Rethinking Keto Couscous: Essential Alternatives for a Carb-Smart Diet

Couscous is far from keto since all varieties and preparation methods are carb heavy — so try this couscous cauliflower recipe instead.¹ Our couscous alternative recipe uses cauliflower instead and it pairs well with many dishes, can be seasoned or garnished with a multitude of flavors and spices, and is absolutely delicious when prepared correctly.

And if cauliflower isn’t your thing, we’ll also provide alternatives that work just as well.

Can You Eat Couscous on Keto If You’re Careful?

Though often categorized as a grain, couscous is actually a type of pasta that’s made from semolina or durum wheat flour. Unfortunately, whether made traditionally Mediterranean, using the Israeli or Moroccan variety, or any other type of couscous, the answer to whether couscous is keto is no— even in small amounts, this pasta is far too high in carbs to be considered a keto diet.

Since couscous and quinoa are often used similarly, someone curious about quinoa’s impact on weight loss might be surprised that both quinoa and couscous have health benefits and can aid in weight loss, but they aren’t suitable for the keto diet due to their high carb content, which could easily bump someone out of ketosis with less than a cup.

Source: Mariha-kitchen via Canva.com²

In regards to ketosis, the effect of the ketogenic diet on neurological disorders is quite impressive, as following the rules of keto may either lessen the impacts of neurological disorders such as depression, epilepsy, and migraines or could even help prevent them altogether. This also holds true for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, so the keto diet is suggested as a helpful tool or as part of one’s treatment plan.³

Further research done on the relationship between the ketogenic diet and treatment of neurological disease supported the first study’s findings, concluding that adhering to daily keto carb limits and eating habits promotes greater brain health and healing in epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, migraines, multiple sclerosis, and other such diseases.⁴

The Amount of Carbs in Couscous

While not all weight loss diets emphasize carb content, the keto diet guidelines recommend limiting net carbs to 20 to 50 grams per day to maintain ketosis. Though we have noted that couscous is not a grain, it is often mistaken for one–unfortunately there are not any true keto grains aside from popcorn perhaps, as even the lowest carb grains like quinoa can still kick someone out of ketosis in just a half cup serving.

Although couscous is made from small round pellets of processed semolina or durum wheat flour, it undergoes minimal processing in comparison to many other foods; instead, the amount of carbs in couscous are where we run into issues for keto. Just half of a cup of couscous holds 17 grams of net carbs.

Nutritional Information for Couscous

An assessment done on the nutritional properties of couscous studied 6 different types of couscous (their control version, white, honey, smooth, organic, and algaessense varieties) and results showed that even smooth couscous–the lowest carb variety studied–still had about 43 grams of carbs per 100 gram serving, making it all the more clear that couscous is far from being keto friendly.⁵

Now that we have covered that the high level of carbohydrates in couscous means it is not allowed on keto, we will still go over the nutritional information and macros for those on other weight loss diets or eating plans who may be more able to indulge in couscous as a side or main dish.

Although couscous may not offer as much nutritional value as certain other pastas or pasta substitutes, individuals feeling discouraged by the thought that they will never lose weight might find it beneficial to include couscous in their diet. This pasta from North Africa has high levels of selenium–a mineral high in antioxidants that can reduce inflammation, lower the risk of both heart disease and cancer, boost thyroid health, and promote a healthy immune system.

Couscous also has a considerable amount of protein and fiber, as well as vitamins and nutrients such as iron, vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium. This pasta can help reduce cholesterol, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the body, ultimately decreasing the chance of cardiovascular disease.

Low Carb Couscous Cauliflower Recipe (Homemade Couscous Keto Substitute)

Since included under the umbrella of high carb pasta varieties is couscous, keto substitutions sometimes need to be made on this diet to lower carb counts and make sure that ketosis will not be broken. Fortunately, many high-carb foods have low-carb, keto-friendly alternatives that can help you achieve your dietary goals and weight loss solutions, often found in similar flavors or textures with a bit of time and effort.

Photo by Sandie Clarke on Unsplash⁶

Without any low carb keto couscous varieties, we have found that an amazing couscous keto substitute is cauliflower–with a subtle taste and a few seasonings, cauliflower can be prepared similarly to couscous, has a relatively comparable texture, and is great for when you are craving this pasta but can’t accommodate the carb content.

We’ve created a homemade low carb couscous recipe with cauliflower for anyone who would like to try it. This couscous alternative is the perfect combination of savory, fresh, and filling and is low in calories, so those on other types of diets could enjoy this recipe too.

Cauliflower has a significant fiber content–as do most cruciferous vegetables–which promotes healthy digestion, and is high in B-vitamins and cancer-fighting antioxidants. This vegetable also has choline–an essential nutrient that aids in memory retention, muscle health and function, and regulating one’s mood.

