Since couscous is not gluten-free, it is not suitable if you are intolerant to gluten, have gluten sensitivity, or have celiac disease. There are a few gluten-free couscous products available in supermarkets these days. Though gluten-free, many of them are made with a mixture of corn or cassava starch and egg whites. So do check the ingredients list carefully before choosing gluten-free couscous. These are some gluten-free alternatives to couscous: White or brown rice: Rice is not the perfect substitute for couscous, since the grains are larger. Look for short-grain rice as it looks similar and is as versatile. Millets: These are small, round whole grains that are totally free of gluten and versatile. The smaller varieties such as foxtail millet and barnyard millet cook fast and have a neutral taste. Quinoa: Plain quinoa has a similar texture, look and feel to couscous and can be a near-perfect substitute for couscous. Make sure to look for one that is free of gluten. Sabudana: These are made from tapioca starch and come in various sizes - from small bead-like ones, the size of mustard seeds to the larger ones that look like pearls (and therefore also known as tapioca pearls).