Couscous (Cooked) Calories & Nutrition Facts
North African pasta made from semolina wheat, a quick-cooking grain rich in selenium.
Quick answer
How many calories are in Couscous (Cooked)?
Couscous (Cooked) has 112 calories per 100g. A 1/2 cup cooked (79g) has about 88 calories. It is a moderate-calorie food, with most calories coming from carbs.
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Source review
Couscous Source Review: Cooked Cup Calories, Dry-Weight Warning, and Gluten Context
Reviewed June 2, 2026. This page uses cooked couscous as the reference so 100g, half-cup, cup, and bowl portions stay on the same cooked-weight basis.
- Calorique lists cooked couscous at 112 calories, 3.8g protein, 23.2g carbs, 1.4g fiber, and 0.2g fat per 100g.
- A half-cup cooked serving at about 79g is about 88 calories; a cooked cup at about 157g is about 176 calories before oil, butter, meat, vegetables, or sauce.
- Dry couscous is much more calorie-dense by gram than cooked couscous because it absorbs water during preparation; dry and cooked weights should not be mixed.
- Couscous is made from semolina wheat, so it contains gluten and should not be treated as a gluten-free grain.
- Boxed seasoned couscous, pearl couscous, whole-wheat couscous, restaurant couscous, and couscous salads can differ in oil, sodium, water content, and add-ins.
Practical Portion Guide for Couscous (Cooked)
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Net carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 cup cooked (79g) | 88 kcal | 3.0g | 18.3g | 17.2g | 0.2g |
| 1 cup cooked (157g) | 176 kcal | 6.0g | 36.4g | 34.2g | 0.3g |
| 3/4 cup bowl portion (118g) | 132 kcal | 4.5g | 27.4g | 25.7g | 0.2g |
| 100g cooked reference | 112 kcal | 3.8g | 23.2g | 21.8g | 0.2g |
Track cooked weight, not dry couscous. Dry couscous absorbs water, so a dry scoop and a cooked cup are not interchangeable for calorie logging.
% Daily Value: 1/2 cup cooked (79g) vs 100g
Percent Daily Values use the FDA reference amounts for adults (protein 50g, fiber 28g, carbohydrate 275g, fat 78g, sodium 2,300mg, cholesterol 300mg, potassium 4,700mg). The FDA label guide treats 20% DV or more per serving as high and 5% DV or less as low.
| Nutrient | Per 100g | % DV | 1/2 cup cooked (79g) | % DV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 3.8g | 8% | 3g | 6% |
| Dietary fiber | 1.4g | 5% | 1.1g | 4% |
| Total carbohydrate | 23.2g | 8% | 18.3g | 7% |
| Total fat | 0.2g | 0% | 0.2g | 0% |
| Sodium | 5mg | 0% | 4mg | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% | 0mg | 0% |
Source: FDA Daily Values (21 CFR 101.9), checked September 17, 2026.
Serving Size Calculator
Macros Breakdown (per 100g)
Diet Suitability
Glycemic Index: 65 (Medium)
How Couscous (Cooked) Fits Into a Diet
Cooked couscous works best as a fast grain-style side for bowls, stews, roasted vegetables, fish, chicken, chickpeas, and Mediterranean or North African meals.
Pair couscous with beans, chickpeas, fish, chicken, eggs, yogurt sauce, vegetables, herbs, or measured olive oil when the meal needs more protein, fiber, or fat.
Plain cooked couscous, pearl couscous, whole-wheat couscous, boxed seasoned couscous, buttered couscous, and restaurant couscous can differ in sodium, fat, and cooked water weight.
Plan Around Couscous (Cooked)
Compare Couscous (Cooked) With Similar Grains
Use this comparison when choosing a serving. Calories alone do not tell the full story: protein, fiber, fat, sodium, and realistic portion size determine whether a food fits your plan.
| Food | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Couscous (Cooked) | 112 kcal | 3.8g | 23.2g | 0.2g | 1.4g |
| Farro (Cooked) | 120 kcal | 5g | 24g | 0.7g | 3.5g |
| Amaranth (Cooked) | 102 kcal | 3.8g | 18.7g | 1.6g | 2.1g |
| Spelt (Cooked) | 127 kcal | 5.5g | 26.4g | 0.9g | 3.9g |
| Sorghum (Cooked) | 120 kcal | 4g | 25g | 1.3g | 3g |
| Cornmeal | 362 kcal | 8.1g | 76.9g | 3.6g | 7.3g |
All comparison values use each food's 100-unit reference so foods can be compared on the same basis.
Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Minerals
Complete Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
% DV = percent of the FDA Daily Value for a 2,000-calorie diet, per 100g. Total sugars have no Daily Value; the FDA value applies to added sugars only.
