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Purple Couscous Calories

Rich in anthocyanins, fiber, colorful side dish

In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter

CALORIES · 100 G

120kcal

GI

60medium

POTASSIUM · 100 G

60mg

FIBER · 100 G

2.2g

Quick answer

1 cup (medium) of Purple Couscous (150 g) has 180 calories. That works out to 120 calories per 100 g. It contains 36.8 g of carbs, 5.6 g of protein, 0.6 g of fat and 3.3 g of fiber. Its 0.1 mg of Copper covers 13% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 60 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.

Purple Couscous Nutrition Facts

Selected: 1 cup (medium) · 150 g

180

KCAL / 150G

Carbs

36.8g

· 13% DV

Protein

5.6g

· 11% DV

Fat

0.6g

· 1% DV

Fiber

3.3g

· 12% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 84% · Protein 13% · Fat 3%

Purple Couscous nutrition facts table · 1 cup (medium) (150 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories180 kcal
Total fat0.6 g1%
Saturated fat0.11 g1%
Trans fat0 g
Sodium7.5 mg0%
Total carbohydrate36.8 g13%
Fiber3.3 g12%
Protein5.6 g11%

Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.

Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.

Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.

Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.

Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.

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How Many Calories in 1 Cup of Purple Couscous?

ServingAmountCalories
1 cup (medium)150 g180 kcal
1 piece (small)50 g60 kcal
½ cup (small)75 g90 kcal
100 g100 g120 kcal
1 piece (medium)100 g120 kcal
1 serving (medium)120 g144 kcal
1 piece (large)200 g240 kcal
1.5 cup (large)225 g270 kcal
2 cup (extra large)300 g360 kcal

Calculated from 120 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Purple Couscous

How do you cook purple couscous?

Cook purple couscous according to its package directions: fine couscous is often hydrated with hot water or stock, while larger pearls usually need simmering. Fluff it with a fork before serving to separate the grains.

What does purple couscous taste like?

Purple couscous usually has a mild, slightly nutty grain flavor, much like ordinary couscous; its purple ingredients may add a subtle earthy note. Pair it with herbs, citrus, or spiced vegetables to bring out its flavor.

What makes purple couscous purple?

Purple couscous gets its color from ingredients containing purple pigments, including anthocyanins. The exact source varies by product, so the color intensity and how well it holds during cooking can differ.

Is purple couscous the same as regular couscous?

Purple couscous is still couscous, but it includes purple-colored ingredients that contribute its distinctive hue and anthocyanins. Its grain size, texture, and cooking instructions can differ from a standard couscous, so check the package.

Can you use purple couscous in a salad?

Yes, purple couscous works well in a cold grain salad. Cook it, let it cool, then toss with chopped vegetables, fresh herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil; adding dressing while it is warm helps it absorb the flavors.

Does purple couscous lose its color when cooked?

It can become paler or tint the cooking liquid, depending on the ingredients that give it color. Use the cooking method on the package and avoid prolonged cooking if you want the finished couscous to look more vibrant.

Can purple couscous replace regular couscous?

Usually, yes: purple couscous can replace regular couscous as a side or salad base. The texture and cooking time may differ, so follow its own instructions rather than assuming the same amount of liquid or cooking time.

How should you store cooked purple couscous?

Keep cooked purple couscous in a covered container in the refrigerator and use it while it still smells and looks fresh. Cool it promptly after cooking rather than leaving it at room temperature for an extended period.

Can you freeze purple couscous?

Yes, cooked purple couscous can be frozen. Let it cool, divide it into airtight portions, and thaw it in the refrigerator; reheat until steaming, adding a little water if the grains seem dry.

Is purple couscous healthy?

Purple couscous provides fiber and anthocyanins, plant pigments found in purple foods. It can add variety to a meal, especially alongside vegetables and a protein source, but its benefits do not make it a substitute for a balanced diet.

Purple Couscous Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B5

0.45mg · 9% DV

B3

1.35mg · 8% DV

B1

0.09mg · 8% DV

Biotin

1.8µg · 6% DV

Minerals

Copper

0.12mg · 13% DV

Phosphorus

66mg · 9% DV

Manganese

0.2mg · 9% DV

Zinc

0.6mg · 5% DV

Potassium ⭐

90mg · 3% DV

Sodium

7.5mg · 0% DV

Purple Couscous Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

60
Medium
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

22.5
High

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Purple Couscous

To burn the 180 calories in 1 cup (medium) (150 g):

🚶

45min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

18min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

24min

Cycling

🏊

21min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

What is Purple Couscous?

Purple Couscous is a colourful variation on couscous, the tiny granules traditionally made from durum wheat semolina and associated with North African cooking. Its purple hue comes from anthocyanin-rich plant ingredients, making it a vivid alternative to plain couscous.

The grains are light and tender when steamed or soaked, and can turn mushy if overcooked. In North Africa, couscous is often served with vegetables and a richly flavoured stew; elsewhere, Purple Couscous also works well as a base for salads or as a side for roasted vegetables, fish or meat. It brings fibre and plant colour to a meal. For a lighter plate, toss it with plenty of vegetables, herbs and a little olive oil.

How Nutritious Is Purple Couscous?

Nutrient density

Medium

38/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

45/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Is Purple Couscous Processed?

NOVA 2

Minimally Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Purple Couscous Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes
Dairy free
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Purple Couscous Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Purple Couscous Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.11g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.08g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.21g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 10:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (10:1).

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.