Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for Israeli couscous
Best swap for Israeli couscous: Pearl couscous. Same thing, different name. Use it 1:1.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of Israeli Couscous?
Israeli Couscous and Pearl Couscous are the same ingredient under different names, so swap one for the other 1:1. Another option is Orzo, 1:1 by volume; pasta shape, similar chew. The table below also lists Ptitim, Fregola and Acini Di Pepe, 5 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Pearl couscous | Same thing, different name. Use it 1:1. |
| Orzo | 1:1 by volume; pasta shape, similar chew |
| Ptitim | the Israeli name for the same toasted wheat pasta |
| Fregola | 1:1; toasted Sardinian pasta of about the same size, nuttier and firmer |
| Acini di pepe | 1:1 by volume; much smaller beads, so start checking several minutes earlier |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.