Is Couscous Gluten Free?
No — couscous is made from wheat semolina.
Even though couscous looks like tiny rice, it is a pasta that is rolled from durum wheat flour, so it contains gluten unless a certified gluten-free version is used.
Traditional couscous is not gluten free.
Couscous pearls are steamed and rolled wheat granules. They behave like pasta and retain the same gluten proteins found in durum semolina, making them unsafe for anyone with celiac disease or medically diagnosed gluten sensitivity.
- Durum wheat semolina is the only ingredient in classic couscous.
- Marketing and appearance often create confusion with rice, but the processing is identical to pasta.
- Look for corn, chickpea, or cassava-based couscous that carries a certified gluten-free seal.
Ingredient Analysis
Semolina wheat
Durum wheat is milled into semolina and then rolled into couscous pearls. The gluten proteins remain completely intact.
Rice look-alike confusion
Because couscous shares a similar size to rice, shoppers sometimes mislabel it as a grain, but it is still a wheat pasta.
Specialty gluten-free couscous
Brands now extrude couscous shapes from corn, chickpeas, or cassava flour. Only trust versions that are labeled gluten free and made in dedicated facilities.
Is it GF/DF/Vegan/Healthy?
Gluten-Free
Semolina wheat delivers full gluten content unless you buy a certified GF reformulation.
Dairy-Free
Plain couscous contains no dairy ingredients; the risk comes from add-ins like butter.
Vegan
Base couscous is simply milled wheat and water with no animal inputs.
Healthy
It is a refined carb similar to pasta—pair with fiber, protein, and veggies for balance.
What to Look for on Labels
Inspect the flour used
Only couscous made from corn, rice, or legumes can be gluten free. Semolina, durum, or wheat flour always mean gluten.
Find the GF seal
A third-party gluten-free certification (<20 ppm) is the quickest way to confirm safety.
Check shared facility statements
Even with alternative flours, shared wheat equipment can create cross-contact unless the package notes dedicated lines.
Cleaner Alternatives
Pantry-ready gluten-free starches
Keep quick rice or quinoa cakes on hand for bowls and salads that normally feature couscous.
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