Rice is naturally gluten-free. However, some microwavable rice products may contain ingredients or come into contact with gluten during processing, raising concerns about gluten cross-contamination. This article examines whether popular microwavable rice cup brands are gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
What is Microwavable Rice?
Microwavable rice refers to pre-cooked rice packaged in cups, pouches or bowls for quick and easy preparation in the microwave. Leading brands of microwavable rice include Minute Rice, Uncle Ben’s and Trader Joe’s.
These convenient rice products are pre-cooked through parboiling or other methods to shorten cook times. The rice is then packaged with seasonings or other ingredients, ready to heat and eat after 90 seconds in the microwave.
Is Plain Microwavable Rice Gluten-Free?
Plain, unseasoned microwavable rice contains just one ingredient: rice. Since rice is naturally gluten-free, plain microwavable rice without any add-ins is considered gluten-free.
For example, Minute Rice’s Original White Rice and Whole Grain Brown Rice varieties only contain rice. With no other questionable ingredients, these plain rice cups are gluten-free.
Cross-Contamination Risks
While the rice itself is gluten-free, there is a possibility of cross-contamination during manufacturing if the facilities also process wheat-based foods. Some people who are highly sensitive to gluten may react to traces picked up in processing.
Most brands producing plain microwavable rice state their products are gluten-free, suggesting they have measures in place to avoid cross-contamination. But it’s still something to be aware of, especially for those with celiac disease.
Is Flavored, Seasoned Rice Gluten-Free?
Microwavable rice also comes in flavored varieties, including seasoning mixes from Minute and Uncle Ben’s. The added ingredients make it harder to determine if these products are gluten-free.
Potential sources of gluten include:
- Hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Soy sauce containing wheat
- Malt vinegar
- Flavors and extracts containing gluten
To know if a seasoned rice cup is gluten-free, check the ingredient list carefully. Call the manufacturer if any questionable ingredients are used.
Microwavable Rice Brands and Gluten Status
Here’s the gluten-free status of flavored rice for popular brands:
| Brand | Flavored Varieties | Gluten-Free? |
|---|---|---|
| Minute Rice | Spanish Style, Chicken Flavor, Garlic & Olive Oil | Yes* |
| Uncle Ben’s | Broccoli Cheese, Mexican Fiesta, Garlic & Butter | No |
| Trader Joe’s | Organic Brown Rice Medley, Risotto Blend | Yes |
*Minute Rice states flavors are gluten-free except Chicken Flavor sold in Canada. Check labels.
Are Microwavable Rice Bowls and Wraps Gluten-Free?
Microwavable rice bowls and wraps take rice beyond plain cups, adding vegetables, proteins and sauces. Options range from Chipotle bowls to Trader Joe’s. With more ingredients, it takes some sleuthing to determine if rice bowls are gluten-free.
Potential Sources of Gluten
Ingredients that can introduce gluten into rice bowls include:
- Soy sauce
- Teriyaki sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Meat containing gluten fillers
- Breaded or battered proteins
- Thickened sauces
Rice paper used in wraps may also be a concern if containing wheat-based ingredients.
Gluten-Free Status of Popular Brands
Here are some of the top microwavable rice bowl and wrap brands and whether they offer gluten-free options:
| Brand | Gluten-Free Options? |
|---|---|
| Trader Joe’s | Yes – most labeled gluten-free |
| Chipotle | Yes – cilantro-lime rice bowl |
| Seapoint Farms | Yes – brown rice breakfast wraps |
| Archer Farms | Yes – Thai peanut bowl |
Again, the key is checking the ingredients and contacting the manufacturer with any questions.
Is Fried Rice Gluten-Free?
Fried rice is a popular Asian dish of cooked rice stir-fried with vegetables, eggs and protein. Many stores sell microwavable fried rice in the refrigerated or frozen sections.
So can you find a gluten-free frozen fried rice?
Possible Gluten Ingredients
Ingredients that can introduce gluten into fried rice dishes include:
- Soy sauce containing wheat
- Teriyaki sauce with wheat
- Hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Breaded meats
Rice bran oil is also sometimes used for frying, which may be a concern for highly gluten-sensitive individuals due to potential cross-contamination.
Gluten-Free Brands
Here are some microwavable fried rice brands that offer gluten-free varieties:
| Brand | Gluten-Free Option |
|---|---|
| Trader Joe’s | Organic Brown Rice Veggie Fried Rice |
| Hormel? | Gluten Free Chicken Fried Rice |
| Simply Asia | Gluten Free Vegetable Fried Rice |
Check all ingredients and contact the manufacturer if unsure. Those highly sensitive should verify the facilities and processes in place to avoid cross-contamination.
