For a family dinner, choose couscous with clearly identifiable organic certification, then opt for white, semi-wholemeal or wholemeal semolina to suit your guests’ preferences. Whatever you choose, check the wheat and any other allergen information, the pack size and the preparation instructions.
If you’re serving couscous as part of a family meal, compare the certification, ingredients list and pack instructions. The product information for Auchan Bio medium couscous, for example, says to leave it to absorb water for 5 minutes.
The Bio Village couscous listed by E.Leclerc is made from organic semi-wholemeal durum wheat semolina. It lets you choose a middle ground without going straight from white to wholemeal couscous.
You can check the nutritional information for wholemeal options and compare the figures per 100 g, without assuming that one variety will suit everyone. Also check the pack served at the table for wheat and any warnings about possible traces.
Start by checking the organic certification and ingredients, especially if anyone at the table needs to avoid certain allergens. Then choose the type of semolina and check that the pack size and instructions suit the couscous’s place in your meal.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Organic certification | On pre-packed products, look for the EU organic logo, the code of the control body and the indication of agricultural origin. The European Commission explains the conditions for using the organic logo. | I want to be able to identify the certification on the pack, rather than relying on the word ‘organic’ alone: around 40% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Type of semolina | Check the product name and main ingredient: white, semi-wholemeal or wholemeal durum wheat semolina. If fibre is important to you, compare the nutritional information per 100 g. | At our table, the choice between white, semi-wholemeal and wholemeal comes down first to our guests’ preferences; around 30% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Allergens | Check the ingredients list and any warnings about possible traces on the pack you buy. Couscous made from durum wheat is not suitable for a gluten-free diet. | If anyone at the table needs to avoid gluten or watch out for other allergens, I need to know exactly what’s in the pack; around 20% of consumers would put this first. |
| Preparation and quantity | Compare the net weight, stated portions and preparation method. For its medium organic couscous, Auchan recommends 80 to 120 g per person when couscous is the main dish, compared with 40 to 60 g as a side. | I want to make sure there’s enough couscous without treating a side dish as a main course; around 10% of consumers would put preparation and portion sizes ahead of other considerations. |
Pre-packed food sold as organic in the European Union must display specific information to show it is certified. The name of the aisle or the design of the pack is no substitute for checking the label.
Before you buy, look for the EU organic logo, the code of the control body and the indication of agricultural origin, then read the ingredients list.
The durum wheat couscous options mentioned here contain wheat. The product information for Carrefour Bio wholemeal and Auchan Bio medium couscous also warns that they may contain traces of soya and mustard.
If anyone at the table needs to avoid gluten, don’t use wheat couscous as a substitute. For other allergens, check the information on the pack you buy.
The amount needed per person depends on whether couscous is the main dish or served with other food. The portion guidance for Auchan Bio medium couscous distinguishes between these two uses.
Decide how couscous will feature in the meal before working out how much to prepare and choosing a pack size.
The organic wholemeal couscous from Tipiak Restauration is sold in a 5 kg sack. Its availability doesn’t mean that an equivalent organic option comes in a smaller pack.
Check the net weight, where it’s sold and the storage instructions for the product you’re considering.
A 5 kg sack also needs suitable storage space for the quantity you’ve bought.
These products give you examples of pack sizes and types of semolina to compare. Their inclusion here doesn’t guarantee that they’re available in your local shop.
Carrefour offers 500 g packs of medium, semi-wholemeal and wholemeal organic couscous.
E.Leclerc offers 500 g packs of medium-grain semi-wholemeal organic couscous under this brand.
Auchan offers 500 g packs of medium and semi-wholemeal organic couscous, among other options.
The range includes 500 g packs of medium-grain organic wholemeal couscous, stocked by Auchan.
Tipiak Restauration offers organic wholemeal couscous for foodservice in a 5 kg sack.
For pre-packed couscous sold as organic in the European Union, look for the EU organic logo and the information that accompanies it. The European Commission states that the logo is reserved for certified products that meet its requirements, including containing at least 95% organic ingredients. The code of the control body and the origin of the agricultural raw materials should appear nearby.
Not if it’s made from durum wheat semolina. The Carrefour Bio, Bio Village, Auchan Bio and Alpina Savoie products mentioned here are wheat-based. If you’re looking for an alternative, check that it carries a ‘gluten-free’ label appropriate to your needs and read the packaging.
It depends on how couscous features in the meal. The product information for Auchan Bio medium couscous recommends 80 to 120 g per person when it’s served as a main dish, compared with 40 to 60 g as a side. Adjust the amount to suit the other food you’re serving and your guests.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you choose. Alpina Savoie recommends storing its product in a cool, dry place away from light, while Auchan Bio medium couscous should be protected from heat and moisture.