People keeping an eye on sugar
You want to understand the difference between a ‘reduced in sugars’ claim and the figure shown under ‘of which sugars’, while keeping an eye on total carbohydrates too.
Who is this choice for?
People preparing several meals in advance
You’re looking for a format that’s easy to portion, with cooking or reheating times that fit your routine.
People choosing rice with added ingredients
It saves you a preparation step, but check the recipe, salt, allergens and storage instructions before planning several portions.
What should you check before buying?
First, distinguish the ‘reduced in sugars’ claim from the nutrition information. Then choose the format and recipe to suit the meals you want to prepare.
| What to check | Look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars and carbohydrates | Whether the ‘reduced in sugars’ claim appears; the sugars and carbohydrates per 100 g. | If I’m looking to reduce sugar, I want to distinguish that claim from a simply low figure under ‘of which sugars’; around 42% of consumers prioritise this distinction. |
| Preparation and portions | Cooking or reheating time; the stated weight and number of portions. | When planning several meals, I need a format I can portion out and prepare within the time I have; around 33% of consumers put this planning first. |
| Recipe and storage | Ingredients, allergens and salt per 100 g; storage instructions. | When choosing rice with added ingredients, I want to know what’s in it and how to store it before adding it to my meals; around 25% of consumers focus on these points first. |
Common mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a low sugar figure with a reduction
According to the National Consumer Institute, ‘reduced in sugars’ means a reduction of at least 30% compared with a similar product. A low figure per 100 g does not, by itself, prove this comparison.
If this claim is important to your choice, look for the exact wording and compare the nutrition information per 100 g.
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Looking only at ‘of which sugars’
Auchan’s product page for BEN’S ORIGINAL brown rice lists less than 0.5 g of sugars and 35 g of carbohydrates per 100 g. These figures tell you different things.
Compare sugars and carbohydrates on the same 100 g basis, then take your intended portion size into account.
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Assuming all special fried rice has the same recipe
The ingredients and sauces vary. Auchan and E.Leclerc product pages, for example, describe recipes containing ingredients such as egg or fish.
Before adding it to your meal plan, check the ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging of the product you buy.
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Planning portions without thinking about storage
A family-sized pack also needs to fit in your freezer or fridge. Auchan’s product page for frozen special fried rice says to store it at −18 °C and not to refreeze it after defrosting.
Portion it out in line with the product’s instructions. For food stored in the fridge, Anses recommends a temperature of 4 °C in the coldest part.
Brands to compare
BEN’S ORIGINAL
The ready-to-cook brown rice featured by Auchan is a plain base that you can cook and season to suit your meals.
- The product page lists parboiled brown rice as the ingredient, a cooking time of around 12 minutes and less than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.
- It also lists 35 g of carbohydrates per 100 g. The sugar figure alone does not prove the ‘reduced in sugars’ claim.
AUCHAN
The frozen special fried rice featured by Auchan is a ready-made dish in a 900 g bag, stated to serve three.
- The product page recommends reheating in a frying pan for 10 to 11 minutes.
- The recipe includes egg, fish and sesame, among other ingredients, and contains 0.53 g of salt per 100 g. Store at −18 °C and do not refreeze after defrosting.
ASIA GREEN GARDEN
ALDI France’s product page features 900 g of frozen special fried rice with omelette and premium ham.
- The ready-made recipe and 900 g format are worth comparing when choosing dishes to portion out.
- If sugar is your deciding factor, compare the nutrition information and any relevant claims on the packaging with those of a similar product.
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Frequently asked questions
Does less than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g mean ‘reduced in sugars’?
No. According to the National Consumer Institute, the ‘reduced in sugars’ claim requires at least 30% less sugar than a similar product. A low figure alone does not prove this reduction.
Should you compare the sugars or carbohydrates in rice?
Compare both, separately and per 100 g. For example, Auchan’s product page for BEN’S ORIGINAL brown rice lists less than 0.5 g of sugars and 35 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.
How should you store rice planned for several meals?
Follow the product’s storage instructions and make sure you have enough room in the fridge or freezer. Anses recommends 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge; Auchan’s product page for frozen special fried rice says to store it at −18 °C and not to refreeze it after defrosting.
Is special fried rice suitable for someone with an allergy without checking the label?
No. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the product you buy. The Auchan special fried rice recipe described on its product page includes egg, fish and sesame, among other ingredients; the TABLES DU MONDE recipe featured by E.Leclerc includes ham, egg, wheat and fish sauce, among other ingredients.