7 Best Brown Rice Brands, According To Experts

Brown rice, the whole-grain form of white rice, holds a nutritional crown compared to its processed counterpart. Its popularity rests on a compelling list of benefits that go beyond just being healthy for you. Confused about where to start? StudyFinds scoured 11 expert sites to bring you the top seven best brown rice brands.

The Benefits of Eating Brown Rice:

Brown rice has a slightly higher nutrient content than white rice. StudyFinds’ in-house Registered Dietician Shyla Cadogan, brown rice is a whole grain and still has the wheat and germ intact, unlike white rice.

“Given that the bran is intact, there is slightly more fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Research also suggests that brown rice digests slower than white rice, having a positive impact on blood sugar stability,” writes Cadogan in a recent study.

Let’s dive into the reasons why brown rice deserves a starring role in your diet:

Nutritional powerhouse:

• Fiber fiesta: Brown rice is a champion of fiber, containing almost five times more than white rice. This dietary fiber keeps you feeling full longer, aids digestion, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Vitamin and mineral haven: Brown rice is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin B6, and manganese. These contribute to energy production, bone health, nervous system function, and antioxidant protection.
• Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Studies suggest that regular consumption of brown rice may lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers due to its fiber content and antioxidant properties.

While brown rice might take slightly longer to cook than white rice, the extra time is a worthy investment in your health and well-being. Remember, brown rice comes in different varieties, each with its unique texture and flavor. Experiment and find the one that suits your taste buds!

Overall, brown rice is not just a trendy health food fad; it’s a versatile, delicious, and nutrient-packed grain that deserves a regular spot on the dinner table. We’ve delved deep into 11 expert reviews to curate a list of the best brown rice brands for your crowd. Did we overlook a favorite of yours? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The List: Best Brown Rice Brands, According to Foodies

1. Nishiki Premium Brown Rice

Nishiki’s brand is great quality rice, but they don’t offer an organic option. Nishiki manages to make its rice firm, yet tender with a slight nutty flavor. When it comes to brown rice, this brand emerges as a top contender, praised for its affordability, distinctive quality, and versatility. Gessell Frisbee highlights its accessibility and convenience, available in large 15 lb. bags – perfect for pantry staples or frequent rice users.

But affordability isn’t its only strength. Six Storeys applauds its consistent quality and health benefits, solidifying its place amongst the best brown rice options.

Culinary versatility is another key aspect. Chef’s Pencil describes its nutty, rich flavor and adaptability to various dishes. Whether you seek sticky sushi rice or fluffy steamed grains, Nishiki delivers with simple adjustments to the cooking process.

2. Seeds of Change Organic Brown Basmati Rice

Seeds of Change is a super food foodie’s dream! They take it a step further by offering options with a flax seed and quinoa blend. If you’re looking for a versatile and convenient brown rice option, Seeds of Change might be your answer. Mashed highlights their focus on simple flavors like brown, jasmine, and basmati, perfect for rice purists. Plus, their innovative packaging allows for easy microwave heating or single-pan meals with protein, making them a time-saving option.

Beyond convenience, Seeds of Change offers authentic taste. Six Storeys describes their basmati rice as carrying the “distinctive aroma and nutty taste typical of basmati rice,” making it a delicious partner for flavorful curries and stews.

But the biggest perk might be their instant option. Sporked raves about the “sheer simplicity” of their microwaveable rice, praising its texture and flavor compared to other mushy and bland options. In just 90 seconds, you can have perfectly cooked rice ready to enjoy.

3. Sukoyaka Genmai Brown Rice

The goodness of Japanese traditions is present in every bite of Sukoyaka Genmai Brown Rice. “This brown rice variant does not just impress with its taste, but also its nutritional profile, being a rich source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals,” says Six Storeys.

Sukoyaka brown rice bridges the gap between authentic Japanese flavor and American accessibility. Grown in California, this short-grain rice offers a familiar experience for sushi lovers seeking an alternative to pricier Japanese imports. Chef’s Pencil highlights its “mild flavor and texture comparable to the type of rice sold in Japan,” along with its natural sweetness, making it a delicious and cost-effective choice.

Sporked delves deeper into its unique qualities, describing it as an “amalgamation of the best parts of both kinds of rice.” They find it “noticeably starchier” than other brown rice varieties, which translates to a satisfying texture, especially when seared into pan-fried rice balls. This simple technique unlocks a hidden layer of nutty flavor, further elevating the rice’s culinary potential.

Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or simply looking for a flavorful, versatile brown rice, Sukoyaka is a great option! Its California origins ensure affordability while delivering an authentic Japanese-style experience, making it a unique and delicious addition to your pantry.

4. Dynasty Jasmine Brown Rice

Get this, with Dynasty you can adjust the water-to-rice ratio to get the texture you want for your particular recipe. Dynasty Jasmine Brown Rice promises a unique culinary experience by combining the fragrant aroma of jasmine and the wholesome texture of brown rice. Gessell Frisbee praises its versatility, highlighting its adaptability to various dishes and recipes.

Beyond taste, Dynasty offers health benefits. Six Storeys emphasizes its origins in Thailand’s fertile paddies and how it captures the essence of traditional Asian cuisine. They also point out its rich fiber and B vitamin content, adding a nutritious boost to your meals.

The texture of Dynasty Jasmine Brown Rice deserves its own mention. Chef’s Pencil describes it as “firm,” so much so that some people freeze leftover cooked rice for later use. This firmness likely contributes to its distinct texture and the nutty aroma that complements the delicate jasmine flavor.

5. Lundberg Family Farms Organic Long Brown Rice

You can trust anything Lundberg puts out is organic. They are known for their legacy in organic farming. “Aside from its environmental appeal, this long-grain rice is rich, nutty, and appetizing and can be paired with a multitude of dishes from curries to casseroles. With each serving, you enjoy the earthy flavors and bountiful nutrition that only whole grains can offer,” adds Six Storeys.

Like Sukoyaka, Lundberg grows their organic crops in northern California. You can rest easy when you enjoy this brand because they have their rice products analyzed for several environmental contaminants, including arsenic. “This is the perfect example of the versatility of brown rice, which, as the product of a processing method, can be applied to several varieties of rice grain. There are subtle differences between the brown rice types produced by the brand in terms of rice flavor and texture, and different types of rice function best in different dishes,” shares Chef’s Pencil.

Lundberg Family Farms has been around for so long that when they first started, most rice crops were grown organically by default. “This brand offers great products that are high quality and reasonably priced. We ate Lundberg Rice growing up…I remember my Mom buying it in 50 lb bags,” says Gessell Frisbee.

6. Minute Whole Grain Brown Rice

Welcome to the rice for those in a pinch. You can exhale now. Minute Brown Rice understands the modern need for speed and convenience without sacrificing taste or health. Six Storeys highlights its impressive ability to retain nutritional value despite the quicker cooking time, making it a “fast, healthy foundation for any meal.” Additionally, its “lightly sweet and nutty flavor” broadens its appeal to various dishes.

The secret behind its speed lies in pre-cooking and drying, as Chef’s Pencil reveals. This makes it perfect for those short on time, with Amazon users praising its convenient bulk storage and reviewers noting it’s ideal for those who can’t wait for traditional rice cooking methods.

The “fluffy” texture is another key draw, described by Taste of Home as having perfectly separated grains and delivering delicious brown rice flavor without the stovetop hassle. So, if you’re looking for a convenient, healthy, and flavorful brown rice option, Minute Rice might be worth considering, especially for those with busy lifestyles or a preference for faster meal preparation.

7. Pride of India Extra Long Brown Basmati Rice

The exquisite texture and long-grain elegance of this rice, along with its high nutritional value, make it a luxury staple in any pantry. “This is brown rice at its best, perfect for bringing a lush and exotic touch to your everyday meals,” states Six Storeys.

If you are into sustainability, you’re in luck with Pride of India. They use sustainable farming methods. “The rice is sourced directly from the farms to preserve the quality and freshness of the products. As it is a type of brown rice, all the rice grains have an intact germ and bran layer. It has vital health benefits and tastes better than regular brown rice, making it suitable for dishes like biryani, pilaf, and fried rice,” adds Chef’s Pencil.

After this rice is cultivated, it undergoes a special aging process for at least two years which renews a great rich aroma when cooked. “Pride of India rice comes sealed in food-grade plastic pet jars ensuring a high level of hygiene. The rice has been a pride for most vegetarians and vegans who are looking forward to enjoying a tasty and nutritious meal,” shares Food Shark.

You might also be interested in:

• Best Rice Cookers
• Best Food Studies
• Best Instant Mashed Potatoes
• Best Instant Gravy

Sources:

• Indus Ladies
• Nutritionix
• Food NDT
• Gessell Frisbee
• Six Storeys
• Chef’s Pencil
• Sporked
• Gessell Frisbee
• Mashed
• Food Shark
• Taste of Home

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.