Pearled Couscous

Pearled couscous is a small, toasted pasta made from semolina flour, which is durum wheat. It is rolled into tiny balls and then toasted, giving it a slightly nutty flavor and a firmer texture than regular couscous. It is a type of pasta, similar to orzo but typically smaller and rounder.

Pearled couscous is often used as a base for grain bowls, salads, and side dishes, providing a chewy texture and mild flavor. Manufacturers use it as a carbohydrate component in packaged meals, like dry dinner mixes, and it can also be found in blends with other grains and legumes.

Pearled couscous is a grain product and is generally recognized as safe by the FDA. It is a source of carbohydrates and some protein. Like other refined grain products, it is lower in fiber and some micronutrients compared to whole grains. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated pasta and semolina products within broader food categories.