The best — and worst — boxed rice pilafs
For some, this stay-at-home season has turned into a double-the-work, double-the-mess reality — especially in the kitchen. Everyone is home, busy, hungry and desperately in need of comfort food.
One solution: Rice mix. Dump it into a pan with water and it becomes a plate of hot, satisfying carbs. It can be served alongside a protein or vegetable, or simply piled in a bowl. And the best part? It’s nearly mess-free.
Found on the pantry aisle, rice mixes come in a wide selection of flavors, including white, brown and wild rice.
Some include quinoa, bulgur, barley, beans and more. The most common come in boxes, but there are a few pouches that go from shelf to microwave to plate in minutes.
For this Taste-off, we stuck with basic white, brown and wild rice mixes, flavored primarily with herbs.
The best instant rice and pilaf mixes are tasty and balanced, and deliver a burst of fresh, authentic flavors.
But many pilafs are flat-flavored salt bombs that deliver nearly a third of your recommended daily salt intake — in a single serving.
Here’s the scoop on the boxes and pouches to buy by the case — and those that will leave you disappointed and very thirsty. Nutrition details refer to 1 cup of prepared rice.
Tasty Bite Thai Lime Rice
Lemongrass and bold coconut-lime flavors make this a great side dish for fish or chicken. The relatively low salt content is a bonus. 210 calories, 4.5 g fat, 400 mg sodium, 3 g protein. $1.85 for 8.8 ounces at Whole Foods. ★★★★
Zatarain’s Yellow Rice
This Spanish-style rice with a touch of turmeric for color is tender and delivers a pleasant punch of garlic, onion and bell peppers. Its only flaw is too much salt. 200 calories, 0.5 g fat, 700 mg sodium, 5 g protein. $1.89 for 6.9 ounces at Raley’s. ★★★
Lundberg Organic Whole Grain Rice & Wild Rice
Subtle flavorings that allow wild rice’s nutty flavor to shine make this one of the healthier options on the shelf. The rice cooks up tender, if slightly dry. 210 calories, 1.5 g fat, 470 mg sodium, 5 g protein. $3.39 for 6 ounces at Whole Foods. ★★★
Near East Long Grain & Wild Rice Original
There’s nothing wrong with the flavors in this rice, but it’s very salty. 230 calories, 750 mg sodium, 5 g protein. $2.69 for 6 ounces at Whole Foods. ★★
Rice-a-roni
This bouillon-flavored carb bomb, which combines rice and pasta, may be a comfort food, but it’s flabby and uninteresting. The best thing about it is the butter it’s sauteed in. 260 calories, 8 g fat, 750 mg sodium, 5 g protein. 98 cents for 5.9 ounces at Raley’s. ★
Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice Pilaf with Orzo
Salt is the first and last flavor in this bland mix. Thankfully, the plastic smell dissipates after several minutes on the plate. 200 calories, 2.5 g fat, 720 mg sodium, 5 g protein. $2.50 for 8.8 ounces at Safeway. ( for being edible)
Farmhouse Long Grain & Wild Rice Herb & Butter
Oops! Someone forgot to include the herbs and butter. This is nothing more than a plate of over-salted rice. 200 calories, 1.5 g fat, 660 mg sodium, 4 g protein. $2.15 for 4 ounces at Raley’s.
Reviews are based on product samples purchased by this newspaper or provided by manufacturers. Contact Jolene Thym at timespickyeater@ gmail.com.