# Gluten-Free Falafel Croutons Add a Healthy Crunch to Summer Salads with These Chickpea Croutons By Malika Renee Butss | Published 2015-05-27 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/falafel-crouton References: [foodrepublic](http://www.foodrepublic.com/2015/05/05/crunch-falafel-crouton-salad-recipe) Falafel croutons refashion the traditional salad topper for a crunchy accent that appeals to the [gluten-free community](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheezit-gluten-free). Contributed by author and food writer Adeena Sussman, this salad-enhancing recipe is apart of Food Republic's 'Crispianity' column. As detailed on the column, falafels are not a complicated dish to make. With the perfect planning ahead of the cooking time, this dish can be easily maneuvered by any cook. Falafel croutons make the perfect salad topper in place of the usual rebaked bread and can also serve as a nice side to any [Mediterranean-style entree](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nick-the-greek-salads). While these [chickpea-based bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chickpea-granola-crunch-mix) are perfect with the aforementioned meals, they can also benefit as a portable snack on the busiest of days. Topped with dressing or dry, these falafel croutons are the dish to incorporate in any upcoming cookouts. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.4/10 - Popularity: 1% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Gluten-free Croutons:** Opportunity for creating innovative gluten-free crouton products that cater to the growing demand for gluten-free options in the food industry. - **Chickpea-based Alternatives:** Potential to develop and market more chickpea-based products as a versatile and nutritious alternative to traditional ingredients. - **Alternative Salad Toppers:** Disruptive potential in creating unique and flavorful alternatives to traditional salad croutons to enhance the dining experience. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food Manufacturing:** Opportunity for food manufacturers to develop and produce gluten-free croutons using chickpeas as a base ingredient. - **Health Food Retail:** Growing market potential for health food retailers to stock and promote gluten-free croutons made from chickpeas as a healthy salad topping alternative. - **Plant-based Food:** Opportunity for plant-based food companies to explore chickpea-based products as a sustainable and nutritious option for the health-conscious consumer. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [All-Natural Truffle Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/truffle-croutons.md) - [Collagen-Rich Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cruton-alternative.md) - [Vitamin-Enriched Salad Toppers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caesar-crumbles-salad-topper.md) - [Griddle-Finished Baked Falafels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/griddlefinished-baked-falafel.md) - [Herby Croissant-Based Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rosemary-croissant-croutons.md) - [Chile-Lime Salad Toppings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fresh-gourmet-and-tajin.md) - [Crispy Potato Tot Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crispy-croutots.md) - [Chickpea Protein Toppers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chickpea-protein-toppers.md) - [Sprinkle-Sized Rice Puffs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saladsprinkles.md)