Methodology & Nutrition Data Sources
How we calculate nutrition data for Couscous (Cooked): Calorie and macronutrient values are standardized reference profiles, generally based on USDA FoodData Central entries where available, then scaled to the serving you choose. Entries may come from different FDC data types or releases, and brand or preparation differences can change the numbers.
- Calorie and macronutrient data sourced from the USDA FoodData Central , the federal food composition database used as the main reference where a matching entry exists.
- Daily Value context: for % DV comparisons, use the FDA Daily Value reference amounts for a 2,000 calorie diet (21 CFR 101.9).
- Dietary reference intakes (DRI) for vitamins and minerals are available in the National Academies Dietary Reference Intake tables for further reading; this page does not calculate DRI percentages.
- Glycemic index values are approximate listed values; GI varies by variety, ripeness, and preparation, so compare with the Harvard Health Glycemic Index Reference and the University of Sydney GI database.
- Dietary guidelines context from the HHS/USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 , the federal evidence-based nutrition guidance.
Authoritative nutrition data sources:
- USDA FoodData Central, comprehensive food composition database
- FDA Nutrition Facts Label rules, % Daily Value methodology
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, vitamin and mineral research
- CDC Nutrition, Public Health Guidance, chronic disease and diet
- HHS/USDA Dietary Guidelines 2020–2025, federal nutrition recommendations
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, The Nutrition Source, evidence-based dietary guidance
Nutrition Disclaimer: Calorie and nutrient values are generally based on USDA reference data and may vary by brand, preparation method, ripeness, and cooking technique. These values are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized dietary advice from a registered dietitian. Individuals with medical conditions should consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.
Reviewed by Priya Lindqvist · Last updated September 17, 2026 · Values may not reflect the newest USDA FoodData Central release
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Couscous (Cooked) high in protein?
Couscous (Cooked) has 3.8g protein per 100g, which is 8% of the 50g FDA Daily Value. 1/2 cup cooked (79g) supplies about 3.0g, or 6% DV. Under the FDA label guide (20% DV or more per serving is high, 5% or less is low), that serving counts as a moderate protein contribution.
How many calories are in Couscous (Cooked)?
Couscous (Cooked) contains 112 calories per 100g serving. Using general 4-4-9 calorie factors, that is roughly 15 calories from protein, 93 calories from carbohydrates, and 2 calories from fat; these estimates may not add up exactly to the listed total.
Is Couscous (Cooked) good for weight loss?
Couscous (Cooked) can be part of a weight loss diet with 112 calories per 100g. Monitor portion sizes and balance it with other low-calorie foods throughout the day.
How much protein is in Couscous (Cooked)?
Couscous (Cooked) contains 3.8g of protein per 100g. This is a relatively low protein food; consider pairing it with higher protein sources.
What serving size should I track for Couscous (Cooked)?
Track Couscous (Cooked) by grams when precision matters. A practical starting point is 1/2 cup cooked (79g), which is about 88 calories. For packaged, restaurant, fried, sauced, or sweetened versions, use the product label because brand formulas can differ from the plain reference.
Is Couscous (Cooked) keto-friendly?
Couscous (Cooked) is not ideal for strict keto diets due to its 23.2g of carbohydrates per 100g. Small portions may fit if your daily carb limit allows.
Is Couscous (Cooked) good for diabetics?
People with diabetes should use caution with Couscous (Cooked), which has a listed glycemic index of 65. Its carbohydrate content may affect blood sugar response depending on portion size and meal context. Consult your healthcare provider for personal advice.
What vitamins and minerals are in Couscous (Cooked)?
Calorique's food profile lists vitamins B1, B3, B9 and minerals including Selenium, Phosphorus, Manganese for Couscous (Cooked). These are general highlights, not measured amounts or a "good source" rating; check USDA FoodData Central or the product label for exact micronutrient values.
Where does Calorique get nutrition data for Couscous (Cooked)?
Calorique standardizes Couscous (Cooked) nutrition values per 100g using USDA FoodData Central reference fields where available, then scales the data into realistic serving sizes. FDA Nutrition Facts methodology and authoritative nutrition references are used for context. This page was last reviewed September 17, 2026.
Related Calculators
Farro (Cooked)
120 cal · 5g protein per 100g
Amaranth (Cooked)
102 cal · 3.8g protein per 100g
Spelt (Cooked)
127 cal · 5.5g protein per 100g
Sorghum (Cooked)
120 cal · 4g protein per 100g
Cornmeal
362 cal · 8.1g protein per 100g
Wild Rice (Cooked)
101 cal · 4g protein per 100g
Teff (Cooked)
101 cal · 3.9g protein per 100g
Kamut (Khorasan Wheat, Cooked)
124 cal · 5.4g protein per 100g