Frozen food distributor Central Foods has added to its free-from range with the introduction of three flavours of falafel.

The falafel bites are suitable for vegans, vegetarians and those avoiding gluten – and perfect for a range of current trends in the foodservice sector, including demand for healthy options.

Available in authentic Moroccan, beetroot, and sweet potato, the falafels are crammed with chunky chickpeas and other tasty ingredients, and are also halal and kosher approved.

“The demand for gluten-free and vegan options on foodservice menus continues to increase and the prediction is that plant-based foods are going to be one of the biggest trends for 2018,” said Gordon Lauder, MD of Central Foods.

“These falafels from Great Food tick so many boxes because they are ideal for a wide range of diners, being gluten-free and vegan, as well as fitting in with many of the tastes that are currently popular in foodservice, such as increased demand for healthier foods, and a big interest in street food. High end grocer Whole Foods predicts that 2018 is the year that Middle Eastern fare hits the mainstream.

“Falafels are also versatile, and can be used in wraps or salads, with pasta or couscous, or on skewers – ideal for both sit-down or take-out options.”

Northamptonshire-based Central Foods, which is one of the UK’s leading frozen food distributors, has been working with Coeliac UK since 2009 as part of its commitment to sourcing and supplying free-from foods, and has a comprehensive range of gluten-free items that the company supplies to wholesalers and foodservice caterers.

Recent new additions to its gluten-free range include the KaterBake midi-sized gluten-free ring doughnut and the Menuserve unbaked, unglazed gluten-free puff pastry sausage roll, along with a free-from tortilla wrap.

The company also supplies an extensive range of vegan options and is the exclusive distributor to foodservice of the Linda McCartney’s range of vegetarian and vegan items.

The three new falafel bites fall into a number of free-from categories and are supplied baked (approximately 22g each falafel). Simply defrost and serve, or for best results serve warm. They have a defrosted shelf-life of three days (chilled) and are available in two x 700g packs.

Offering a one-stop shop to the foodservice sector, Central Foods sources products from around the world and the UK, supplying more than 400 different lines, ranging from meat, bakery items and canapés through to buffet products, desserts and puddings. It has been supplying the foodservice sector, including pubs, bars, restaurants, cafés, schools, universities, leisure facilities and hotels, for more than 21 years.