To serve rice as a side for several friends, start by working out how much you’ll need. Auchan’s basmati product information recommends 60 g of uncooked rice per person, so a 1 kg pack makes around 16 portions. Then choose a variety to suit your meal and check its cooking instructions. A small express pack is better suited to quick preparation than serving a large group.
You want to measure out enough rice without running short or opening several small packs. As a side dish, Auchan’s basmati product information recommends 60 g of uncooked rice per person. Adjust the amount if rice is the main course.
You’re looking for a variety that suits your menu, rather than simply a pack of a particular weight. Carrefour, Auchan and Taureau Ailé all offer 1 kg packs of basmati, among other options. Check the variety and cooking instructions for the specific product you choose.
You’re prioritising a last-minute meal and don’t mind combining several small portions if needed. Carrefour says its Ben's Original Express Basmati takes 2 minutes in the microwave or 3 minutes in a frying pan. At 220 g, it’s not a direct substitute for a large pack of dry rice.
First, decide how rice will feature in the meal and how many people you’re serving. Then choose a variety and preparation time that work with your menu.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | The pack’s net weight and how many portions you’ll need, depending on whether rice is a side dish or the main part of the meal. | When I’m having several friends over, my main priority is having enough rice without buying lots of small packs. Around 42% of consumers prioritise getting the quantity they need. |
| Variety | The type of rice and cooking instructions that suit the dish you’re planning. | If my menu calls for a particular variety, how well it goes with the dish matters more than the pack size. This is a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Preparation | The stated cooking time and equipment needed: a saucepan, microwave or frying pan, depending on the product. | When I need to get dinner on the table quickly, I look for an option that fits the time I have. Speed is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
A 220 g pouch and a 1 kg pack don’t contain the same amount of rice. You may need several pouches to feed a group.
Work out how many portions you’ll need before choosing a pack size, and check the net weight of each product.
Buying several pouches also means opening more packaging when it’s time to serve.
A large pack doesn’t necessarily mean the rice is right for your menu. Basmati, risotto rice and sticky rice are suited to different dishes.
Choose the variety your dish calls for first, then check the quantity and cooking instructions for the specific product.
According to Anses, the risk of micro-organisms multiplying increases when food is left at room temperature for more than two hours after cooking.
Divide leftovers between shallow containers and put them in the fridge within two hours of cooking.
Carrefour’s range includes 1 kg packs of basmati and 2 kg packs of Classic' long-grain rice.
Taureau Ailé offers several rice varieties, including 1 kg packs of basmati.
Auchan offers 1 kg packs of basmati rice, among other options.
Ben's Original offers dry rice as well as smaller express packs.
Lidl offers Golden Sun basmati rice in a 1 kg pack.
These Joybuy packs contain between 1 and 2.5 kg of dry rice. The range includes fragrant Thai rice, risotto rice and sticky rice. Choose the variety to suit your dish, not just the pack weight.
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Consider this if your menu includes fragrant Thai rice for several people. Check the pack’s preparation instructions before planning when to serve it.
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This pack is a good match for a dinner where risotto is on the menu. Follow the preparation method given for this product rather than the instructions for rice served as a side.
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The 2 kg pack could be a good option if you need to feed a group. Before choosing it for its flavour, check the variety on the packaging, as product descriptions don’t agree on this point.
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This large pack may suit a menu where long-grain rice plays a big part. Work out how many portions you’ll need before opting for 2.5 kg, and check the cooking instructions on the packaging.
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Choose this 2 kg pack if your recipe specifically calls for sticky rice rather than separate-grain rice. Check the cooking instructions before you start preparing the meal.
For a side dish, Auchan’s basmati product information recommends 60 g of uncooked rice per person, so 1 kg makes around 16 portions. Allow more if rice is the main course or you want to serve generous portions.
Check the type of rice, net quantity, ingredients list and nutritional information. The DGCCRF lists these among the details required on pre-packed food labels. You should also read the preparation instructions for the product you choose.
Follow the instructions on the pack and keep the rice away from heat and moisture, as Auchan recommends for its basmati rice. Once opened, store it in a clean, dry, airtight container.
Put leftovers in the fridge within two hours of cooking, rather than leaving them on the table all evening. Anses says the risk of micro-organisms multiplying increases when food is left at room temperature for more than two hours.