Ready-made falafel falls short

Biting into the crisp, golden exterior of warm falafel followed by the satisfying counterpoint of a light and fluffy interior make this Middle Eastern staple one of the more satisfying foods.

Whether dining at one of the Bay Area's many falafel joints or making your own at home, there are numerous ways to satisfy a craving for these fried vegetarian-friendly morsels. There are even a handful of ready-made brands on the market. However, as we discovered in a recent tasting, while convenient, the flavor and texture of these ready-to-eat versions left our panelists cold.

San Rafael's Marin Gourmet's Munchable Falafel ($8.59 for 8 ounces at Rainbow Grocery) came in first, but most panelists found the balance of spices to be "off.