What About Rice Made in Rice Cookers?
Many people enjoy the convenience of cooking rice in a rice cooker or Instant Pot. The rice cooks up perfectly every time with no monitoring required.
Rice cooked this way avoids the processing concerns with microwavable rice. So rice made in a rice cooker or Instant Pot is generally considered gluten-free as long as no other gluten-containing ingredients are added.
Be aware of cross-contamination if cooking other gluten-containing foods in the same cooker. Make sure to wash the insert thoroughly between uses.
How to Keep Rice Gluten-Free
Here are some tips for cooking gluten-free rice in a rice cooker or Instant Pot:
- Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking
- Use fresh water for cooking rice
- Don’t reuse cooking water
- Don’t add questionable ingredients
- Clean insert between uses if needed
Plain rice made at home avoids the risks of processing and ingredients associated with packaged rice.
Is Brown Rice or Wild Rice Gluten-Free?
Other rice varieties like brown rice and wild rice are also naturally gluten-free grains.
You can find these rice types in microwavable cups and rice cookers. Avoiding gluten then comes down to checking additional ingredients and being mindful of cross-contamination.
Some brands offering gluten-free brown rice and wild rice products include:
- Lundberg – Wild Blend Rice
- Simply Balanced – Organic Brown Rice
- Trader Joe’s – Organic Wild Rice Blend
Again, contact the manufacturer if any concerns about other ingredients or processing practices.
Should Rice Be Avoided on a Gluten-Free Diet?
While rice is naturally gluten-free, some people choose to avoid it on a gluten-free diet due to concerns about arsenic levels.
Rice plants absorb arsenic more readily than other grains, resulting in higher concentrations in the final grain. Chronic exposure to arsenic has been linked to health issues.
That said, rice in moderation is considered safe. Limiting rice intake to 2-3 servings per week is recommended for a healthy gluten-free diet.
Cooking rice in excess water and draining can reduce arsenic levels by up to 60%.
Rice Alternatives
Those wishing to further limit rice have many gluten-free whole grain options including:
- Quinoa
- Buckwheat
- Millet
- Oats
- Corn
- Amaranth
Check any processed or multi-ingredient foods containing these grains to ensure they are gluten-free.
Is Rice Flour Gluten-Free?
Rice flour is made from finely milled rice and used in gluten-free baking. It provides a light texture without the elasticity of wheat flour.
Look for super-finely ground white rice flour for the best results in gluten-free baked goods. Whiche physical properties for spreading out?
Brown rice flour has more fiber and nutrients but can result in denser baked goods.
When purchasing rice flour, opt for brands that specifically state “gluten-free” on the label and are processed in dedicated facilities. This helps avoid any cross-contamination with wheat-based flours.
Some reputable brands of gluten-free rice flour include:
- Bobs Red Mill
- King Arthur
- Arrowhead Mills
- Glutino
Rice flour can generally be substituted for about 20% of the regular or wheat flour called for in a recipe. Combine it with other gluten-free flours for best baking results.
Using Rice Flour
Here are some tips for using rice flour:
- Combine with other GF flours like tapioca
- May need more liquid due to lack of gluten
- Add binders like xanthan gum
- Adjust baking powder/soda
- Increases crispy texture in baked goods
With some adjustments, rice flour makes wonderful gluten-free baked goods. From breads to cookies, the options are delicious and versatile.
Cooking Gluten-Free Rice Dishes
Plain rice is naturally gluten-free, but preparation matters too. Here are some tips for cooking gluten-free rice dishes at home:
- Use gluten-free stocks and broths
- Choose gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
- Look for GF teriyaki and hoisin sauces
- Use pure seasonings and spice blends
- Try corn starch slurry for thickening sauces
- Saute meats instead of breading
With a few easy substitutions, you can enjoy fried rice, rice pilaf, risotto and more on a gluten-free diet.
Gluten-Free Rice Recipes
Here are some delicious gluten-free rice recipes to try at home:
- Perfect Basmati Rice
- Crockpot Chicken & Broccoli Rice
- Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice
- Raisin Rice Pilaf
- Gluten-Free Arroz Con Pollo
Is Rice Gluten-Free? The Verdict
Plain rice is naturally gluten-free, but flavored and multi-ingredient rice products require closer inspection. With so many microwavable rice options now available, it’s important to check labels and contact manufacturers to determine which are safe from gluten-cross contamination.
For absolute certainty, plain rice or rice cooked at home allows you to control ingredients. With a few easy swaps and recipe adjustments, rice can be part of a delicious gluten-free diet.
