Couscous always makes a quick and tasty meal and doesn’t require any preparation, the supermarket packets such as Ainsley Harriet are even more convenient as they have flavouring too, but this means you will also have to track their syns.
There is a huge range of couscous flavours from Ainsley Harriet, on average their syn values vary between 1-3 syns Per 100g so still make a great low syn addition to a meal if you are short on time.
Within our short guide below we will discuss whether or not couscous is syn free, the whole syn value list from the Ainsley Harriet couscous range as well as some low syn packaged couscous alternatives.
Most pre-packaged couscous like the ones from Ainsley Harriet has syns so it can be confusing to learn that normal couscous is syn free like rice. This is because the packaged couscous often has extra fat and oil already inside it from its flavourings which contributes to the extra syns.
Luckily, even though Ainsley Harriet Couscous packs do have syns they are still very little and won’t hurt your allowance for the day. To make your syn free couscous simply use boiling water and a stock cube for extra flavour, consider giving butter and oil a miss to reduce calories and syns.
As we mentioned above, Ainsley Harriet’s couscous range varies in syns according to the flavour that you purchase, so to help you out we have listed their popular packs and syn values below.
Ainsley Harriet is not the only brand of low syn pre-packaged couscous, you can also find a wide variety from other brands for a quick and healthy meal, we have listed a few of the popular ones with their syn values below.
To conclude Ainsley Harriet Couscous packs are not too high in syns if you are too short on time to make your syn free couscous, costing you only 1-3 syns depending on the flavour you have chosen. If your looking for lower syn couscous try and avoid ones with extensive flavouring and stick to plain, also be cautious about the butter or oil you are adding once prepared.
Syn values are calculated using a formula based on calories, saturated fat and sugar content per serving. They’re not the same as calories — a product can be low in calories but higher in syns if it’s high in sugar or fat. Always check the official Slimming World app for the most accurate and up-to-date syn values.
Yes. When manufacturers reformulate their products, the syn value can go up or down. This is why we recommend double-checking with the Slimming World app or your consultant, especially if a product’s packaging has changed recently.
Most Slimming World members work with 5 to 15 syns per day. Your consultant will advise on the right amount for you. The key is to use your syns on the things you enjoy most — whether that’s a chocolate bar, a glass of wine, or a packet of crisps.
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