Best Parboiled Rice Brands 2024

Parboiled rice has become increasingly popular in recent years. This nutritious rice undergoes a steam-pressure process before milling that gelatinizes the starch in the grains. This changes the nutrition, texture, and color of the rice.

Parboiled rice has a light tan color and firmer, less sticky texture. It has a nuttier flavor and more nutrients than regular white rice. The parboiling process drives the vitamins and minerals from the bran into the grain, resulting in a more nutritious final product.

If you’re looking to incorporate more parboiled rice into your diet or cuisine, this complete buyers guide will cover everything you need to know. We’ll discuss the different types of parboiled rice, cooking methods, nutrition facts, storage tips, popular brands, pricing, and much more. Use this guide to become a knowledgeable shopper when adding parboiled rice to your pantry.

A Brief History of Parboiled Rice

Parboiling rice is an ancient process that likely originated in India thousands of years ago. The traditional method involved soaking paddy rice in water before hand pounding it to remove the husk. This helped drive nutrients into the grain.

Parboiling rice was industrialized in the early 20th century. The nutritious rice became popular across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Today, parboiled rice is produced commercially using pressure boilers before going through the milling process.

Parboiled rice now accounts for about 10% of all rice produced worldwide. Its growing popularity stems from its tasty firm texture, extended shelf life, and nutritional boost compared to white rice.

Benefits of Choosing Parboiled Rice

Here are some of the biggest benefits that set parboiled rice apart from regular white rice:

• More nutritious – Parboiling drives the vitamins and minerals from the bran into the rice grain. Parboiled rice contains more fiber, potassium, zinc, iron, and B vitamins than white rice.
• Lower glycemic index – The gelatinization of starch gives parboiled rice a lower glycemic index than other types of milled rice. This makes it preferable for diabetics.
• Firmer texture – Parboiled rice doesn’t get as mushy or sticky when cooked. The grains hold their shape better. This makes it great for rice salads or pilaf.
• Fluffier – The pre-cooking helps the rice grains achieve a lighter, fluffier texture after cooking. The grains separate easily.
• Nuttier flavor – Parboiled rice has a subtle nutty or toasted flavor from the steam process. It lacks the blendness of white rice.
• Extended shelf life – The parboiling process removes more moisture, allowing parboiled rice to keep for 1-2 years. White rice only lasts 6 months.

When choosing between white rice and parboiled rice, the extra nutrition and texture of parboiled rice makes it the clear winner. Keep reading to learn about the different varieties available.

Types of Parboiled Rice

There are many options when it comes to parboiled rice. The main differences come down to grain length, grain width, amount of milling, and whether it’s brown or white rice. Here are the basics:

Long Grain Parboiled Rice

• Elongated, narrow grains 4-5x longer than wide
• Light and fluffy texture
• Grains remain separate after cooking
• Works well in rice pilaf or stir fry dishes

Medium Grain Parboiled Rice

• About 2-3x as long as it is wide
• Moderate, light texture
• Grains are more moist and tender than long grain
• Good for entrees, sushi, risotto

Short Grain Parboiled Rice

• Almost round, plump grains
• Soft, clingy, moist texture
• Sticks together when cooked
• Best for sushi, Asian dishes, rice pudding

Brown Parboiled Rice

• Only outer hull removed
• Tan color, visible bran layers
• Very nutritious, high fiber
• Chewy texture, takes longer to cook

White Parboiled Rice

• Further milled to remove bran layers
• White color like regular white rice
• Fluffier, softer texture
• Less fiber than brown parboiled

For maximum nutrition, go with a brown parboiled rice. But white parboiled still retains more nutrients than regular white rice. The grain length affects the texture, so consider the dish you’re making.

Nutritional Value of Parboiled Rice

One of the key benefits of parboiled rice is its impressive nutritional profile. Here’s how it compares to white rice:

• 3x more fiber – A 1 cup serving contains 2 grams of fiber, while white rice has less than 1 gram. The bran layers contribute more insoluble fiber.
• Higher protein – Parboiled rice contains a few grams more protein per serving than white rice. Especially brown parboiled.
• More B vitamins – Parboiled rice offers higher amounts of B vitamins like niacin, thiamin and folate than white rice. The steam process helps retain more water-soluble vitamins.
• Greater minerals – Parboiled rice boasts more iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus than white rice. These minerals move from the bran into grain.
• Lower glycemic index – The gelatinization of starch gives parboiled rice a GI of 43 compared to white rice with a GI of 73. This helps control blood sugar.

Parboiled rice contains about 80% of the nutrients found in brown rice but with a lighter color and fluffier texture when cooked. This makes it preferable over white rice from a nutrition standpoint.

