Is Uncle Ben’s Rice Gluten-Free? The Harsh Reality 

Is Uncle Ben's Rice Gluten-Free

Living with celiac disease is challenging since you can only have foods that are entirely free from gluten. You might crave a lot of foods, including Uncle Ben’s Rice, but it would be great to know if these foods are free from gluten.

Is Uncle Ben’s Rice Gluten Free? Yes, it is free from gluten, and people following a celiac diet can have this rice. 

In this article, you will find more information about Uncle Ben’s rice, including its nutritional value. Furthermore, I’ve jotted down some easy and quick recipes you can try to have this rice in the most amazing and delicious ways.

 Is Uncle Ben’s Rice Gluten Free?

Uncle Ben’s is a popular brand that’s famous for its range of parboiled rice. Introduced by a Texas-based brand, the rice is of high quality and is perfect for preparing a plethora of dishes, with rice being the hero ingredient.

However, some rice products from Uncle Ben’s do contain gluten, so being extra sure beforehand is a good idea. The good news is that Uncle Ben’s rice is free from gluten, and people with celiac disease can have it without any issue. 

 Is Uncle Ben's Rice Gluten

Some pre-cooked rice products, such as Ben’s Original™ Ready Rice™ Fried Rice, contain wheat and may also contain gluten. The easiest way to figure it out is by checking the ingredient label. 

Also Read:- Is Balsamic Vinegar Gluten Free?

What Rice Products Do Uncle Ben Offer? And What Rice Products Have Gluten In Them?

Uncle Ben’s offers a wide range of rice and rice products you can relish. After extensive research, I found a list of rice products that are free from gluten and can be added to your celiac diet. Moreover, I also curated a list of Ben’s rice products you should avoid, as they contain gluten.

Gluten Free Rice Products by Uncle Ben’s 

  • Ben’s Original™ Ready Rice™ Roasted Chicken Flavored Rice
  • Ben’s Original™ Ready Rice™ Jasmine Rice
  • Ben’s Original™ Ready Rice™ Chicken Flavored Whole Grain Brown rice
  • Ben’s Original™ Ready Rice™ Cilantro Rice
  • Ben’s Original™ Ready Rice™ Long Grain White rice
  • Ben’s Original™ Ready Rice™ Roasted Chicken flavored rice
  • Ben’s Original™ Ready Rice™ Red Beans and Rice
  • Ben’s Original™ Ready Rice™ Butter and Garlic flavored rice

Uncle Ben’s Rice Products that Contain Gluten (Do not Add to Your Celiac Diet)

  • Ben’s Original™ Ready Rice™ Fried Rice
  • Ben’s Original™ Ready Rice™ Rice pilaf
  • Ben’s Original™ Ready Rice™ Long Green and White rice (May contain wheat)
  • Ben’s Original™ Ready Rice™ Cheddar Broccoli rice
  • Ben’s Original™ Ready Rice™ Creamy Four Cheese Flavored rice

Uncle Ben’s Rice: Nutritional Facts You Should Know 

Before I head on to some other Gluten Free alternatives and quick recipes you can try, it is essential to discuss some nutritional facts. Below I have listed the most popular Uncle Ben’s products along with their nutritional value.

Note: I have listed the nutritional information per serving. Also, you will find the ingredients to know if the rice is Gluten Free or not. 

Popular Uncle Ben’s Original Ready Rice Products 

Basmati Rice

  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Calories: 400
  • Total Sugars: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 80g
  • Protein: 9g

Whole Grain Brown Rice

  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Calories: 360
  • Total Sugars: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 71g
  • Protein: 7g

Long Grain & Wild Rice

  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Calories: 360
  • Total Sugars: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 71g
  • Protein: 9g

Cheddar Broccoli Rice

  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Calories: 340
  • Total Sugars: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 62g
  • Protein: 8g

Healthy Gluten-Free Alternatives to Uncle Ben’s Rice Products

Healthy Gluten-Free Alternatives to Uncle Ben’s Rice Products

If you don’t want to try Uncle Ben’s rice or it is not available nearby, you can give a shot at its popular alternatives. Here are some Gluten Free alternatives to Uncle Ben’s rice.

  1. Banza Chickpea Rice

This is a highly nutritional alternative to Uncle Ben’s rice that delivers 5g of fiber and 11g of protein per serving. Also, the rice tastes great and is entirely free from gluten.

Nutritional Facts 

  • Total Fat: 3g
  • Calories: 170
  • Total Sugars < 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Protein: 11g
  1. Lotus Food Forbidden Rice

The Lotus Forbidden Rice contains higher amounts of phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fiber. It tastes great when cooked with black rice.

