Epic source
Energy
364 kcal · 18% DV target
A versatile North African staple made from rolled semolina, couscous offers a light, fluffy texture and serves as a neutral, energy-dense base for diverse culinary traditions.
Couscous is a starchy grain product that serves as a low-fat source of energy and is a staple carbohydrate in Mediterranean and North African dietary patterns .359
Whole-grain varieties of couscous are particularly recommended because they contain higher levels of fibre (which aids in waste removal) and B vitamins (which help the body release energy from food) .39
Combining couscous with legumes, such as chickpeas, is a long-standing cultural practice that provides a complementary amino acid profile, which is especially useful for meeting protein needs in vegetarian diets .11
While couscous is naturally low in fat, many pre-packaged or flavoured versions can be high in added salt and sugar, making plain varieties or those with lower-salt stocks a more controlled choice .347
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
364 kcal · 18% DV target
12.0 g · 24% DV target
79.2 g · 29% DV target
3.70 g · 13% DV target
0.79 g · Top 19% of grains & starches
0.28 mg · 23% DV target
Seasonality has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
Store dry in a cool, dark place
Applies to cooked couscous
Wheat-based products generally have a low environmental footprint compared to animal proteins and rice.
Despite its grain-like appearance and usage, couscous is technically a form of pasta, traditionally handmade by sprinkling durum wheat with water and rolling it into tiny pellets.