As a complex carbohydrate, parboiled rice can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. It provides an energy source with protective antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

How Parboiled Rice Tastes and Its Texture

The pre-cooking process changes both the flavor and texture of parboiled rice compared to other types:

• Firmer and less sticky – Parboiled rice grains have a firmer exterior that helps them maintain their shape. The starch changes make it less gummy or sticky.
• Fluffier – Despite being firmer, parboiled rice is also lighter and fluffier after cooking. The grains don’t clump together.
• More separating – The firm texture causes the grains to separate easily after cooking. This makes it ideal for rice salads or pilaf.
• Nuttier flavor – Parboiled rice has a subtle nutty or toasty flavor, while still being relatively bland. It lacks the flat taste of white rice.
• Less mushy – Overcooked parboiled rice becomes softer but still retains some chewiness. It rarely gets as mushy as white rice.
• Holds longer – The firmer texture makes parboiled rice hold its texture longer after cooking. It won’t turn to mush if sitting for a while.

The toothsome but fluffy texture and nuttier flavor make parboiled rice perfect if you find white rice too mushy or sticky. It’s great for fried rice as well as cold rice salads.

Follow the proper techniques when cooking parboiled rice to achieve the best flavored, fluffed texture.

How to Cook Parboiled Rice Perfectly

Cooking parboiled rice requires some different steps and ratios:

• Use more water – Parboiled rice needs up to 30% more water compared to white rice since less moisture penetrates the grains.
• Longer cook time – Expect cooking parboiled rice to take 15-20 minutes compared to 12-15 minutes for white rice. The firmer grains take longer to soften.
• No rinsing – Don’t rinse parboiled rice before cooking. The extra bran layers help absorb water. Rinsing removes starch needed for fluffiness.
• Allow absorption – After cooking parboiled rice, let it sit covered for 5 minutes off heat. This allows the grains to fully expand and absorb any leftover water.
• Separate grains – Use a fork to fluff and separate the rice after cooking for optimal texture.
• Reheat carefully – Parboiled rice can become drier and brittle when reheated. Add a little water or broth and use the microwave or steamer.

Following package instructions is the easiest cooking method. But adjusting the water and cook times can take some trial and error to perfect for your tastes.

Storing Parboiled Rice

With the right storage methods, parboiled rice will keep longer than white rice:

• Pantry storage – Store unopened parboiled rice in a cool, dry pantry away from light. An unopened package can be stored this way for 1-2 years.
• Opened package – Once opened, transfer parboiled rice to an airtight container. It will keep for 1 year in the pantry.
• Refrigeration – For longer shelf life, store opened parboiled rice in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 1.5 years chilled.
• Freezer – To extend its shelf life to 2-3 years, place parboiled rice in a sealed container or bag in the freezer.
• Signs of spoiled rice – Look for changes in color, an ammonia smell, or stickiness. Discard any rice over 2 years old.

Parboiled rice lasts about twice as long as white rice thanks to the parboiling process removing moisture. Keep it sealed and frozen for maximum freshness.

With its lengthy shelf life, stocking up on larger bags of parboiled rice when on sale can save you money. Check the expiration date before buying.

Dishes That Work Well with Parboiled Rice

The firm but fluffy texture of parboiled rice makes it preferable for certain dishes:

• Rice pilaf – Separate grains are ideal for rice pilaf. The texture holds up when mixed with vegetables, chicken, or other ingredients.
• Salads – Parboiled rice won’t turn mushy or sticky when chilled overnight for rice salads full of vegetables, seafood, or meat.
• Stir fries – Parboiled rice fries up light and fluffy. Its firmness resists turning mushy like white rice can.
• Fried rice – Day old parboiled rice achieves the best texture for fried rice. It fries up fluffy with a pleasant chew.
• Rice pudding – The plump soft grains work well soaked in milk for rice puddings, especially short grain varieties.
• Stuffings – Mix fluffed parboiled rice into stuffings for vegetables, meats, or mushrooms. It adds lightness and absorbs flavors.
• Risotto – Opt for a medium or short grain parboiled rice for creamy, rich risotto. The starch helps create a silky texture.

Parboiled rice brings the right taste and texture for pilaf, stir fry, salad, or pudding recipes calling for “cooked rice”. It usually stands up better than white rice.

Knowing which dishes suit parboiled rice best will ensure you use it to optimal effect in your cooking.

