Top 10 Best Brown Rice Brands 2023

Brown rice has become a go-to source of incredible nutrition for health-nuts and food lovers alike. The trend follows a growing pattern where health is craved without comprising on flavor. As far as nutrition goes, this unique form of rice can give you all the key features you’re looking for.

Even though rice is one of the most affordable foods on the entire planet, there are differences in pricing.

Whatever your goals are, the following guide will list the best brown rice brands out there and explore their various benefits—or shortcomings.

Best Brown Rice Brand Comparison Table

Best Brown Rice Brand Reviews

Lundberg Family Farms – Best Short Grain Brown Rice

Lundberg Family Farms has a unique brown rice that offers a solid balance between quality and price. This is not necessarily isolated to their own offerings, but given the number of alternatives in the market, it’s quite telling.

First of all, Lundberg Farms insists on organic rice as a default. Ensuring that quality is not just in the flavor, but also in the fundamental health of the product is a top priority. Ironically, Lundberg Family Farms has been around for so long, they once produced rice in a world where most things were organic as a default.

Another feature that is often overlooked but cannot be ignored with this brand is the packaging. Harkening back to older era where all-natural was the norm, the first impression from the appearance of the package is quality, reliability, and trust. Certainly, the company has operated for years and has earned its reputation, though it is important to note that there’s more to this product that just its cover.

Another feature you might enjoy is the rice’s stickiness, allowing it to stick together and be molded to your needs. One of the most obvious uses for this is in sushi, where the rice needs to maintain a consistent shape and form. In addition, some people prefer their rice soft and sticky, as opposed to firm and grainy. In either case, Lundberg Family Farms offers the flexibility you need to achieve any number of cooking goals.

Verdict

Brown Rice by Gerbs – Choice for People with Food Allergies

Rice is already considered to be one of the most affordable foods on the planet, and Gerbs brown rice absolutely lives up to this reputation. So much so that they blow much of the competition out of the water by providing some great quality grains with an ideal price.

This is also true with regards to bulk purchasing, which often comes with certain pricing nuances that most would prefer to avoid. In the case of Gerbs, however, that they manage to maintain these quantities at low prices over consistent periods of time, despite local marketplace conditions.

The rice is also organically grown — another non-negotiable feature nowadays for many. Interestingly, the organic state of the rice is also based on how it is grown. There are many layers to organically-processed foods and sometimes the nuances can get confusing.

Health is key for Gerbs and their long grain brown rice is absolutely no exception. In many ways, the quality is dependent on a number of key factors that they brag about on the product description itself. These include their “All-Natural Pledge”, which points to where their priorities when it comes to food safety, sustainability, and health.

The “All-Natural Pledge” include the absence of trans fats, chemical, preservatives, GMO, and artificial ingredients. Their emphasis is on how “mother nature” wanted things to be — which is a noble goal that many conscious consumers respect nowadays.

The absence of allergens is also an important mission statement for Gerbs and is something that could be critical for some consumers. Food allergens can be particularly nefarious when it comes to rice — including where it is produced and packaged. These create limitations for some buyers that are much more than just a petty preference — Gerbs has an answer for these problems.

The company says you will not find any allergens relating to milk/dairy, mustard, gluten, tree-nut, egg, wheat, soy, peanut, shellfish, crustacean, and sesame. The broad spectrum of commitment to being allergy free is undeniable with Gerbs. This adds to the value gained from purchasing the product. A large quantity is offered for a surprisingly low price — especially considering that it has all of these many health specifics.

Verdict

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Planet Rice – Best Sprouted Brown Rice

The benefits of GABA have become increasingly clear over the last few years as nootropics have boomed in popularity. So why not combine GABA with delicious rice?

It seems like a fairly simple and obvious formula, but it works quite well and does not skimp on many of the features you’d normally find in a standard rice brand.

Planet Rice has decided to infuse all-natural GABA into their whole-grain, gluten-free product and the result is very unique.

GABA is often included as an ingredient in many popular nootropics, so the inclusion of it into one of the most delicious and commonly-consumed foods — rice — is kind of a no-brainer.

Naturally, though, the inclusion of GABA does increase the price tag a bit, making it more expensive than some of the competition. Nonetheless, it is a feature that many are willing to commit to, if not for the simple benefit of having the GABA embedded into your meal.

The consumption of nootropics can become burdensome in many instances, consuming a number of pills daily. However, having it directly available in your rice is a unique convenience that helps Planet Rice stand out from the competition. Whether or not the increased price is something perceived as beneficial depends from person to person, though increasing health trends make this a viable option.

Health is not just for you — if you’ve got kids to feed, this could be the best option, especially considering that the company boasts the lifespan of their rice. They mention that it tastes great even on the second day, and you can cook your meals at the start of the week so they are consumed throughout the next few days. This can minimize the burden of cooking in ways that most overlook, which is generally beneficial for anyone with a busy work schedule.

