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couscous

couscous

Grains

Trigger checker for couscous

FODMAP rating
High FODMAP

See couscous rated across every trigger — FODMAP, histamine, salicylate, oxalate, tyramine and more — plus diet compatibility, all in one quick ingredient profile.

Sensitivities

What couscous contains

FODMAPs

FODMAPsHigh
FructansHigh
GOSSafe
FructoseSafe
PolyolsSafe
LactoseSafe

Histamine & Amines

HistamineSafe
Histamine LiberatorsSafe
TyramineSafe

Plant compounds

SalicylatesSafe
OxalatesSafe
LectinHigh
NightshadesSafe

Irritants

CaffeineSafe
AlcoholSafe
Spicy FoodsSafe
Acidic FoodsSafe

Additives

SulfitesSafe
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesSafe

Allergens

Dairy ProteinsSafe
GlutenAvoid
EggSafe
PeanutSafe
Tree NutsSafe
SoySafe
FishSafe
CrustaceansSafe
MolluscsSafe
SesameSafe
CelerySafe
MustardSafe
LupinSafe
Alpha-galSafe
NickelSafe

Diet fit

Where couscous fits

Therapeutic diets

Low HistamineFit
Low SalicylateFit
Low FermentationModerate
EoE CompatibleAvoid
AIPAvoid
InflammationCheck
Reflux DietFit
Specific CarbohydrateAvoid
Low FibreFit
Gastroparesis DietFit

Lifestyle diets

VeganFit
VegetarianFit
PescatarianFit
MediterraneanCheck
DASH DietFit
PaleoAvoid
Whole30Avoid
KetoAvoid
Low-carbAvoid

Religious diets

HalalFit
KosherFit
Hindu (no beef)Fit
JainFit
Buddhist VegetarianFit
Orthodox FastingFit
Ingredient notes

What to know about couscous

Couscous looks like a grain but is really a tiny pasta, steamed granules rolled from durum semolina, the staple of North African cooking. Because it is a wheat product it is high in gluten and rated high FODMAP from its fructan content. That combination means it can cause bloating and gas as well as the usual gluten problems, and it is one of the foods most often mistaken for a safe grain when it is not.

Watch for

  • High in gluten because it is made from semolina wheat, not a grain, so it is off limits on a gluten-free diet
  • High in fructans and high FODMAP, a common cause of bloating and gas
  • Higher in lectins, a secondary consideration for people sensitive to them

FAQ

What does the FODMAP rating mean for couscous?

High FODMAP: consider smaller servings or swap within the same group.

Is couscous generally well tolerated?

Gluten (Avoid) and FODMAPs (High) Start with those if you react.

What should I check next?

Compare within the Grains group.