With so many great health benefits, let’s get into this delicious cauliflower couscous recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Cauliflower
• ½ Cup Cucumber
• 1 Tbsp Coconut Oil
• 1 Tsp Minced Garlic
• 1 Tsp Paprika
• 1 Tsp Parsley
• ½ Tsp Onion Powder
• ½ Tsp Chili Powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Serving Size: 1 Cup

Yields: 3 Servings

• 64 Calories Per Serving
• 3.6g Net Carbs
• 4.3g Fat
• 1.9g Protein

Instructions:

Step 1: Heat coconut oil in a frying pan on low with paprika, onion powder and chili powder.

Step 2: While the oil and seasonings are warming, cut or break apart cauliflower florets into small pieces, then pulse in a blender or food processor until in small couscous sized pieces (be cautious not to over do this step–stop when the pieces are small, not mashed potato consistency).

Step 3: Move the cauliflower from the blender or food processor to the same pan as the aromatic oil is warming in.

Step 4: Increase to medium heat and stir occasionally until the cauliflower pieces become softer and are no longer crunchy; should be warmed thoroughly and the oil and spices absorbed by the cauliflower.

Step 5: Remove from heat, dump into a medium-sized bowl, and add cucumber, minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Stir well to combine all ingredients properly; enjoy or refrigerate until chilled if preferred.

Tip: Pairs well with pork chops, roasted chicken, or beef; can include additional optional ingredients of tomato, eggplant, bell peppers, olives, sweet potato, or feta cheese for added flavor or variety–just be sure to count all carbs.

Keto Couscous Garnishings, Spices & Flavorings

Now that we know the answer to whether couscous is keto, but that there are alternatives and low carb substitutes that can be used to replicate the texture and flavor, let’s cover some of the best couscous spices, seasonings, and garnishes to ensure your dish is never bland.

Try combining a few of these spices and vegetables at a time or switch up flavorings each time you make couscous alternatives to see what you like best.

• Avocado
• Basil
• Bell Pepper
• Black Pepper
• Butter
• Carrots
• Cayenne
• Celery
• Chickpeas
• Chili Powder
• Cucumber
• Dill
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Lemon
• Lime
• Mustard Seed
• Onion
• Onion Powder
• Oregano
• Paprika
• Parsley
• Peas
• Salt
• Thyme
• Zucchini

What Are the Best Low-Carb Couscous Alternatives?

Though couscous is not keto friendly, it is important to find alternatives for this and other high carb foods to ensure ketosis is maintained and to reap the full benefits of sticking to keto diet guidelines. The health benefits and weight loss that can come from sticking to keto diet is worth the effort of finding low carb alternatives to non-keto foods and drinks.

Furthermore, the effect of keto on cancer and cardiovascular disease is impressive and persuasive all on its own; research has shown that a low carb, high fat and protein diet may suppress oxidation and inflammation, reducing the likelihood or risk level of developing cancer or cardiovascular disease.

Ketosis seems to reduce several shared risk factors between these two medical conditions including dyslipidemia (lipid imbalance), hypertension, and obesity. Since this connection has only been studied in short term assessments, the long term efficacy is still debatable but does appear promising.⁷

With the potential health benefits of the ketogenic diet being abundantly clear, let’s take a look at a few of the best low carb couscous alternatives aside from cauliflower that are good for keto and that can be used for sides, snacks, or even the main course.

Shirataki Noodles or Rice: Shirataki or “miracle noodles” are made from konjac flour and are a similar texture to couscous; with a very neutral taste, these noodles have zero net carbs, are keto approved, and pair well with anything since they take on the flavors of the other ingredients or seasonings.

• Serving Size: 150g
• Calories: 5
• Total Carbs: 2g
• Net Carbs: 0g
• Fiber: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Hearts of Palm Noodles: Made from the inner bud of certain species of palm trees, hearts of palm are very keto friendly and have a mild flavor. Though they come in various noodle types and lengths, these noodles can easily be cut down to better replicate couscous balls.

• Serving Size: 95g
• Calories: 25
• Total Carbs: 4g
• Net Carbs: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 1g

Zucchini Noodles: Zucchini noodles–or other vegetable noodles such as carrots or squash–can be easily made into noodles with a julienne peeler or spiralizer and offer plenty of health benefits and fiber, not to mention being fit for keto. Though zoodles or other veggie noodles may be a little more flavorful, they can certainly still go well with several dishes and flavorings.

• Serving Size: 85g
• Calories: 15
• Total Carbs: 3g
• Net Carbs: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 1g

Photo by Daniela on Unsplash⁸

Though we have established that one of the higher carb pastas that’s unsuitable for the keto diet is couscous, keto friendly alternatives can be substituted in, or you can create your own low carb recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions