Editor’s Note (2026): This article was updated in June 2026 to reflect new gluten-free couscous products, including Boostcous, and current gluten-free alternatives. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosures.
Couscous is a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking, loved for its light texture and ability to soak up flavor. It’s commonly served alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, stews, and salads.
Unfortunately, traditional couscous is made from semolina wheat, making it off-limits to people with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergy.
The good news? There are a few gluten-free couscous alternatives that can help you enjoy similar dishes without gluten.
In this article, I’ll share more about those brands and where to find them.
Can You Buy Gluten-Free Couscous?
Yes! While traditional couscous is made from wheat and is never gluten-free, a handful of companies now make gluten-free versions that mimic the texture and versatility of traditional couscous.
For years, most gluten-free couscous options were limited to specialty kosher products sold during Passover. Today, however, shoppers have more choices, including a tasty product specifically developed to be gluten-free.
Whether you’re making a grain bowl, Mediterranean salad, stuffed peppers, or a simple side dish, gluten-free couscous can help you recreate your favorite recipes without the wheat.
Meet Boostcous
One of the newest and most exciting additions to the gluten-free market is Boostcous, a gluten-free couscous alternative made from chickpea, lentil, and pea flour.
Unlike traditional couscous made from semolina wheat, Boostcous is naturally gluten-free and offers a similar small-grain texture that works beautifully in salads, bowls, side dishes, and Mediterranean-inspired recipes.
Because it’s made from chickpeas and lentils, it also provides more protein and fiber than traditional couscous, making it a satisfying option for people looking to add more nutrition to their meals.
I love that it can be used in many of the same ways you would use traditional couscous. Toss it with fresh herbs and lemon, stir it into soups, or use it as the base for a grain bowl.
If you’ve been searching for a gluten-free alternative that closely resembles traditional couscous and is available year-round, Boostcous is one of the best options on the market. And you can purchase Boostcous on the LMGF Market.
And here’s a salmon meal I made with delicious Boostcous:
Passover-Friendly Couscous
Before Boostcous came along, most gluten-free couscous options were specialty products sold during Passover. These products are typically made from potato and tapioca starch and can be difficult to find outside the spring holiday season.
Here are a few Passover-friendly brands of couscous – if you can find them:
- Streit’s Gluten-Free Pearled Couscous (I like this one)
- Gefen Gluten-Free Pearled Couscous
- Lieber’s Gluten-Free Couscous
- Goldbaum’s Israeli-Style Gluten-Free Couscous
Gluten-Free Substitutes for Couscous
While Boostcous is the closest gluten-free alternative I’ve found to traditional couscous, several other naturally gluten-free grains and vegetables can work well depending on the recipe.
If a recipe calls for couscous, these grains can work as a good swap:
Quinoa: Quinoa has a similar texture to couscous and a slightly nutty taste. It works well in salads, side dishes, and other dishes where couscous is typically served.
Rice: Rice has a chewier texture than couscous, but it makes a great side dish and gluten-free couscous alternative.
Stelline Pasta: Several gluten-free pasta brands, including Jovial, make gluten-free stelline pasta, a tiny star-shaped variety that can serve as a substitute for pearl couscous.
Orzo: Orzo is another small pasta shape that makes a great gluten-free couscous alternative. We especially like DeLallo’s Gluten-Free Orzo or Jovial’s Gluten-Free Orzo.
Riced Cauliflower: Riced cauliflower can also work as a couscous substitute. I use it when making gluten-free tabbouli or tabbouleh, made with bulgur, a type of cracked wheat similar to the durum wheat semolina used in couscous. This is a picture of my tasty Cauliflower Tabbouleh (Tabouli) Salad made with riced cauliflower.
Millet: Millet is another great gluten-free couscous substitute. This ancient grain (which is actually a seed) has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Bob’s Red Mill makes a gluten-free hulled millet that works well as a substitute for couscous.
Remember, when following a couscous recipe, you cannot substitute quinoa, rice, riced cauliflower, or millet verbatim. Instead, you’ll need to prepare the substitute couscous grain or vegetable as directed on its packaging, then follow the recipe using the prepared couscous substitute.
The Bottom Line on Gluten-Free Couscous
Traditional couscous is made from semolina wheat and is not safe for people with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy.
Fortunately, gluten-free options are becoming easier to find. Products like Boostcous offer a gluten-free alternative that closely mimics the texture and versatility of traditional couscous, while Passover-friendly brands such as Gefen and Streit’s provide gluten-free Israeli-style couscous options.
And if you can’t find gluten-free couscous, quinoa, millet, rice, and cauliflower rice are all excellent substitutes.
The next time a recipe calls for couscous, don’t assume it’s off-limits. With today’s gluten-free options, you can still enjoy many of the same flavors and dishes without compromising your health.
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