Couscous vs Quinoa

2

Replies

  • pink_ribbon_1
    pink_ribbon_1 Posts: 46 Member

    This is interesting as quinoa is often pushed as a high protein food but this shows cous cous to be pretty similar. Being in the UK I tend to avoid quinoa because:

    a) it is expensive having travelled half way round the world from South America = poor carbon footprint etc.

    b) its the staple grain of the Bolivians and Peruvians and the increasing popularity of it among western countries has pushed up the prices so they can't afford to eat it in their own country anymore



    ^^^^Interesting angle to this debate. Thanks for sharing.
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    Just curious what everyone's thoughts are on these two foods. I saw couscous at the store today and noticed it was about half the price of quinoa. Seemed like it had pretty similar nutritional info.

    Any thoughts?

    I have never tried either, and I probably never will. Neither one sounds very yummy to me and I have never seen them at the store.
  • rumplesnat
    rumplesnat Posts: 372
    Quinoa = protein!
    Couscous = not.
  • vivibelle1
    vivibelle1 Posts: 3
    I hate that someone could ask a scientific question, yet get so many opinions in reply.

    Scientifically: Quinoa has 48% of your recommended protein and fiber for the day - as opposed to 12% protein and 8% fiber for cous cous.

    Point made.

    No extra words needed.
  • dayone987
    dayone987 Posts: 645 Member
    I hate that someone could ask a scientific question, yet get so many opinions in reply.

    Scientifically: Quinoa has 48% of your recommended protein and fiber for the day - as opposed to 12% protein and 8% fiber for cous cous.

    Point made.

    No extra words needed.

    One serving of quinoa (100 gms) has 4 grams of protein as does the equivalent amount of couscous. Quino does have 3 gm of fiber compared to1 gm in the couscous.

    Not sure how much quinoa you're eating, but for most people, one would have to eat a lot of it to get 48% of recommended amount of protein.
  • godswill206
    godswill206 Posts: 48
    Couscous is not a grain?Personally, I would only compare a grain with another grain. Quinoa is very expensive and the only way to lessen the price burden (and it is a burden at least for me) is to buy it in bulk.

    I look for protein and fiber percentages when comparing. I skip the couscous. Quinoa is a staple in my diet more so than brown rice. You may want to look check out millet too.
  • itsbasschick
    itsbasschick Posts: 1,584 Member
    i love quinoa - it has an awesome taste and texture and complete protein.

    couscous is made with wheat, so i'm allergic, but i didn't used to like it as much as i liked rice, quinoa, pasta and barley - barley was my favorite!
  • Ahrena
    Ahrena Posts: 44 Member
    Wow.

    I always thought couscous was super healthy. I bought some quinoa but yet to try it . Time to crack it out I guess!
  • myrtille87
    myrtille87 Posts: 122 Member
    I just inputted 100g of quinoa, 100g of couscous and 100g of bulgur wheat (all dry weight) into MFP to compare.

    Calories-wise they were pretty similar (368, 370, 376).

    Couscous and quinoa both had 13g protein whereas bulgur whear only had 10.
    Couscous was higher in carbs and quinoa was higher in fat out of the 2.

    I really don't think there's that much in it. Quinoa may have the advantage of being a complete protein, but couscous DOES contain a fair bit of protein so those saying it has basically no nutritional value are wrong. You can also get wholewheat couscous (just like you can get wholewheat pasta) and that would probably be a bit better too.

    I'm a bit disappointed that bulgur whear doesn't have as much protein as couscous, because that's my personal favourite out of the 3. But I shall continue eating it nevertheless (and couscous regularly, and quinoa occasionally).

    None of them are terrible for you so eat whatever you prefer and what fits best in your budget.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,262 Member
    I prefer the taste of couscous, so there you go, couscous is the winner.
  • JtKeil
    JtKeil Posts: 1,389 Member
    Quinoa is delicious, couscous is not. Therefore quinoa wins.
  • xixshaiyaxix
    xixshaiyaxix Posts: 83 Member
    I agree that it depends on the recipe and how its prepared. I have only tasted Quinoa once but the way it was prepared made me literally spit it into my napkin (politely). I will have to try it out some day in a better recipe. I haven't tasted Couscous, but I understand it is a form of pasta.
  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    I've never got this idea that people seem to have that one food should provide an inordinate amount of nutrition. Unless you're only eating one food all the time (which most normal people don't) its a pretty silly argument. Eat a balanced diet and you'll get the nutrition you need. As for Quinoa or Couscous eat the one you like. Personally the texture of quinoa is rather disturbing to me so I don't normally eat it. Also I know how to pronounce couscous. Just don't over complicate things and get fixated on one food if you like it eat it
  • vivibelle1
    vivibelle1 Posts: 3
    All, I found my info by entering "couscous nutrition", and "quinoa nutrition" within the Google search engine.