Nutritional Facts 

  • Total Fat: 1.5g
  • Calories: 150
  • Total Sugars: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Protein: 4g
  1. Better Than Rice Konjac Rice

Choose Better Than Rice Konjac Rice if you are looking for something that’s nutritious and contains high fiber. Moreover, this healthy alternative to Uncle Ben’s rice is ideal Gluten Free, keto-friendly, and vegan.

Nutritional Facts 

  • Total Fat: 1.5g
  • Calories: 150
  • Total Sugars: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Protein: 4g
  1. Miracle Noodle Organic Shirataki Rice

Folks that are looking for rice with no calories should go for Miracle Noodle Organic Shirataki Rice. 

Nutritional Facts 

  • Total Fat: 0g
  • Calories: 150
  • Total Sugars: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Protein: 0g

Must-try Uncle Ben’s Rice Recipes: Perfect for Gluten Free Diet 

Uncle Ben’s rice tastes amazing when cooked properly and follows the right recipe. I’ve tried several recipes with Uncle Ben’s rice, and here are my top 3 favorite recipes you should try.

Fruity Chicken, Rice, and CousCous Salad

  • Prep Time: 45 Minutes 
  • Calories: 350
  • Ingredients 9

List of Ingredients 

  • One packet of Uncle Ben Wild Rice. Prepared as directed and cooled
  • 1 cup Craisins
  • Six green onions 
  • Two chickens (diced, rotisserie)
  • 1 cup sliced almonds (toasted preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup plain, nonfat yogurt 
  • One pkg. Israeli couscous
  • Dressings 

Directions 

Step 1: 

Take a medium-size saucepan and bring the broth to boil over heat. Gently stir the couscous, and remove the pan from the heat. Let the saucepan sit for 5 minutes, and transfer the contents to a large bowl. Chill uncovered for around 15 minutes inside the fridge.

Step 2: 

Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and add fruit and chicken to it. Toss well to mix properly. Now add yogurt to the bowl and stir gently so that it wraps around all ingredients.

Step 3:

Add dressings as per your taste, and serve the salad on a bed of leaf lettuce. 

Egg Fried Rice: Restaurant Style 

Recipe by JimCourse: Lunch, DinnerDifficulty: Medium
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

40

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • Uncle Ben’s Rice

  • Veggies (carrots, bell peppers, peas, lotus roots, French Beans, and your preferred ones)

  • Eggs (2-3)

  • Scallions (chop 4-5 and separate the whites and greens)

Directions

  • Take a saucepan and heat one tbsp oil on a high flame. Now add 1 tbsp chopped garlic and fry it for 30-40 seconds. Add 3-4 tbsps. Spring onion and fry for around a minute until the onion gets brown.
  • Throw in half a cup of chopped carrots, shredded cabbage, and sliced capsicums. Stir on high heat for 60 seconds so that the veggies get crunchy.
  • Beat 2-3 eggs in a bowl and froth until frothy. Slide the veggies inside the pan, and pour the frothed eggs. Reduce the heat, and add some oil if the pan feels dry.
  • When the eggs are half cooked, add 2-3 pinches of salt to taste. Increase the heat, and add 1 tbsp soya sauce. You can also add some hot cause that you prefer. Now add the batch of fried rice, and mix it well so that the scrambled eggs, veggies, and other things also get mixed properly.

Recipe Video

New uncle ben's ready rice Fried rice

FAQs

Q: Does Uncle Ben’s rice contain gluten?

A: No, Uncle Ben’s rice does not contain gluten and can be a part of your celiac diet. Make sure to go through the ingredients of the rice products to ensure it doesn’t contain wheat or soy.

Q: What rice is best for celiacs?

A: Rice in all-natural forms, including white, brown, or wild, are ideal for celiacs since they do not contain gluten. 

Q: Is Uncle Ben’s rice vegan?

A: Yes, Uncle Ben’s rice is vegan, and there is no animal cruelty involved in this. In fact, all rice products offered by Uncle Ben’s are vegan.

Final Thoughts 

Uncle Ben’s rice is Gluten Free, and you can make it a part of your celiac diet. However, make sure to consume the rice in a limited amount since it is rich in sugars and carbohydrates. Also, I have listed some healthy alternatives to Uncle Ben’s rice in case you want to try something else. 

Try out the recipes covered in this article, and you can enjoy the rice in a healthy as well as delicious way. 

A 23-year old tech geek with a passion for health and fitness, Jim is here to help you follow a healthy, gluten free life. The details provided by this B.tech student are simple enough for everyone to understand - and based on experience and research. While he doesn’t claim to be a health expert, he is dedicated to providing the best advice that he himself would follow.