Maghrebi Merguez Sausage
Quick answer
A medium portion of Maghrebi Merguez Sausage (80 g) contains 248 kcal, with 1.2 g of net carbohydrates and 13.6 g of protein.
- Carbs1.4 g2.3%
- Protein13.6 g22%
- Fat20.8 g75.7%
- Fibre0.2 g
Percentages of total energy (calories)
The pride of Tunisian, Algerian and Moroccan cooking, found on street corners across France and Europe! Merguez is traditionally made from lamb and beef, and its secret is harissa and aromatic spices: cumin, coriander, fennel seed and garlic. The capsaicin in chilli raises energy burning slightly and briefly, but the effect is small and not enough on its own to lose weight. Unlike many commercial sausages filled with breadcrumbs and starch, traditional merguez is meat and spices, with very little carbohydrate, so the glycemic index does not apply, and it is great for grilling and low-carb salads. It is rich in fat and salt, though, so grill it until the fat runs off.
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Two grilled merguez (80 g, about 248 kcal).
Best preparation methods
Grill them over charcoal or in a ridged pan until the fat runs off, and serve with a Tunisian grilled salad (peppers, tomatoes and roasted garlic in olive oil) instead of bread.
Important Nutritional Note
The harissa can cause heartburn in people with reflux or a sensitive gut. Ingredient note: traditional merguez is lamb and beef, but some producers blend in fat or casings from another source, so read the ingredient list.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (80 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal | 248 kcal |
| Protein | 17 g | 13.6 g |
| Carbohydrate | 1.8 g | 1.4 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 1.5 g | 1.2 g |
| Fat | 26 g | 20.8 g |
| Dietary fibre | 0.3 g | 0.2 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
It provides 5.5 g of protein per 100 kcal, ranking 65 of 70 in Meat, fish & eggs (highest first).
Related foods from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is Maghrebi Merguez Sausage good for weight loss?
It can fit a balanced plan with portion control: a 80 g portion gives 248 kcal, and what matters most is your total daily intake and the rest of the meal.
How does Maghrebi Merguez Sausage affect blood sugar?
Maghrebi Merguez Sausage contains only 1.5 g of available carbohydrate per 100 g, so the glycemic index does not apply and its direct effect on blood sugar is minimal. The meal’s effect depends on what you eat with it, such as bread, rice or sweetened sauces.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Maghrebi Merguez Sausage?
A typical 80 g portion of Maghrebi Merguez Sausage provides about 248 kcal, 13.6 g protein, 1.4 g carbohydrate, 20.8 g fat and 0.2 g fibre.
Does merguez raise HbA1c?
Not on its own, as it has very little carbohydrate. It is a source of protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B12, but it is rich in fat and salt, so make it part of a balanced meal rather than a daily food.
How does merguez fit into a balanced low-carb plan?
Grill two merguez and serve them next to a plate of Tunisian grilled salad (peppers, tomatoes and roasted garlic in olive oil) without bread for a balanced Mediterranean dish.
Does merguez contain hidden starch or wheat flour?
Traditional butcher's merguez contains no flour at all, but some cheap commercial brands add starchy binders, so read the ingredient list, or scan the label with the boodi app.
Read also
References & Scientific Sources
- The glycemic index does not apply because this food has less than 5 g of available carbohydrate per 100 g, and a GI test requires 25 to 50 g of available carbohydrate, per: ISO 26642:2010. Food products — Determination of the glycaemic index (GI) and recommendation for food classification. International Organization for Standardization; 2010. www.iso.org/standard/43633.html
- Definition of available carbohydrate and glycemic load: FAO/WHO. Carbohydrates in human nutrition: report of a joint FAO/WHO expert consultation. FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 66. Rome; 1998. www.fao.org/4/w8079e/w8079e00.htm
Reviewed by Dr. Wassim Habib · Last reviewed 21 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.