are spicy Lebanese potatoes sautéed with garlic, cilantro, and chili, finished off with a squeeze of lemon juice. They’re a hearty addition that stands up well to the bold flavors of the falafel pocket.
5. Pickled Vegetables: Offer a variety of pickled veggies such as turnips, cucumbers, and carrots for a tangy, crunchy element that can cut through the spiciness and richness of the meal.
6. Hummus: While hummus is already in the pocket, providing extra on the side for dipping or adding to the pocket can never go wrong. It’s a creamy, rich complement to the falafel.
7. Roasted Vegetables: Create a medley of roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplants, and bell peppers seasoned with olive oil, salt, and thyme. The natural sweetness of roasted veggies pairs splendidly with the robust flavors of falafel.
8. Sweet Potato Fries: Oven-baked or air-fried, sweet potato fries can be a healthier substitute for regular fries. Their sweetness offers a nice contrast to the spicy and savory falafel pocket.
9. Mint Lemonade: To drink, a chilled glass of mint lemonade not only refreshes the palate but also aligns with the Mediterranean/Middle Eastern theme of the meal.
10. Baklava: For dessert, complement the meal with baklava, a sweet pastry made of layers of filo, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey. Its sweetness and crunch are a delightful match for any Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a homemade version of the Starbucks Spicy Falafel Pocket can be quite enjoyable. However, you might need to substitute some ingredients due to availability, dietary restrictions, or personal preferences.
For the Falafel:
- Chickpeas: The base ingredient for traditional falafel is usually dried chickpeas soaked overnight. If you do not have access to dried chickpeas, you can use canned chickpeas. However, the texture might not be as firm, and the falafel can be more prone to falling apart. You could also try using other beans or legumes, like fava beans or lentils, for different flavors and textures.
- Fresh Herbs: If fresh parsley, cilantro, or mint are not available, dried versions can be used in a pinch, but the flavor will be less vibrant. A general substitution ratio is 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs.
- Spices: Traditional falafel spices include cumin, coriander, and sometimes cardamom. If you don’t have these on hand, try a pre-mixed all-purpose Middle Eastern or Mediterranean seasoning blend to capture similar flavors.
- Garlic: In case you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used, but again, the flavor will be milder. Use about 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder to substitute for one clove of garlic.
- Onions: If you’re sensitive to onions, you can use chives or the green parts of green onions for a milder flavor. Otherwise, skip the onions and add an extra touch of garlic.
For Spiciness:
- Chili or Hot Sauce: If the recipe calls for a specific hot sauce or fresh chili and you don’t have it, any favorite hot sauce or chili paste will add heat. Adjust according to your preferred spiciness level.
For the Pockets:
- Pita Bread: If traditional pita pockets aren’t available, you can use tortilla wraps, naan bread, flatbreads, or even large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
For the Vegetables and Fillings:
- Lettuce: You can substitute iceberg lettuce with romaine, spinach, or any leafy green you prefer.
- Tomatoes: Out of fresh tomatoes? Consider using sun-dried tomatoes or skip them entirely.
- Cucumber: If you’re not a fan of cucumbers, consider substituting with thinly sliced bell peppers for crunch or avocado for creaminess.
- Pickles: You can create quick pickles by marinating cucumber slices or other vegetables in vinegar, water, sugar, and salt for at least an hour, or simply use store-bought pickled vegetables of your choice.
For Sauces and Dips:
- Tahini Sauce: If you don’t have tahini, you could use nut butter mixed with lemon juice and garlic, though the flavor will differ. Another option is Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice and garlic for a creamy sauce.
- Hummus: Hummus is usually easy to make or buy, but if need be, you can substitute it with mashed chickpeas seasoned with olive oil, lemon, and garlic.
Final Thoughts
Making your version of the Starbucks Spicy Falafel Pocket lets you control the ingredients and tailor the flavor profiles to your liking. Enjoy the process of crafting this inviting and comforting dish, perfect for any meal of the day.
More Baked Dishes:

Ingredients
Falafel
- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Spicy Herb Sauce
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1 jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat)
- 2 garlic cloves
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
Filling & Pocket
- Hummus (store-bought or homemade)
- Roasted red bell peppers, thinly sliced
- Pickled onions
- 2-4 pita bread or any pocket bread, depending on their size
Instructions
Make the Falafel
- Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt, pepper, and baking soda. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground but not pureed.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the flour until combined. Allow the mixture to rest for 10-15 minutes. Form the mixture into small patties or balls.
- Heat oil (about 2 inches deep) in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the falafel in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Spicy Herb Sauce
- In a blender, combine the cilantro, parsley, jalapeño, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and adjust to taste.
Assemble the Pockets
- Warm the pita bread slightly to make it more pliable. Cut in half to create pockets.
- Spread a generous layer of hummus inside each pocket. Add a few slices of roasted red bell peppers and some pickled onions.
- Add the falafel to the pockets, then drizzle with the spicy herb sauce.