(UPDATE: This product is no longer available. It was replaced by “Organic Couscous“)
I always keep a box of TJ Whole Wheat Couscous in my pantry as it’s incredibly fast and easy to make staple, quicker to make than for example rice or even pasta. It’s versatile, healthy, and tasty. Couscous (“koos-koos”) is a pasta-like grain made from wheat that is a staple of North African cuisine, in Algeria and Morocco. It’s even part of Sicilian cuisine (Arab influence from the Moors)
Couscous is generally made out of semolina wheat. Trader Joe’s sells this whole grain version made from whole durum semolina. The box says PRODUCT OF FRANCE (yeah baby!) The French love couscous. I have lived in Paris where they have couscous restaurants almost like we have pizza places as there are so many people of Algerian and Morrocan origin.
One of the reasons I love couscous, is it its so fast and easy to make. It is ready in 5 minutes. Here’s the basic method: Put a cup of water in a pot. Bring it to a boil. Add Salt and Butter (or olive oil) Dump in a cup of this couscous (1-1 ratio). Turn off the fire, cover the pot, and let it sit for five minutes, then fluff it up with a fork. Thats it, done!
You can use couscous as a side dish, as you would rice or pasta. It really soaks up sauces or stews. Use it as a “bed” for your Main and add a bit of sauce on top. It’s a great base for a “protein bowl”. You can do other things as well with it like serve it as a salad or make a super healthy couscous tabouli salad hot or cold. A box of Trader Joe’s French imported Whole Wheat Instant Couscous sells for only $1.99 for 500 grams, (a bit over a pound). This is an excellent product to always keep on hand in your pantry and try. Here are some links related to peruse.
https://www.thespruceeats.com/simple-couscous-recipe-2355404
http://www.chefday.com/couscous-merguez
http://www.cliffordawright.com/caw/food/entries/display.php/id/58/
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/232205/whole-wheat-couscous-tabbouleh/
https://food52.com/blog/22956-sicilian-couscous-alla-trapanese-recipe-history-behind-it
Trader Joe’s Rants & Raves (mostly raves, a few rants) 
Oct 13, 2022 @ 10:14:48
I love this cous-cous! Sadly, TJs don’t source this from France anymore. I avoid wheat grown in the USA as much as possible as the risk of glyphosphate contamination is great and I’m sensitive to it. Thankfully, TJs still carries Italian pasta.
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Aug 11, 2023 @ 01:11:32
my trader joes no longer carry’s this. Where can I buy it
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Oct 11, 2023 @ 23:30:44
Why oh why did Trader Joes discontinue??
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Oct 14, 2023 @ 14:42:10
I know, I know! Argh! Many grocery store do carry cous-cous now though.
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Jun 02, 2024 @ 21:23:52
We loved it and miss it. Tonight we had grocery store couscous—-horrible!
That happens to all my TJ favorites over the years…stratified cheddar and Stilton cheese, escargots en brioche, wasabi mayo, “totally meatless sausage pizza” (best frozen pizza I’ve ever had).
I’m sure— or at least hope—that they have customer tasting research sessions and not just rely on overall sales. Maybe they should have different products for different marketing regions.
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Aug 17, 2026 @ 20:09:32
I wish Trader Joe’s still carried this whole wheat couscous because it was healthy and quick to cook. It was a staple in my pantry and I preferred it to the regular couscous. Please bring it back! (I’m just sending this message out into the universe.)
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Aug 18, 2026 @ 12:11:29
Me too!! Do they read the Comments here? Maybe. I always suggest writing them; they do have a online form.
You can send a message or feedback to Trader Joe’s online through the Trader Joe’s Contact Us Page using their digital feedback forms, or call their Customer Relations department at (626) 599-3817
https://www.traderjoes.com/home/contact-us
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