Intro

Rice is a common food staple that many people eat every day. It can be used in many dishes, from simple sides to complex meals. If you want to shop for rice in bulk, it’s important to know about the different types of rice, nutrition information, the benefits of buying rice in large amounts, how to store it, and how long it lasts. In this guide, we will cover all the important information you need to know about rice to help save you money.

Advantages of Shopping Bulk for Rice

Long-term savings: 

When you buy rice in smaller portions, companies have to spend more on packaging and advertising, which increases the cost of each package. However, if you buy rice in bulk, you can avoid these additional expenses and get a better price per pound. While the upfront cost of bulk rice may seem higher, the long-term savings become clear over time. By stocking up on more rice at once, you can stretch your food budget further and enjoy consistent savings on your grocery bills. Plus, we found that for most rice products, the whole-grain brown rice version was sold at the same price as regular!

Type	Average Cost Per Ounce*
Dry brown rice, 2 lb (generic brand)	$0.05
Instant brown rice, microwavable single-serving cups (name brand)	$0.22
Instant brown rice, 28oz box (name brand)	$0.15
Dry white rice, 2 lb (generic brand)	$0.05
Instant white rice, microwavable single-serving cups (name brand)	$0.22
Instant white rice, 28oz box (name brand)	$0.15

*Prices from a major grocery retailer website, accessed 3/25/24

Reduced food and packaging waste:

Bulk items often come with minimal or no packaging compared to individually packaged products. By skipping the excess packaging, you reduce the amount of waste created from disposable containers, wrappers, and plastic bags.

Also, when you buy a big bag of rice, you can measure out just the right amount you need for your meals over a longer time. This means you’re less likely to continuously re-purchase smaller bags for meals and be left with a small amount that you are likely to throw away each time. 

Increased Awareness:

Buying items like rice in bulk helps you become more aware of how you use them and encourages you to be resourceful. This means that instead of wasting food or other products, you become more creative and find ways to use what you have on hand. For example, in a recipe for beef stroganoff where you might normally go buy noodles to complete the recipe, you push yourself to find and create a different version with similar ingredients but as a baked casserole with rice.

Rice Varieties and Types

Rice comes in many different varieties, each with its own unique flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits. 

What is the difference between white and brown rice?

Generally, whole-grain rice starts as either red, brown, or black and does not have parts of it removed during processing. However, white rice has certain parts removed in processing and contains less fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. 

Brown Rice

Brown rice is a type of whole-grain rice that provides many nutrients including fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Fiber, found primarily in the bran and germ, promotes digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness. Whole grains are also rich in B vitamins, such as niacin, thiamine, and folate, which are essential for energy metabolism and overall well-being. Additionally, they provide minerals like magnesium, selenium, and iron, which play important roles in the body, including bone health and a healthy immune system. 

White Rice

Most of the fiber, vitamins, and minerals are stripped away when processing white rice in the same way that it also happens when processing other grains like wheat.  Processed grains, also known as refined grains, often have certain nutrients added back in, such as iron and B vitamins, to replace what was lost. However, fiber is the main nutrient not replaced which lowers the ability of white rice to promote digestive health, regulate blood sugar levels, and increase feelings of fullness in the same way as whole grains.

Look for whole-grain versions of your favorite at the store

You can often find different varieties of rice made in both white and brown. Here are some common varieties of rice you might find a whole-grain (brown) version of in-store:

Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is a long-grain rice that is commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. It has a distinctive smell and nutty flavor, and when cooked properly, the grains are light and fluffy. Due to its unique flavor and texture, basmati rice is often used in pilaf or curry dishes.

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is a great option for meal prepping because it is a long-grain rice that stays fluffy and separate when cooked. This means it won’t clump together or get mushy when reheated, making it perfect for preparing and storing in the fridge. Jasmine rice also stays soft in the fridge longer than other types, ensuring that you have healthy and satisfying meals on hand throughout the week. It has a slight floral, sweet flavor making it a great choice to use in fried rice.

Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is a short-grain rice that is commonly used in Italian cuisine, especially for making risotto. Its high starch content gives risotto its well-known creamy texture. Arborio rice is also great for making rice pudding and other creamy rice dishes.

