Written by CalorieData Nutrition TeamReviewed by a Registered DietitianLast Updated: March 2026

Burrito vs Couscous: Nutrition Comparison

Which is healthier? Compare calories, protein, carbs, and more

Complete side-by-side nutrition comparison per 100g serving | Updated 2026

Which is Healthier?

Couscous is generally healthier

Couscous comes out ahead in this comparison, winning in 3 out of 5 key nutritional categories. It has fewer calories (112 vs 340), less sugar (0.1g vs 5g), less sodium (5mg vs 700mg)making it the better choice for most health goals.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Couscous

112 kcal

More Protein

Burrito

12g

More Fiber

Burrito

7g

Less Sugar

Couscous

0.1g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Burrito
340
Couscous
112
Proteinper 100g
Burrito
12g
Couscous
3.8g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Burrito
52g
Couscous
23g
Fatper 100g
Burrito
10g
Couscous
0.2g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientBurritoCouscousDifference
Calories340kcal112kcal+228.0kcal
Protein12g3.8g+8.2g
Carbohydrates52g23g+29.0g
Fat10g0.2g+9.8g
Fiber7g1.4g+5.6g
Sugar5g0.1g+4.9g
Sodium700mg5mg+695.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

All values above are per 100g. Here's how they compare in common serving sizes:

Burrito

Per 100g:340 calories
Per cup (150g):510 calories
Per serving (85g):289 calories

Couscous

Per 100g:112 calories
Per cup (150g):168 calories
Per serving (85g):95 calories

Diet Compatibility

Burrito

No specific diet tags

Couscous

VeganVegetarianLow-Sodium

When to Choose Burrito

  • Higher in protein (12g vs 3.8g)
  • More fiber (7g vs 1.4g)

Common Uses

Quick mealsDining outSocial eatingConvenience
View full Burrito nutrition →

When to Choose Couscous

  • Lower in calories (112 vs 340)
  • Lower in carbs (23g vs 52g)
  • Less sugar (0.1g vs 5g)
  • Lower sodium (5mg vs 700mg)

Common Uses

Side dishesBreakfastMeal baseEnergy food
View full Couscous nutrition →

Burrito vs Couscous: Nutritional Analysis

Burrito is more calorie-dense at 340 calories per 100g compared to 112 for Couscous, a difference of 228 calories. On the protein front, Burrito delivers more with 12g per 100g versus 3.8g, which matters for muscle maintenance, satiety, and overall metabolic health. These differences become meaningful when you consider how each food fits into your daily dietary pattern rather than looking at any single nutrient in isolation.

Macronutrient Breakdown

The macronutrient profiles of Burrito and Couscous tell different nutritional stories. Burrito provides 52g of carbohydrates, 10g of fat, and 7g of fiber per 100g, while Couscous contains 23g carbs, 0.2g fat, and 1.4g fiber. The higher fiber content in Burrito supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar after meals, and contributes to longer-lasting satiety. Sugar content also differs: Burrito contains 5g while Couscous has 0.1g per 100g. Lower sugar options are generally preferable for blood sugar management and dental health.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Couscous is the lower-calorie choice at 112 cal/100g, making it more suitable for calorie-controlled diets.
  • For muscle building: Burrito provides more protein (12g/100g), supporting muscle repair and growth.
  • For sustained energy: Burrito offers more fiber (7g/100g), which slows digestion and provides steadier energy release.
  • Overall: Neither food is universally "better" than the other. The right choice depends on your specific nutritional goals, meal context, and dietary preferences. Both can play a role in a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has more calories, Burrito or Couscous?

Burrito has more calories with 340 kcal per 100g, compared to Couscous with 112 kcal. That's a difference of 228 calories per 100g serving.

Is Burrito healthier than Couscous?

Based on our nutritional analysis, Couscous is generally the healthier choice, winning in 3 out of 5 key nutritional categories. Couscous has 112 calories, 3.8g protein, and 1.4g fiber per 100g. However, the best choice depends on your specific dietary goals.

What is the protein difference between Burrito and Couscous?

Burrito has more protein with 12g per 100g, compared to Couscous with 3.8g. Burrito provides 8.2g more protein per 100g serving.

Which is better for weight loss, Burrito or Couscous?

For weight loss, Couscous is the better choice with only 112 calories per 100g compared to 340 calories in Burrito. Burrito also offers 7g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.

Does Burrito or Couscous have fewer carbs?

Couscous has fewer carbs with 23g per 100g, compared to Burrito with 52g. If you're following a low-carb diet, Couscous is the better option with 29.0g fewer carbohydrates.

About Our Data

All nutrition data in this comparison is sourced from the USDA FoodData Central, the official food composition database maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Values are based on 100g servings for accurate comparison.

Health Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or dietary advice. Nutritional needs vary by individual. The best food choice depends on your personal health goals, dietary requirements, and preferences. Consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance.