If someone in your household has a food allergy, first choose a recipe whose label addresses the allergen you need to avoid, then compare the formats. A larger pack can make it easier to serve several people, but it doesn’t guarantee that the recipe is suitable. Separate portions help you keep preparations distinct, while plain rice that you cook yourself lets you choose what to add but takes more preparation.
The ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ statements matter more than the pack size. A recipe containing milk or mustard won’t suit the same needs as rice with neither of these ingredients listed. The label on the specific product you choose is what counts.
If everyone at the table doesn’t eat the same recipe, separate portions can help you identify each preparation. A larger pack is a better fit if you can serve the same recipe to everyone.
Cooking plain rice lets you choose the ingredients you add. However, you’ll need to cook it and check the ingredients used in any accompaniments too.
Worth considering: if you want to serve the same preparation to several people quickly, after checking the label.
Bear in mind: the 450 g Ben’s Original Long Grain Rice 3 min featured by Carrefour France has ‘may contain’ statements for several allergens.
Worth considering: if people at the table need different recipes, or you need to keep each preparation identifiable.
Bear in mind: you may need several 220 g portions. According to Carrefour France product listings, Ben’s Original Tomato and Olive Oil contains milk, while Taureau Ailé Coconut and Spices contains mustard.
Worth considering: if you’d rather choose your own seasoning than buy a ready-prepared recipe.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to cook the rice and check the ingredients you add separately. Auchan France gives a cooking time of 10 minutes for its 1 kg Ben’s Original Long Grain Rice.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Allergen concerned | Compare the allergen you need to avoid with the ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ statements on the exact pack. | If an ingredient or possible trace could affect my choice of recipe, I want to check the specific product before serving it. Around 50% of consumers put this check first. |
| Family-size format | Compare the net weight, stated portions and number of packs needed. Allow for separate preparations if you need different recipes. | If several people can’t share the same recipe, I need to organise the meal without mixing up their portions. This is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Preparation and seasoning | Check the cooking instructions and the ingredients in any sauces, spices or other additions. | I need to weigh up a quick side dish against the option to choose what goes into the recipe myself. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
A recipe name doesn’t tell you everything that’s in it. Carrefour France’s listing for Lustucru Plain Rice with a Knob of Butter includes butter, cream and milk.
Check the ingredients and any possible traces for the exact product you’re buying. Don’t assume that information for one product applies to an entire range.
The 450 g Ben’s Original Long Grain Rice 3 min featured by Carrefour France lists several allergens in its ‘may contain’ statement.
First check the label against the allergen you need to avoid, then compare the quantity with what you need for the meal.
Several quick-cook recipes featured by Carrefour France come in 220 g packs. One pack may not provide enough for everyone at the table.
Work out the quantities you need for your meal and keep recipes separate when people have different dietary needs.
The products reviewed include 220 g quick-cook rice portions, 450 g long grain rice and 1 kg long grain rice to cook.
The range reviewed includes flavoured quick-cook rice recipes in 220 g portions.
The product reviewed is a 220 g Lustucru Plain Rice with a Knob of Butter quick-cook rice.
The product reviewed is a 220 g spicy long grain rice, advertised as ready in 2 minutes.
These products offer two ways to prepare a side dish for several people: a multipack of cooked rice portions, or a large pack of long grain rice to cook and season yourself. Check the packaging of the product you choose for the allergen you need to avoid.
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This multipack could suit you if you want to divide cooked rice between several preparations rather than use one large pack.
It contains three 210 g portions. Check the packaging for information about the allergen you need to avoid, and follow the preparation instructions.
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This large pack of long grain rice is for households that prefer to cook the rice and choose their own seasoning, rather than buy a ready-prepared recipe.
The pack contains 2,5 kg of rice. Check the packaging for information about the allergen concerned and the cooking instructions.
No. Check the exact recipe and any possible trace statements against the allergen concerned. For example, Carrefour France lists mascarpone containing milk in Ben’s Original Tomato and Olive Oil rice, as well as butter and cream in Lustucru Plain Rice with a Knob of Butter.
Check the ingredients list on the exact pack. The DGCCRF states that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted there. Also read any trace statements before choosing a recipe.
Compare the net weight and stated portions, then add up the number of packs you need for your meal. Carrefour France listings feature several quick-cook recipes in 220 g portions and a 450 g tin of Ben’s Original Long Grain Rice 3 min. Even with a larger format, you still need to check the label.