Calories in Couscous 🌾

Per 1 cup cooked (157g)

176 calories
Protein 14% Carbs 84% Fat 2%

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 cup cooked (157g)

Calories176
Total Fat0.3g
Total Carbohydrates36g
Dietary Fiber2.2g
Sugars0.2g
Protein6g
Sodium8mg
Potassium91mg

About Couscous

Couscous is a staple grain product with a light fluffy character. At 176 calories per 1 cup cooked (157g), it serves as a reliable source of carbohydrate energy for daily activities and exercise. Couscous is known for quick side dish and has been a dietary foundation across many cultures for centuries. It pairs well with proteins, vegetables, and sauces for balanced, satisfying meals.

Health Benefits of Couscous

Rich in Selenium

Couscous is an excellent source of selenium, a nutrient essential for quick side dish. Including couscous in your diet regularly helps ensure you meet your daily requirements for this important nutrient.

Sustained Energy Release

The carbohydrates in couscous provide fuel for your brain and muscles. Complex carbs are broken down gradually, providing a steadier energy supply than simple sugars.

Important Source of Manganese

Couscous provides meaningful amounts of manganese, which plays a role in numerous bodily functions including enzyme activity, bone health, and cellular metabolism.

Dietary Versatility

Couscous can be incorporated into numerous recipes and meal preparations. Its versatility makes it easy to maintain a varied diet, which nutritionists consistently recommend for meeting all your micronutrient needs.

Calories by Serving Size

Different serving sizes of couscous and their nutritional values:

ServingCaloriesCarbsProteinFat
Half serving (78g)8818.0g3.0g0.1g
Small portion (118g)13227.0g4.5g0.2g
Regular serving (157g)17636.0g6.0g0.3g
Medium portion (196g)22045.0g7.5g0.4g
Large portion (236g)26454.0g9.0g0.4g
Double serving (314g)35272.0g12.0g0.6g

Is Couscous Good for Weight Loss?

Couscous at 176 calories per 1 cup cooked (157g) is a moderate-calorie food that can fit into a weight loss diet with proper planning. Watching your portion sizes is important to keep calories in check. Rather than eliminating couscous from your diet, focus on balancing it with lower-calorie vegetables and staying within your overall daily target. Complete restriction often leads to cravings and binging. Use a calorie tracking app like Calory to find the right portion that fits your goals.

Couscous and Popular Diets

How couscous fits into common eating plans:

Keto Not recommended for keto. At 36g of carbs per serving, couscous would consume a large portion of the typical 20-50g daily keto carb allowance.
Paleo Not paleo-compatible. Grains are excluded from the paleo diet, which focuses on foods available to pre-agricultural humans. Look for paleo-friendly alternatives.
Vegan Yes, couscous is fully plant-based and suitable for vegan diets. It provides 6g of plant protein per serving.
Low-Carb Not ideal for low-carb diets. Couscous contains 36g of carbs per serving. If you are following a low-carb plan, consider smaller portions or lower-carb alternatives.
Diabetic-Friendly Use caution. Couscous has a medium glycemic index (65). Enjoy it in controlled portions and pair with protein, fiber, or healthy fats to slow the blood sugar response.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories in couscous?

Couscous (1 cup cooked (157g)) contains approximately 176 calories. The exact count can vary slightly based on size, preparation method, and specific variety. Use the Calory app for precise tracking based on your actual serving.

Is couscous good for weight loss?

Couscous can fit into a weight loss diet with portion awareness. At 176 calories per 1 cup cooked (157g), it provides nutritional value without being excessively caloric. The key is accurate tracking: measure your portions and log them to stay within your daily calorie target.

Is couscous a healthy carb?

Couscous provides 36g of carbohydrates per serving. With 2.2g of fiber, it offers more nutritional value than refined alternatives. Carbohydrates are your body's preferred fuel source, and including them in moderation supports energy levels and exercise performance.

How can I track couscous calories accurately?

Use a food scale for the most accurate calorie tracking. The Calory app lets you scan barcodes, search its database, or use AI food recognition to log couscous quickly. Consistent tracking is the single most effective habit for weight management, according to multiple research studies.

Track Couscous in Calory

Scan, search, or snap a photo. Calory makes logging couscous instant with AI-powered food recognition.