There is something to say about the packaging of this product, as well. It comes in a convenient zip-lock style that allows for easy storing and preservation. Simple strip the top layer off, unzip, then re-zip to keep things lasting longer and fresher. Additionally, the name “Planet Rice” harkens to an all-natural feel and considerations for environmental sustainability.

Verdict

Nishiki – Most Economical Choice

When it comes to authenticity, few brands match the vibe sent off by Nishiki products. This is true, as well, with their premium brown rice, which comes in high quantities for a very affordable price.

Bulk buying will not disappoint with this option — a 15-pound bag can last you for weeks, and there are very few limitations on the kinds of dishes you can create. Inherent to this is the fact that you’re also getting a taste of the rich cultural background.

It’s called “premium” brown rice for a reason: the quality is unmatched with regards to its grain. Specifically, it touts a malleable cook outcome that is very sticky, working very well with sushi. Naturally, this makes it somewhat limited and does polarize a certain group that prefers alternative styles.

However, if the goal is to have sticky-textured rice — either for sushi or just out of personal preference, then this could be the ideal choice. Additionally, there is the consideration that different textures are suitable for their own situations. This is especially true with regards to the recipes being used, though Nishiki has a very specific focus.

Nikishi’s Premium Brown Rice packaging is very attractive with traditional Asian connotations. This could be a pleasant little addition to the overall experience, especially considering the longstanding tradition that this food has had in those regions of the world. Coming in a whopping 15-pound bag, of course, will make for suitable bulk purchasing and cooking.

Verdict

Dynasty – Best Jasmine Brown Rice

Jasmine rice has seen its popularity rise in recent decades as its spread from various regions became a norm around the world. Dynasty Jasmine brown rice touches upon this rich history with a unique grain.

Boasting itself as “top quality” jasmine rice, the combination of both brown and jasmine qualities separates it from many others in the market. The various ways in which grains are bred in order to create the ideal cannot be overstated. In this case, the rice can be cooked in a variety of ways.

The packaging is fairly standard and even dull, though. This does not necessarily take away from the quality of the rice itself, yet it still diminishes the overall experience. Dull colors and a simple design makes the packaging unapproachable. Still, you can enjoy the 5-pound pouch that comes in at a very affordable price.

Verdict

Sukoyaka – Best Genmai Rice

Sometimes, calling something by a different name can help make keep refresh an old category — and this is definitely true with Sukoyaka’s brown rice, also known as “Genmai.”

“Genmai” simply means brown rice, but it just does sound much cooler, right? This certainly ties into the package design, which exhibits foreign letters indicating the authenticity of the product. Additional layers and colors add an appreciated depth and dynamic that is generally overlooked in many other competitors.

The inclusion of long grains indicating the origins of the product helps humanize and relate. In terms of the functionality of the packaging, it has a zip-lock feature which helps ensure preservation of the product over the long term. Opening is as easy as stripping off the top layer seal, and then unzipping and re-zipping whenever it is needed.

Verdict

Pride of India – Best Brown Basmati Rice

Basmati rice offers its own unique experience, texture, and taste, which is why Pride of India’s extra-long grain version is so unique.

As if the brown rice grain was not enough, there’s the additional layer of being grown in the basmati fashion.

Uniquely, you will find that this product is actually aged for two years, a fascinating feature often found in the basmati category. Furthermore, it’s a totally raw food, providing the additional level of authentic texture and taste that some crave.

In some instances, these features could be polarizing for some consumers. However, health-consciousness has seen its rise in recent years and the basmati option is very applicable.

Packaging for this version of Pride of India’s rice is very unique, coming in a jar rather than a plastic bag. This has a number of benefits — though it is first important to restate that the plastic is BPA free. In other instances, competitors have unique packaging but they rarely use plastic containers. Still, for these purposes, Pride of India has ensured that you are not being exposed to BPA when buying and consuming their product.

Also of importance to mention is that the rice is grown in the Himalayan valleys with what the company describes as “immense care.” The additional aging process may be off-putting for some, but it is a very common — and time-tested — practice. The aging process lasts 2 years, allowing the grain to reach an ideal state for both texture and nutrition.

Verdict

RiceSelect – Best Texmati Brown Rice

Of the many brands on the market today, RiceSelect has established a big reputation. Of their many iterations is their Texmati Brown Basmati rice, which boasts a wide range of features.

Due to its unique blend, this product still contains large amounts of spicy flavor and aroma that are present in traditional basmati rice. With the addition of several long-grain blends, the dietary fiber content of this brand is increased significantly.

Furthermore, the product is certified by the non-GMO project.

