How many calories are in couscous?

One cup of cooked couscous has 168 calories. Per 100g, couscous is 112 calories, lower than rice (130 cal) or pasta (157 cal). Half a cup is just 84 calories, making it a reasonable grain option.

Is couscous good for weight loss?

Couscous is moderately good for weight loss at 112 cal/100g. It's lower in calories than most grains and very low in fat (0.2g). The quick cooking time makes portion control easier, just measure dry and add water.

What nutrients are in couscous?

Couscous provides 3.8g protein, 23.2g carbs, 0.2g fat, and 1.4g fiber per 100g. It contains iron (0.4mg) and potassium (58mg). Being made from semolina wheat, it's enriched with some B vitamins.

Is couscous keto-friendly?

No, couscous is not keto-friendly with 21.8g net carbs per 100g. Even half a cup has about 16g net carbs. Try riced cauliflower as a keto-friendly couscous substitute with similar texture.

Can diabetics eat couscous?

Couscous has a moderate glycemic index of 65 and glycemic load of 23. It's not ideal for diabetics but better than instant rice. Choose whole wheat couscous for more fiber and smaller portions for better blood sugar control.

Couscous vs rice: which is healthier?

Couscous and white rice are similar nutritionally. Couscous has slightly fewer calories (112 vs 130/100g), cooks faster, and carries slightly more protein (3.8g vs 2.7g per 100g). Whole wheat couscous beats both with more fiber.

Is couscous gluten-free?

No, regular couscous is NOT gluten-free. It's made from semolina (durum wheat). Those with celiac disease should avoid it. For a gluten-free alternative, try quinoa, rice, or certified gluten-free couscous substitutes.

How do you cook couscous?

Couscous is the easiest grain to cook: add 1 cup couscous to 1 cup boiling water or broth, cover, remove from heat, and let sit 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. No simmering or watching required.

Is couscous a pasta or grain?

Couscous is technically a pasta, not a grain. It's made from semolina wheat (same as pasta) rolled into tiny granules. It's often mistaken for a grain because it's served like rice. Nutritionally, it's similar to pasta.

How much couscous per serving?

A standard serving is 1/4 cup dry couscous, which expands to about 3/4 cup cooked (84 calories). For a larger side dish, use 1/3 cup dry (112 calories cooked). It expands about 2.5x when cooked.

All Foods

Calories in Couscous

USDA Verified · FDC 169700 · Jan 2026

112 calories

per 100g (100g)

3.8g

Protein

23.2g

Carbs

0.2g

Fat

1.4g

Fiber

Per 100g cooked

Log Couscous in one photo

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