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

Coffee 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?

Both foods have similar nutritional profiles

Both foods have similar nutritional profiles with each winning in different categories. Your choice should depend on your specific dietary goals and preferences. Coffee has 1 calories while Couscous has 112 calories per 100g.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Coffee

1 kcal

More Protein

Couscous

3.8g

More Fiber

Couscous

1.4g

Less Sugar

Coffee

0g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Coffee
1
Couscous
112
Proteinper 100g
Coffee
0.3g
Couscous
3.8g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Coffee
0.2g
Couscous
23g
Fatper 100g
Coffee
0g
Couscous
0.2g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientCoffeeCouscousDifference
Calories1kcal112kcal-111.0kcal
Protein0.3g3.8g-3.5g
Carbohydrates0.2g23g-22.8g
Fat0g0.2g-0.2g
Fiber0g1.4g-1.4g
Sugar0g0.1g-0.1g
Sodium5mg5mg0.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

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

Coffee

Per 100g:1 calories
Per cup (150g):2 calories
Per serving (85g):1 calories

Couscous

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

Diet Compatibility

Coffee

Low-CarbLow-CalorieVeganVegetarianLow-Sodium

Couscous

VeganVegetarianLow-Sodium

When to Choose Coffee

  • Lower in calories (1 vs 112)
  • Lower in carbs (0.2g vs 23g)
  • Less sugar (0g vs 0.1g)
  • Lower sodium (5mg vs 5mg)

Common Uses

HydrationMorning ritualSocial occasionsEnergy boost
View full Coffee nutrition →

When to Choose Couscous

  • Higher in protein (3.8g vs 0.3g)
  • More fiber (1.4g vs 0g)

Common Uses

Side dishesBreakfastMeal baseEnergy food
View full Couscous nutrition →

Coffee vs Couscous: Nutritional Analysis

Couscous is more calorie-dense at 112 calories per 100g compared to 1 for Coffee, a difference of 111 calories. On the protein front, Couscous delivers more with 3.8g per 100g versus 0.3g, 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 Coffee and Couscous tell different nutritional stories. Coffee provides 0.2g of carbohydrates, 0g of fat, and 0g of fiber per 100g, while Couscous contains 23g carbs, 0.2g fat, and 1.4g fiber. The higher fiber content in Couscous supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar after meals, and contributes to longer-lasting satiety. Sugar content also differs: Coffee contains 0g 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: Coffee is the lower-calorie choice at 1 cal/100g, making it more suitable for calorie-controlled diets.
  • For muscle building: Couscous provides more protein (3.8g/100g), supporting muscle repair and growth.
  • For sustained energy: Couscous offers more fiber (1.4g/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, Coffee or Couscous?

Couscous has more calories with 112 kcal per 100g, compared to Coffee with 1 kcal. That's a difference of 111 calories per 100g serving.

Is Coffee healthier than Couscous?

Coffee and Couscous have similar nutritional profiles, with each food winning in different categories. The healthier choice depends on your specific dietary goals and nutritional needs.

What is the protein difference between Coffee and Couscous?

Couscous has more protein with 3.8g per 100g, compared to Coffee with 0.3g. Couscous provides 3.5g more protein per 100g serving.

Which is better for weight loss, Coffee or Couscous?

For weight loss, Coffee is the better choice with only 1 calories per 100g compared to 112 calories in Couscous. Couscous also offers 1.4g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.

Does Coffee or Couscous have fewer carbs?

Coffee has fewer carbs with 0.2g per 100g, compared to Couscous with 23g. If you're following a low-carb diet, Coffee is the better option with 22.8g 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.