The packaging comes in a convenient plastic bottle, offering better portability and storage. Freshness is maintained as much longer rates thanks to an easy and convenient open and close lid. Pouring some rice out is as easy as unscrewing the cap, and sealing it up for freshness is as easy and closing it up. Storage is simple and its shelf life is sustained for longer periods.

There are also no additives in this product and it assures being all-natural.

Verdict

Lotus Foods – Best Organic Brown Rice

Brown rice meeting jasmine is a unique combination that offers a different experience. This is true when it comes to cooking but also with regards to the tastes that can be brought out.

Lotus Foods, which prides itself on being organic, has created a unique grain of rice that comes in bulk packaging — twenty-five pounds of it, to be precise. These bulkier packages are great for those looking to save money and get more out of a meal.
There is no wheat in this rice and it is 100% vegan. Protein, fiber, and zinc are default added nutritional properties that can work with anyone concerned about the health benefits. In addition, each serving provides approximately ten percent your recommended daily fiber intake.
Besides being certified organic, this product is grown using System of Rice Intensification Practices. This reduces the carbon footprint of each crop and significantly reduces the amount of water required. Furthermore, it’s also certified by the non-GMO project as well.

The biggest problem we found is that the packaging is not resealable once it has been opened.

Tamanishiki – Premium Japanese Style

This product is another suitable choice for fans of Japanese style cooking. It is a genmai rice type that holds its shape well due to its slightly sticky consistency.

There is plenty to like about this brand of brown rice, including its beautiful packaging with a convenient zip and unzip opening. In addition, it is very affordable for a hefty amount of rice—4.4 pounds. Furthermore, this rice is suitable for use in most standard rice cookers.

Although the rice is raised in the state of California, you might not think that given the unique packaging designs. With foreign letters and cultural symbols, it somewhat misleads from the fact that it is cultivated in the United States.

Still, the outcome is generally the same, as the rice maintains a delicious flavor while remaining all-natural.

Verdict

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Best Brown Rice Brand Buying Guide

What’s The Difference Between Brown Rice and White Rice?

Many of you may not know what the difference is between brown rice and white rice. In short, brown rice is the rawest version of rice that has had the husk removed during processing. It retains many nutritional qualities that are very beneficial to human health that will be discussed further below.

With white rice, it has undergone further refinement to remove the mill and germ. This strips the rice of several vital nutrients. To fix this, white rice is often fortified to help restore the vitamin and mineral content that is lost during processing.

The Health Benefits of Brown Rice

In general, brown rice has many health benefits associated with it. One of its biggest advantages is that most types contain large amounts of dietary fiber. The American Heart Association has a great article that discusses the benefits of increasing your fiber content. Currently, the recommended daily intake of fiber is around 25 grams for a healthy adult.

In addition to fiber content, brown rice also typically has higher values of vitamins and minerals. For instance, brown rice typically has twice the amount of manganese and phosphorous as traditional white rice. You will also find that it is a rich source of micronutrients like selenium as well.

Short-grain and Long-grain – What’s The Difference?

Though brown rice is usually healthier than refined white rice, it can be confusing shopping the various types of rice grains. The two most common terms you will see on rice packaging are short-grain and long-grain.

1. Short-grain rice has a tendency to be more starchy and fluffy. It usually clumps well and is best used in dishes like sushi, paella, and risotto.
2. Long-grain rice contains less starch and has a tendency to be somewhat drier when fully cooked. This makes this type of rice a great choice for dishes with lots of sauce and pilafs.

Speciality Brown Rice Types

In addition to long-grain and short-grain types, there are specialty varieties to consider as well. Two of the most common you will find are jasmine and basmati, both of which have been featured on our list.

1. Jasmine rice is traditionally grown and cultivated in Thailand and has a distinct slightly sweet flavor when fully cooked. It sticks well to itself and is a great choice for many Asian style dishes.
2. Basmati rice is a very long grain that gets even longer when fully cooked. It has a very unique aroma that is slightly spicy and is primarily grown in the middle east. It pairs well with a variety of curry dishes as well as grill items like kebabs.

Don’t Forget The Importance of Packaging

While shopping for the perfect rice for you, it’s important that you understand the importance of proper packaging and storage. Due to its slightly higher essential oil content, brown rice does not keep quite as long as refined white rice. This is why it is particularly important to choose a product that is fully sealed and to store your opened packages correctly.

Rice should always be kept in a cool and dry area. For packages that do not reseal on their own, a great idea is to store your unused rice in a ziplock container in your refrigerator, This will help protect it against contaminants like insects and preserve its shelf life significantly.

Conclusion

Brown rice comes in a variety of unique flavors and styles that can perfectly complement your favorite dishes. It also has a variety of health benefits that make it a superior choice for many consumers. When shopping for the perfect brand, make sure you pay attention to the fiber content and the type of packaging it comes in. With a little bit of time and effort, you will be well on your way to picking the perfect product for you.