Couscous and your kidneys
Potassium, phosphorus, protein and salt in couscous, per 100 grams and per portion, and what it means when you have kidney disease. The figures come from the Norwegian food composition table.
Is couscous good for your kidneys?
Yes, as far as potassium goes: 85 mg per 100 grams is little potassium. Per portion (190 grams) you get around 160 mg of potassium and 170 mg of phosphorus.
Per 100 grams
- Potassium
- 85 mgLow potassium
- Phosphorus
- 88 mg
- Protein
- 4.5 g
- Salt
- 0.4 gMedium salt
Per portion
| Portion | Potassium (mg) | Phosphorus (mg) | Protein (g) | Salt (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portion (190 g) | 160 | 170 | 8.5 | 0.8 |
How much potassium is in couscous?
Couscous: 85 mg of potassium per 100 grams, which is low by Metodebok's grouping: under 150 mg per 100 grams is low, 150 to 300 mg medium, and over 300 mg high. What you eat is the portion, so see the numbers per portion above.
How much phosphorus is in couscous?
Couscous: 88 mg of phosphorus per 100 grams. Phosphorus from plants is absorbed less than phosphorus from meat, milk and additives. Phosphate added to processed food (E338 to E341, E450 to E452) is absorbed almost completely and is not in the table, so check the ingredient list.
What does this mean for you?
How much potassium, phosphorus and protein you should eat depends on your blood tests, your stage and whether you are on dialysis. Many people with kidney disease do not need to limit potassium at all. Do not cut out fruit and vegetables unless your doctor or a clinical dietitian has asked you to.
Salt applies to everyone with kidney disease: under 5 grams a day helps blood pressure and the kidneys.
Compared with other bread, cereals, rice and pasta
All figures per 100 grams. Tap a food to see it.
Bread, cereals, rice and pasta (11)
| Food | Potassium (mg) | Phosphorus (mg) | Protein (g) | Salt (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Couscous | 85, low potassium | 88 | 4.5 | 0.4 |
| Boiled rice | 14, low potassium | 33 | 3 | 0 |
| Boiled brown rice | 53, low potassium | 91 | 3 | 0 |
| Wholegrain pasta | 92, low potassium | 113 | 4.5 | 0.5 |
| Oats | 413, high potassium | 438 | 14.1 | 0 |
| Porridge with milk | 194, medium potassium | 151 | 4.8 | 0.8 |
| Wholemeal bread | 226, medium potassium | 171 | 9.3 | 1.1 |
| White bread | 149, low potassium | 96 | 8.5 | 1.1 |
| Crispbread | 520, high potassium | 570 | 17 | 1.5 |
| White roll | 158, medium potassium | 101 | 9.2 | 0.7 |
| Tortilla wrap | 150, medium potassium | 156 | 8.5 | 1.8 |
Source: the Norwegian Food Composition Table 2026 (Matvaretabellen), from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, the Directorate of Health and the University of Oslo. The potassium levels follow Metodebok. Salt is calculated from sodium (1 gram of sodium is 2.5 grams of salt).
Read more
Scan food in the shop
In the Nyrami app you scan the barcode and see potassium, phosphorus and salt assessed for you, for your stage and your numbers. Free on iPhone and Android.