    The answer comes up on the first page of results, within a large box on the right side of your screen.

    48g of protein and 48g of fiber in one cup.

    6g of protein and 2.2g of fiber in one cup.

    Of course, this is one cup of uncooked quinoa, and one cup of cooked couscous, which may skew the stats a bit.

    Still, quinoa has a much larger percentage of protein, fiber, potassium, iron, B-6, and magnesium than couscous.

    Nutrition Facts
    Quinoa, uncooked
    Amount Per 1 cup (170 g)
    Calories 625
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 10 g 15%
    Saturated fat 1.2 g 6%
    Polyunsaturated fat 6 g
    Monounsaturated fat 2.7 g
    Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
    Sodium 9 mg 0%
    Potassium 957 mg 27%
    Total Carbohydrate 109 g 36%
    Dietary fiber 12 g 48%
    Protein 24 g 48%
    Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0%
    Calcium 8% Iron 43%
    Vitamin D 0% Vitamin B-6 40%
    Vitamin B-12 0% Magnesium 83%

    Nutrition Facts
    Couscous
    Amount Per 1 cup, cooked (157 g)
    Calories 176
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 0.2 g 0%
    Saturated fat 0 g 0%
    Polyunsaturated fat 0.1 g
    Monounsaturated fat 0 g
    Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
    Sodium 8 mg 0%
    Potassium 91 mg 2%
    Total Carbohydrate 36 g 12%
    Dietary fiber 2.2 g 8%
    Sugar 0.2 g
    Protein 6 g 12%
    Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0%
    Calcium 1% Iron 3%
    Vitamin D 0% Vitamin B-6 5%
    Vitamin B-12 0% Magnesium 3%
  • dayone987
    dayone987 Posts: 645 Member
    All, I found my info by entering "couscous nutrition", and "quinoa nutrition" within the Google search engine.

    The answer comes up on the first page of results, within a large box on the right side of your screen.

    48g of protein and 48g of fiber in one cup.

    6g of protein and 2.2g of fiber in one cup.

    Of course, this is one cup of uncooked quinoa, and one cup of cooked couscous, which may skew the stats a bit.

    Still, quinoa has a much larger percentage of protein, fiber, potassium, iron, B-6, and magnesium than couscous.

    Nutrition Facts
    Quinoa, uncooked
    Amount Per 1 cup (170 g)
    Calories 625
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 10 g 15%
    Saturated fat 1.2 g 6%
    Polyunsaturated fat 6 g
    Monounsaturated fat 2.7 g
    Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
    Sodium 9 mg 0%
    Potassium 957 mg 27%
    Total Carbohydrate 109 g 36%
    Dietary fiber 12 g 48%
    Protein 24 g 48%
    Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0%
    Calcium 8% Iron 43%
    Vitamin D 0% Vitamin B-6 40%
    Vitamin B-12 0% Magnesium 83%

    Nutrition Facts
    Couscous
    Amount Per 1 cup, cooked (157 g)
    Calories 176
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 0.2 g 0%
    Saturated fat 0 g 0%
    Polyunsaturated fat 0.1 g
    Monounsaturated fat 0 g
    Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
    Sodium 8 mg 0%
    Potassium 91 mg 2%
    Total Carbohydrate 36 g 12%
    Dietary fiber 2.2 g 8%
    Sugar 0.2 g
    Protein 6 g 12%
    Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0%
    Calcium 1% Iron 3%
    Vitamin D 0% Vitamin B-6 5%
    Vitamin B-12 0% Magnesium 3%

    The cooked vs uncooked skews the stats more than a "bit"

    When you compare cooked with cooked, the protein is about the same.
  • vivibelle1
    vivibelle1 Posts: 3
    Untrue. Even if couscous were to expand at twice its size from uncooked to cooked, the nutritional value of quinoa would still be twice that of couscous.
  • melimomTARDIS
    melimomTARDIS Posts: 1,941 Member
    Quinoa has the worst texture...it's just not good to me. Expensive too.

