What is the difference between Quinoa vs. Couscous?

Here are the key differences between quinoa and couscous:

Protein Quality
Quinoa is a complete protein source, containing all 9 essential amino acids.
Couscous lacks some essential amino acids and is not considered a complete protein.

Fiber Content
Quinoa is higher in fiber, providing around 5g per cooked cup compared to 2g in couscous.
The higher fiber in quinoa promotes feelings of fullness and supports digestive health.

Gluten Content
Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Couscous contains gluten from the semolina wheat flour it is made from.

Micronutrient Profile
Quinoa is richer in micronutrients like iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc compared to couscous.
Couscous provides some vitamins and minerals but in lower quantities than quinoa.

Glycemic Index
Quinoa has a lower glycemic index (around 53) compared to couscous (around 65), meaning it has a slower impact on blood sugar levels.

While both quinoa and couscous are nutritious grains, quinoa stands out for its superior protein quality as a complete protein, higher fiber content, gluten-free status, richer micronutrient profile, and lower glycemic index compared to the wheat-based couscous.