CAVA is not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, but most of the line is naturally gluten-free. Build a rice or greens bowl with any protein, hummus, and toppings, and the only wheat items to avoid are the pita and the falafel.

Is CAVA falafel gluten-free?

No. CAVA’s falafel contains wheat flour, so a celiac should skip it, along with the pita. The rest of the line, including the grains, proteins, and most dips, is gluten-free by ingredient.

Can celiacs eat at CAVA?

Yes, with basic care. Skip the pita and falafel, ask for a glove and utensil change, and build a bowl. One caveat: CAVA’s allergen filter flags wheat rather than gluten broadly, so verify spice blends if you react to trace gluten.

Mediterranean, fast casualLast checked August 2026

Is CAVA Gluten-Free?

no pita, no falafel

Good gluten-free options, with precautionsYes, skip the pita

AvoidCarefulGood to go

Yes, CAVA is one of the easiest fast-casual chains for a celiac. Build any rice or greens bowl with a protein, hummus, and toppings, and the only things to skip are the pita and the falafel, which contain wheat. Ask for a fresh glove and utensil change on the line. One caveat: CAVA’s allergen filter flags wheat, not gluten broadly, so double-check spice blends if you are highly sensitive.

What you can order

Rice or greens bowls

Grilled chicken, chicken shawarma

Grilled steak, braised lamb

Harissa honey chicken, roasted veg

Hummus & dips

Skip these

Pita & pita chips

Falafel (contains wheat flour)

No fryerNo GF menuShared kitchen

The honest caveat: cross-contact

CAVA says there is always a risk of cross-contamination of allergens in any commercial kitchen. It is an assembly line, so the hazard is shared utensils and surfaces, not a fryer. Note that CAVA’s allergen filter flags wheat specifically, so barley- or rye-derived ingredients may not be caught.

The move

no pita, no falafel

Build a rice or greens bowl with any protein, hummus, and toppings, and skip the pita and falafel, which are the wheat items. Ask for a fresh glove and utensil change, and if you are highly sensitive, verify the spice blends since the filter tracks wheat, not all gluten.

Based on CAVA's nutrition & allergens, checked August 2026. Menus and prep change, and a shared kitchen can never guarantee against cross-contact, so confirm with your location before ordering.