    I like white rice, especially uncle bens converted or Carolina gold. Yay resistant starches!
  • ursula130
    ursula130 Posts: 47 Member
    both! depends on what you cook either one is just fine, especially if they are nutritionally similar. great replacement for when rice becomes boring.
  • littlelily613
    littlelily613 Posts: 769 Member
    Quinoa is definitely the healthier option since couscous is a type of wheat pasta (usually white unless you specifically get whole wheat). Personally I HATE the texture of couscous, though I might like Israeli couscous which is bigger...haven't tried that one before.
  • RaspberryKeytoneBoondoggle
    RaspberryKeytoneBoondoggle Posts: 1,349 Member
    Eat both or just eat couscous. They do have the similar macros. What matters most is that you meet your macro and calorie goals, and nothing else. If you enjoy couscous then this is the BEST choice for you because you are more likely to stick to your plan. It makes no sense at all to eat quinoa if you don't like it or think it's too expensive.
  • RaspberryKeytoneBoondoggle
    RaspberryKeytoneBoondoggle Posts: 1,349 Member
    Quinoa is a complete protein (Google it if you don't know what that means), which is hard to come by if you don't eat much on the way of animal products. Far superior to couscous, which as already stated is just tiny balls of pasta.

    So, if your diet is replete with complete proteins, eat what you prefer: cous cous.

    I, personally, eat meat once or twice a year, and less dairy than the average person. I love quinoa, so in my case, quinoa is a good choice for me.
  • Jelaan
    Jelaan Posts: 815 Member
    I love quinoa. We eat the white, red and black quinoa, a blend of all three in a salad looks really pretty. I like the fact that you can eat it hot or cold, or for breakfast instead of oatmeal. I eat very little meat so it is a good way to up my protein. For those who haven't tried it just be sure to rinse it really well before using it, it improves the smell and taste. Now if I could just convince the kids that it is yummy lol. For the person who hadn't tried Israeli couscous, it is delicious and has a very different texture to regular couscous.
  • FredDoyle
    FredDoyle Posts: 2,272 Member
    Just a note. Quinoa is not a grain. It's the seed of a chenopod plant in the goosefoot family.
    I believe it's the only seed that has all the essential amino acids.
  • sarahsedai
    sarahsedai Posts: 273 Member
    4021242-5893926616-BH8VO_zps87a63985.jpg
  • shireeniebeanie
    shireeniebeanie Posts: 293 Member
    Untrue. Even if couscous were to expand at twice its size from uncooked to cooked, the nutritional value of quinoa would still be twice that of couscous.

    Quinoa expands to roughly quadruple its size when cooked. The only fair comparison between the two would be when dry, with no variance for cooking method.
  • krmsotherhalf68
    krmsotherhalf68 Posts: 122 Member
    Couscous is a pasta product just like macaroni or spaghetti, just really small and round. Quinoa is a whole grain. The quinoa is great to add to a vegan/vegetarian meal because it's high in protein. I use quinoa as a side dish or as a main dish when I want a meatless meal.

    Although quinoa can be more costly than couscous, the added protein is worth the price to me. That being said, they do have whole grain versions of couscous that add a bit more nutrition to the diet, but it cannot compare to quinoa where protein is concerned.
  • PrizePopple
    PrizePopple Posts: 3,133 Member
    I like both. DH and the kids are not fans of quinoa so much though.

    This thread made me get some homemade chicken stock from the freezer to make quinoa for lunch though! :laugh:
  • Curtruns
    Curtruns Posts: 510 Member
    I like quinoa, I like couscous, I like rice, I like pasta, I like potatoes, I like steel cut oats, I like crushed oats, I like bread....etc etc etc. :smile: I enjoy food and vary my diet so I don't get bored with any one thing. At the end of the week, I have usually met my macro needs regardless of how I did on any given day. Point is, quit looking for the "ideal" food and try the vast variety of food that is provided to you by the wonders of modern transportation!

    The difference between what I will eat and what I won't eat is three days!!!:laugh:
  • Fit_Happens_2021
    Fit_Happens_2021 Posts: 303 Member
    edited October 2014
    Here's what I find confusing in this discussion - an earlier post mentioned that couscous being pasta will turn to sugar fast in your stomach, but quinoa being a plant won't, and yet when I look up the nutritional data for 1 cup of cooked couscous and one cup of cooked quinoa they both have the same glycemic load of 18.

    - The first link is for couscous, and second one is quinoa.
    Can anyone explain this? I have been trying to learn about glycemic load recently.

    - nutritiondata.self.com/facts/cereal-grains-and-pasta/5699/2
    - nutritiondata.self.com/facts/cereal-grains-and-pasta/10352/2
  • SpockAdventures
    SpockAdventures Posts: 103 Member
    Quinoa is all protein - not a starch. Couscous is all starch. If you are watching your carbs, go with quinoa. It gives you the satisfaction of rice or couscous, but none of the carbs!

Categories