Anyone stocking their kitchen cupboard for the first time
You’re looking for rice that works in several meals, without buying a pack that’s too large for how much you eat or the space you have to store it.
Who are these options for?
Anyone new to cooking
Portioning and easy-to-follow cooking instructions matter to you. Pouches and the instructions on the pack can help you decide.
Anyone choosing rice for specific recipes
You’re looking for a particular variety or texture for your dishes, and you check the nutritional information for the product you choose when this matters to you.
What should you look for?
For your first food shop, start with how much rice you’re likely to use, then choose between ease of preparation and a variety that suits your meals.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| How much you’ll use | Check the net weight, how often you eat rice and whether you have somewhere dry to store the pack. | If I don’t eat rice often, I’d rather have a pack that’s easy to use and store. Around 45% of consumers put this at the top of their list. |
| Ease of cooking | Compare pouch and loose-pack options, and follow the instructions for the product you choose. | When I’m cooking a small amount, making portioning and cooking easier is what matters most; around 33% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Variety and recipe | Check the grain type, texture guidance and nutritional information for the specific product. | For some dishes, I prefer the fragrance of basmati or the texture of brown rice. Around 22% of consumers prioritise choosing rice that suits the meal. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Buying a large pack without planning how you’ll use it
A large pack may be impractical if you don’t cook rice often or don’t have enough space to keep it somewhere dry after opening.
Start with an amount that suits the meals you usually make, and check where you can store the pack.
-
Choosing based on the variety name alone
Basmati, brown rice and short-grain rice won’t necessarily give you the same texture or suit the same dishes. A range name doesn’t tell you everything about the specific product.
Check the grain type, cooking method and weight, as well as the stated origin and nutritional information if these matter to you.
Brands and retailers to know
Carrefour
The retailer’s range includes long-grain rice, basmati, brown rice and cooking pouches.
- These pack types let you choose according to how much you need and how you like to cook.
- Check the weight and variety of each product: different pack sizes won’t necessarily suit the same needs.
Auchan
Auchan’s rice range includes long-grain rice, basmati, brown rice, cooking pouches and products designed for microwave preparation.
- The product information for Auchan’s 1 kg basmati lists its ingredients, nutritional information and cooking instructions.
- Check the details of the product you’re interested in rather than assuming the same information applies to the whole range.
Lidl
Lidl’s range includes Taureau Ailé basmati, intended to be served as a side.
- The product information states that this rice comes from India and describes it as having long, fragrant grains.
- Check which product is available when you shop, as the range may vary by store and season.
Taureau Ailé
Taureau Ailé’s range includes Basmati du Penjab, wholegrain basmati and other rice varieties for different culinary uses.
- The brand provides information about the grain, texture and cooking method for its Basmati du Penjab and wholegrain basmati products.
- These descriptions come from the brand, so choose based on the specific product and the information on its packaging.
Ben's Original
Ben's Original offers a range of quick-cook rice products, including a 220 g pack of basmati listed in the Carrefour catalogue.
- A quick-cook pack may suit you if you’re looking for a speedy meal.
- Check the variety, weight and instructions for the product you choose: not every product from the brand is prepared in the same way.
Rice to consider on Joybuy
These 1 kg packs give you three dry rice varieties to consider for your first kitchen cupboard: fragrant Thai, basmati and brown jasmine. Choose according to the meals you have planned and the preparation steps that work for you.
Image unavailable
TAUREAU AILE Fragrant long-grain Thai rice, 1 kg
Worth considering if you’d like fragrant Thai rice to serve as a side. The pack contains 1 kg of rice; allow for the recommended soaking time before cooking.
Image unavailable
MEHNAT Basmati rice, 1 kg
Worth considering if basmati suits your meals and you’d prefer to start with a 1 kg pack. Soaking is recommended before cooking; check the product instructions to plan your preparation.
Image unavailable
Sunlee Brown jasmine rice, 1 kg
Worth considering if you’re specifically looking for brown jasmine rice in a 1 kg pack. Check the cooking and resting instructions before choosing it for a meal you need to prepare quickly.
Frequently asked questions
What size pack of rice should I buy for my first food shop?
Choose a pack you’ll use up and can store somewhere dry. If you cook only a little rice at a time and want to make portioning easier, also look at cooking pouches and their total net weight.
What’s the difference between basmati and standard long-grain rice?
Choose basmati if you’re looking for the fine, fragrant grains associated with this variety. Standard long-grain rice may suit you if you mainly want rice to serve alongside everyday meals. Check the cooking instructions for the product you choose, as they vary from one product to another.
Is brown rice suitable for every meal?
Not necessarily: its texture may differ from white rice, so the right choice depends on the dish you’re making. To compare fibre content, check the nutritional information for the specific products rather than assuming all brown rice has the same values.
Can you tell where rice comes from by its name?
No. If origin is stated, check the origin or provenance information on the product you choose. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, Origin’Info is a voluntary initiative and does not appear on every processed product; the product name is not a substitute for an origin statement.
How should I store rice after opening the pack?
Keep the rice somewhere dry, away from heat and moisture, in a securely closed pack or a clean, airtight container. The product information for Auchan basmati and Taureau Ailé rice recommends storing it in a dry place.