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Grains

Couscous

Per serving: 1 cup cooked couscous (157g)

couscousdurum wheatquick-cooking carbseleniumcouscous nutrition
176CALORIES
per serving
6gProtein
36.5gCarbs
0.3gFat
2.2gFiber

About Couscous

One cup of cooked couscous provides approximately 176 calories, 6 grams of protein, 36.5 grams of carbohydrate, 0.3 grams of fat, and 2.2 grams of fiber. The serving contains about 34.3 grams of net carbohydrate.

Couscous is a small pasta made from durum wheat rather than a gluten-free grain. It cooks quickly and absorbs sauces well, but standard couscous contains less fiber than many intact whole grains. Whole-wheat couscous provides a higher-fiber alternative.

At-a-Glance Stats

65Glycemic Index🟡 Medium
22Glycemic Load🔴 High
73%Water Content💧 Hydrating
34.3gNet CarbsTotal carbs − fiber

Macronutrient Breakdown

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176 kcal

Total calories per 1 cup cooked couscous (157g)

Protein

Builds & repairs muscle tissue

6g

12% of typical daily value

Carbohydrates

Primary fuel source for energy

36.5g

37% of typical daily value

Total Fat

Supports hormones & nutrient uptake

0.3g

1% of typical daily value

Dietary Fiber

Feeds gut bacteria & aids digestion

2.2g

7% of typical daily value

Calories by Serving Size

Serving SizeCaloriesFiber
1/2 cup cooked (79g) 881.1g
1 cup cooked (157g) 1762.2g
1 1/2 cups cooked (236g) 2643.3g

All values are approximate. Actual nutrition may vary by apple variety (Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, etc.).

Key Health Benefits

  • 1

    Provides a quick-cooking source of carbohydrate and a moderate amount of plant protein.

  • 2

    Naturally very low in fat when prepared with water and no added butter or oil.

  • 3

    A notable source of selenium, which supports antioxidant enzymes and thyroid function.

  • 4

    Its mild flavor makes it easy to combine with vegetables, legumes, and lean proteins.

Vitamins & Minerals

NutrientAmount% Daily Value
Selenium43.2mcg
79%
Niacin1.5mg
9%
Pantothenic Acid0.6mg
12%
Folate23.6mcg
6%
Zinc0.4mg
4%

% Daily Value (2,000 cal diet):

≥20% High10-19% Good<10% Low

Expert Tip

Fluff couscous with a fork and mix it with chickpeas, vegetables, herbs, and olive oil. Whole-wheat couscous is a better choice when additional fiber is desired.

Diet Compatibility

VeganVegetarianGluten-FreeKetoPaleoMediterraneanLow-CalorieDiabetic-Friendly

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in Couscous?

Couscous contains 176 calories per 1 cup cooked couscous (157g). This includes 6g protein (24 kcal), 36.5g carbohydrates (146 kcal), and 0.3g fat (2.6999999999999997 kcal).

How much protein does Couscous have?

Couscous provides 6g of protein per 1 cup cooked couscous (157g).

Is Couscous good for weight loss?

Its mild flavor makes it easy to combine with vegetables, legumes, and lean proteins. With 176 calories per serving, it can fit well within a calorie-controlled diet.