Can I Have Couscous On The Slimming World Plan? Is It High In Syns?

Couscous is an excellent side to have with a meal or as the main meal itself with some veggies and protein, but is this carb-syn-free on the slimming world plan?

Couscous is syn-free on the slimming world plan as long as it is made up of water, when oil or butter is added to this carb you will have to add syns in couscous.

Down below, we've gone into more detail about why couscous is syn free, syn free couscous brands, similar alternatives to couscous and a great SW recipe using it.

Why Is Couscous Syn Free?

Couscous is syn free on the slimming world plan as long as it is made up of water, making it a great carb to pair with meals such as chicken or ham. That being said, some couscous sachets such as Ainsley Harriott have syns, this is because they contain oil in order to keep grains separate in the sachet.

To keep homemade couscous syn free, avoid adding in ingredients such as butter or oil since these add lots of empty syns, for example, a tablespoon of olive oil can have up to 6 syns.

Syn Values Of Couscous Brands

Couscous has varying syns according to how it is prepared, homemade couscous is syn free, but store-bought brands can have syns.

To help you compare, we've listed some types down below.

• Cous Cous, Plain, Dried - Syn free.
• Asda Chosen By You coriander and lemon couscous 110g- 1.5 syns.
• Asda Chosen By You spicy herb couscous 110g- 1 syn.
• Ainsley Harriet wild mushroom couscous - 2.5 syns per pack.
• Batchelor's couscous deli box spicy chicken - 1.5 syns.
• Ainsley Harriet spice sensation couscous - 1 syn per pack.
• Ainsley Harriet lemon, mint and parsley couscous - 2.5 syns per pack.
• Co-op Mediterranean and tomato couscous - 1 syns per 110g.
• Mug shot couscous chicken and mushroom 70g - 2 syns.
• Mug shot couscous roasted veg and tomato 70g - 1 syn.
• Morrisons coriander and lemon couscous - 0.5 syns a serving.
• Sainsbury’s savoury couscous harissa flavour - 5.5 syns.
• Ainsley Harriet aromatic Thai couscous - 2 syns per pack.
• Sainsbury’s savoury couscous lemon and herb - 4.5 syns.
• Asda Chosen By You Morrocan style giant couscous 110g- SYN FREE.
• Waitrose tomato and onion couscous dried - 1 syn a serving.
• Batchelors couscous sun-dried tomato and garlic - 0.5 syns.

Low Syn Alternatives To Couscous

If you find couscous to be too high in syns, we have plenty of other low syn alternatives for you to check out below for an easy side.

• Rice cauliflower - Syn free.
• Quinoa - Syn free (prepared with plain water).
• Millet - Syn free.
• Sorghum - Syn free.
• Short rice - Syn free.

Our SW Recipe For Roasted Veg & Ham Couscous

Couscous is syn free on the slimming world plan as long as it is prepared with plain water, this makes it a great base for syn free meals, we've got great roasted veg and ham couscous recipe for you to check out below.

Ingredients

• One red pepper.
• 225g of butternut squash.
• One red onion.
• Cup of couscous.
• Cup of chicken stock.
• Six slices of ham.
• Seasoning.
• Half a cup of sweetcorn.
• Parsley.

Method

1. Start by heating your oven to gas mark six then spread your onion, butternut squash and peppers on a tray and season, roast for 30 minutes.
2. While the veg is roasting, put your couscous in a bowl then pour the stock on top and leave to soak for five minutes.
3. Fluff the couscous then add in the veggies, sweetcorn, ham and parsley.
4. Serve and enjoy!

Last Words

To conclude, couscous is syn free on the slimming world plan as long as it's made up of plain water instead of oil or butter. It should be noted that pre-packaged couscous types like Ainsley Harriott and Aldi do have syns however, starting from around 1.5 syns a serving.

You may also like our article on syns in semolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are syn values calculated?

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.

Do syn values change?

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.

How many syns should I have per day?

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.