People following a strict gluten-free diet
You’re looking for an alternative to wheat couscous. Check the finished product for a “gluten-free” label and read the ingredients list: the word “couscous” alone doesn’t tell you which grain has been used.
Who is this choice for?
People looking to manage their salt intake
You’d rather start with a plain base and season it yourself. Don’t forget to factor in the salt in any sauces, stock or condiments served with it.
Households looking for an alternative to wheat couscous
You want to make a couscous-style dish using a product labelled “gluten-free”. The preparation method and texture also matter when choosing.
What should you check?
When choosing couscous for a gluten-free shop, first check the label on the finished product, then the “salt” entry in the nutritional information, and finally the preparation instructions.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free suitability | Look for a “gluten-free” label on the finished product, then check the grain and allergens listed in the ingredients. | To avoid wheat couscous when doing a gluten-free shop, I want to be able to identify the finished product clearly. Around 45% of consumers would put this suitability at the top of their list of criteria. |
| Salt and seasoning | Compare the “salt” figure per 100 g for products of the same type, and take any planned accompaniments into account. | If I season my couscous myself, I want to control the salt in both the base and the finished dish. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise having this control. |
| Preparation and texture | Read the cooking instructions, including the amount of water and resting time, before choosing a format for your recipe. | I’m looking for corn couscous that’s easy to prepare and gives me the right result in a recipe. Convenience and texture would come first for around 22% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming all couscous is gluten-free
Couscous can be made from durum wheat. A wheat couscous listed by E.Leclerc and a wheat couscous from Tipiak Restauration both state that they contain gluten.
For a strict gluten-free shop, check the grain in the ingredients and look for a “gluten-free” label on the packaging of the product you choose.
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Assuming a low salt figure means “reduced in salt”
Auchan and E.Leclerc list 0,03 g and 0,0 g of salt per 100 g respectively for their corn couscous. These figures alone don’t prove that the products contain less salt than a comparable product.
Compare the “salt” figure for the same weight and check the exact claim on the packaging. Also take into account the salt in stock, sauces and condiments.
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Checking only for gluten among the allergens
Auchan’s corn couscous listing mentions possible traces of soya and mustard. So being gluten-free doesn’t necessarily mean a product meets all your other dietary requirements.
If you need to avoid other allergens, check the information on the packaging before eating the product.
Brands to consider
Carrefour No Gluten !
The range includes a 375 g gluten-free corn couscous.
- According to Carrefour’s product listing, this product combines 78% white corn couscous and 22% yellow corn couscous, and is labelled “gluten-free”.
- To choose based on salt content, check the “salt” figure on the packaging and compare it with that of a product of the same type.
Auchan
The retailer offers a 375 g gluten-free corn couscous.
- Its product listing states that it contains 100% corn couscous and 0,03 g of salt per 100 g.
- The listing mentions possible traces of soya and mustard. The salt figure alone doesn’t prove a “reduced in salt” claim.
Chaque Jour Sans Gluten / Marque Repère E.Leclerc
The range includes a 375 g gluten-free corn couscous.
- E.Leclerc’s product listing states that it contains 100% corn flour and shows 0,0 g of salt per 100 g.
- The listing advises checking availability with the store or on Drive. For cooking and texture, follow the packet instructions and consider how you plan to use it.
Tipiak
The brand offers wheat-based couscous products, which are different from gluten-free corn alternatives.
- Tipiak Restauration provides details of the ingredients in its Couscous Parfumé aux Épices du monde® product.
- This product contains 93% durum wheat couscous and lists gluten and salt. This applies to this product, not to every product in the Tipiak range.
Joybuy products
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is wheat couscous suitable for a strict gluten-free shop?
No: wheat couscous contains gluten, as shown, for example, on the listing for an E.Leclerc product. Choose a finished product labelled “gluten-free” and check its ingredients.
How can you compare the salt content of two corn couscous products?
Check the “salt” figure per 100 g in the nutritional information for products of the same type. Anses also advises taking into account the salt added during preparation and at mealtimes.
Does a low salt figure mean “reduced in salt”?
No, not on its own: “reduced in salt” is a comparative claim, whereas the figure per 100 g describes the salt content of the product in question. Check the claim on the packaging and which product it refers to.
How should you store corn couscous after opening?
Follow the instructions on the packaging. For its corn couscous, Auchan advises resealing the bag securely after opening. Its listing also recommends keeping the product away from heat and moisture before opening.