What to Look for When Buying Parboiled Rice

Keep the following tips in mind when selecting which parboiled rice to purchase:

• Reputable brand – Buy parboiled rice from a trusted, major brand for reliability. Check reviews if purchasing from a lesser known company.
• Store reputation – Shop at stores known for quick turnover to avoid old rice. Specialty grocers have fresher options.
• Certifications – Look for cGMP, gluten free or other certification seals to verify quality control standards were followed.
• Expiration dates – Check the best by or sell by date. Opt for parboiled rice with the furthest out date for maximum shelf life.
• Packaging – Avoid parboiled rice with torn or damaged packaging that could allow moisture or pests inside.
• Color and aroma – Quality parboiled rice has a light tan, golden color and smells fresh. Pass on musty or dull looking rice.

Taking a few moments to inspect parboiled rice packaging and expiration goes a long way to ensuring you get fresh, tasty grains. Buying in bulk when it’s on sale also saves money.

Price and Budget When Buying Parboiled Rice

Expect to pay a small premium for parboiled rice compared to regular white rice:

• More expensive – Parboiled rice costs $0.10 to $0.30 more per pound compared to white rice. Consumers pay for the extra processing.
• Buy larger bags – Opt for 5-20 pound bags of parboiled rice to lower the per pound price. Large restaurant sizes offer savings.
• Store brands – Look for house brand parboiled rice from stores like Walmart, Aldi or ShopRite that’s $1-2 cheaper per 5 lb bag.
• Coupons – Watch for coupons for larger parboiled rice bags. Combining with sales cuts the price significantly.
• Bulk bins – Purchase just what you need from bulk bins of parboiled rice at warehouse clubs or specialty stores to control portions.
• Online deals – Check for online only promotions or subscribe and save discounts for parboiled rice shipped to your door.

Getting the lower bulk pricing on parboiled rice helps offset the slightly higher cost per pound. Store brands, coupons or sales also make it more budget friendly.

Popular Brands of Parboiled Rice

Here are some of the top selling parboiled rice brands to look for in stores or online:

Minute Parboiled Rice – One of the most widely available and affordable parboiled rice options. Sold in instant or regular parboiled grains.

Goya Parboiled Rice – Large supplier of parboiled rice with long, medium and short grain choices. Prices competitive with other major brands.

RiceSelect – Specializes in parboiled Texmati and jasmine rices. Known for consistent quality and steam process.

365 Everyday Value Parboiled Rice – Budget friendly parboiled rice from Whole Foods. Gluten free and non-GMO certified.

Trader Joe’s Parboiled Rice – Their house brand medium grain parboiled California rice. Low prices for the grocery chain.

Carolina Parboiled Rice – Offers certified U.S. grown parboiled rice in white, brown, basmati, and jasmine.

Mahatma Parboiled Rice – The veteran brand provides long and medium grain parboiled rice options at reasonable cost.

Uncle Ben’s Parboiled Rice – Convenient microwaveable parboiled rice cups and boil-in-bag pouches from a classic brand.

Trying some of the top sellers is a good way to compare parboiled rices for the texture and flavor you prefer. Store brands also offer significant savings.

Conclusion

Parboiled rice boasts extra nutrition, a firmer texture, and nutty flavor compared to regular white rice. It comes in white and brown, long to short grain sizes. Parboiled rice takes a bit more water and time to cook to fluffy perfection but reheats well and makes terrific pilaf, fried rice, and salad.

When shopping, inspect parboiled rice bags for freshness, reputable brands, and certifications. Buying larger quantities or bags on sale helps offset the slightly higher price per pound. With proper storage away from air and light, parboiled rice keeps for 1-2 years.

Incorporating more parboiled rice into your meals in place of white rice provides texture and taste variety along with more vitamins, minerals and fiber. Follow this guide to pick the right parboiled rice and cook it to fluffy perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Parboiled Rice

What’s the difference between parboiled and instant rice?

Parboiled rice is partially cooked before being milled, which changes the starch content. Instant rice is fully cooked then dehydrated, allowing it to rehydrate faster when boiling water is added.

Is parboiled rice healthier than brown rice?

Brown rice retains more fiber and nutrients since the bran isn’t milled off. But parboiled rice absorbs more vitamins and minerals during steaming. For maximum nutrition, choose brown parboiled rice.

Is parboiled rice gluten-free?

Yes, parboiled rice does not contain any gluten. Look for certified gluten-free options if following a strict gluten-free diet, but rice is naturally free of gluten.

What dishes work best with parboiled rice?

The light, fluffy texture makes parboiled rice excellent for rice pilaf, stir fried rice, stuffed vegetables, rice salads and puddings. It stands up well in soups too.

How long does parboiled rice last compared to white rice?

Parboiled rice lasts 1-2 years stored properly compared to 6 months for white rice. Its lower moisture content from parboiling enables it to keep longer before going stale or rancid.