Wild Rice

Wild rice is already considered a whole grain as it is, you don’t have to try to seek out a brown rice version of it. Compared to other types of rice, wild rice has a nuttier flavor and a chewy texture. It’s important to note that wild rice retains its shape and texture even after cooking, so don’t expect it to become as soft and fluffy as other types of rice. This unique texture makes wild rice a great addition to salads, pilafs, soups, and stuffing recipes.

How to Cook

Instant

Instant rice products use a process where rice is cooked and dried, creating small cracks or holes in each grain. This helps the rice quickly absorb water without the need for additional boiling. Instant rice only takes about 5 minutes to cook.

Parboiled

Parboiled rice is a type of rice that has been partially cooked to shorten cooking time. All instant rice is parboiled but not all parboiled rice is instant rice. It is not usually available in a whole-grain version but will save you time in the kitchen! Parboiled rice will take about 10-12 minutes to cook.

Dried

Cooking dry (uncooked) rice takes longer but is a fairly simple process that can be done on the stovetop or in a rice cooker. Here is a basic guide for cooking dry rice on the stovetop:

General water-to-rice ratio:

– 1 cup of rice

– 2 cups of water or broth

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.

2. In a large saucepan, add rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.

3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes (white rice) or 35-45 minutes (brown rice).

4. Remove from heat and rest  5-10 minutes.

5. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Note: The water-to-rice ratio may vary depending on the type of rice and your personal preference, be sure to check the package instructions.

Storage and Shelf life

Storing rice properly can extend its shelf life and maintain its quality over time. Here are some tips for storing rice:

Uncooked

• Keep uncooked rice in a cool, dry place (70 degrees or lower). Avoid storing it in places with high humidity or extreme temperatures, such as near the stove or in the refrigerator. Rice will stay fresh for 1-2 years
• Store rice in an airtight container, not just the bag you may have bought it in. This will prevent moisture and pests from getting in and keep the rice fresh.
• As a rule of thumb, use brown rice within 6 months to 1 year and white rice within 1-2 years.
• You can extend the shelf life of rice by storing it in the fridge or freezer. It can be cooked as normal straight out of the freezer.

Cooked

• Cool the rice quickly to help prevent bacteria from growing and ensure safe storage.
• Store in the refrigerator with airtight containers or sealable plastic bags to keep the rice fresh.
• Consume within 3-4 days of cooking or store in freezer for up to 6 months.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your bulk rice stays fresh and flavorful for longer.

Recipes

There are so many creative ways to use rice in recipes that go beyond just a side dish. Check out these awesome types of rice-based dishes that you can try out in your kitchen today!

• Fried Rice: A popular dish made by stir-frying cooked rice with vegetables, protein (like chicken, shrimp, or tofu), and seasonings such as soy sauce and sesame oil. Try our Cauliflower Pork Fried Rice which uses a 50/50 mixture of regular rice and riced cauliflower!
• Risotto: An Italian rice dish cooked in broth to a creamy consistency, often flavored with ingredients like mushrooms, cheese, and herbs.
• Pilaf: Rice cooked with broth and seasoned with spices, herbs, and various vegetables or proteins. Add a can of garbanzo beans for a complete meal!
• Stuffed Peppers or Cabbage Rolls: Rice mixed with herbs, spices, and ground meat or vegetables, stuffed into peppers or cabbage leaves and cooked in a savory sauce. Our Cabbage Roll Casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner that cuts time on assembly and prep!
• Chicken and Rice Soup: A comforting soup made with rice, chicken, vegetables, and broth, flavored with herbs and spices. Try substituting barley for rice in our Barley Chicken Soup with Market Veggies!
• Rice Pudding: A creamy dessert made by cooking rice with milk, sugar, and sometimes cinnamon and vanilla, served warm or chilled.

Summary

To sum it all up, whole-grain rice, like brown, contains more fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to refined white rice. Buying bulk rice reduces packaging waste, encourages conscious consumption, and saves money in the long term. Different types of rice have unique flavors and textures, such as arborio rice which is great for making creamy dishes like risotto. Cooking dry rice is a simple process that can be done on the stovetop or in a rice cooker, with a general water-to-rice ratio of 2:1. Be sure to check us out on Facebook @Choose Homemade!