Calories in Couscous: Full Nutrition Breakdown
A cup of cooked couscous has about 176 calories. See the complete nutrition breakdown by serving size with expert FAQ.
Couscous is a North African staple made from tiny granules of rolled durum wheat semolina. It is a quick-cooking source of carbohydrates and provides modest amounts of protein, selenium, and B vitamins. Here is a full breakdown of couscous nutrition by serving size.
Calories by serving size:
| Serving | Weight | Calories | Carbs | Fiber | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 cup cooked | ~78 g | 88 kcal | 18.2 g | 1.1 g | 3 g | 0.1 g |
| 1 cup cooked | ~157 g | 176 kcal | 36.5 g | 2.2 g | 5.9 g | 0.3 g |
| 1/3 cup dry | ~60 g | 215 kcal | 44.2 g | 2.7 g | 7.4 g | 0.3 g |
| 100 g cooked | 100 g | 112 kcal | 23.2 g | 1.4 g | 3.8 g | 0.2 g |
Couscous is very low in fat and cooks in about five minutes, making it one of the fastest grain-like side dishes to prepare. It pairs well with vegetables, legumes, and stews, and can be a lighter alternative to rice or pasta in many meals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does couscous compare to rice in calories?
Couscous and white rice are fairly close in calories. A cup of cooked couscous has about 176 calories, while a cup of cooked white rice has about 205 calories. Couscous provides slightly more protein per serving, but white rice offers more variety in types (jasmine, basmati, brown) with different nutritional profiles.
Is couscous healthier than quinoa?
Quinoa has a nutritional edge over regular couscous. Quinoa is a complete protein with about 8 grams per cup, compared to roughly 6 grams for couscous, and quinoa provides significantly more fiber, iron, and magnesium. Quinoa is also naturally gluten-free, while couscous contains gluten from wheat.
Is couscous a grain or a pasta?
Despite its grain-like appearance, couscous is technically a tiny pasta. It is made from durum wheat semolina that is moistened and rolled into small granules, then steamed. This means couscous is produced from the same type of wheat used to make spaghetti and other dried pastas.
Does couscous contain gluten?
Yes, couscous contains gluten because it is made from durum wheat semolina. People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid regular couscous. Gluten-free alternatives made from corn or rice flour are available, though they differ slightly in texture.
What is the difference between Israeli (pearl) couscous and regular couscous?
Israeli couscous, also called pearl couscous, is larger, rounder, and chewier than regular (Moroccan) couscous. Nutritionally, Israeli couscous is similar but tends to have slightly more calories per cup because the larger granules pack more densely. Israeli couscous is toasted rather than steamed during production, giving it a nuttier flavor.
How does couscous compare to rice in calories?
Is couscous healthier than quinoa?
Is couscous a grain or a pasta?
Does couscous contain gluten?
What is the difference between Israeli (pearl) couscous and regular couscous?
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