If you’re planning to eat rice on the train and can’t be sure you’ll be able to heat it up, choose a product whose packaging explicitly says it can be eaten straight away. If you can prepare your meal before you leave, a pouch that needs heating gives you more options. In either case, check the portion size, ingredients and storage instructions for the exact product.
You want to eat during your journey without relying on a microwave or a frying pan. Look for an explicit statement on the specific product saying it can be eaten straight away. The product listing for Ben’s Original Chinese-style rice on Auchan’s website is one example, but this doesn’t apply to every express rice pouch.
If you have access to equipment before boarding, you could choose a pouch that needs heating in a microwave or frying pan. Follow the instructions for the product you buy and plan when you’ll prepare it.
If certain ingredients or allergens affect your choice, read the label for each recipe. Auchan’s listings for Ben’s Original and Auchan Chinese-style rice mention several animal-derived ingredients and allergens; other flavours may have a different composition.
When choosing prepared rice to take on the train, start by thinking about when you’ll be able to prepare it. Then check the ingredients and how much you’ll need to take with you.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| A meal that doesn’t need heating | The exact product must explicitly say it can be eaten straight away; the word “express” isn’t enough. | I want to eat during the journey without relying on a cooking appliance. This would be the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Preparing your meal before setting off | The pouch instructions and the equipment you’ll have access to before boarding. | I can prepare my meal before getting on and want to spend less time in the kitchen. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise quick preparation. |
| Ingredients and allergens | The ingredients list, allergens and any possible traces for the recipe you’re buying. | A convenient recipe isn’t right for me if it contains an ingredient I need to avoid. Around 21% of consumers would put ingredients first. |
| Portion size | The net weight, the number of portions stated and whether you’ll be adding anything else to your meal. | I’m travelling alone and would rather not open a pouch if I’m only going to eat some of it. Portion size would be the main criterion for around 14% of consumers. |
A short preparation time may mean the product needs heating. Auchan’s listings for Ben’s Original basmati rice and Suzi Wan rice give microwave or frying-pan instructions, while the Ben’s Original Chinese-style rice listing also says it can be eaten straight away.
If you want to eat without heating it, check that the packaging for your chosen product says this is possible. Otherwise, prepare it before your journey.
The Ben’s Original and Auchan Chinese-style rice products featured on Auchan’s website contain several animal-derived ingredients and allergens. The details vary by product.
Read the ingredients list, allergens and any possible traces on the pouch you’re buying, even if you’re familiar with another recipe from the same brand.
A 220 g pouch isn’t necessarily labelled as a single portion, while Auchan’s listing for its 250 g Chinese-style rice describes it as a portion for one.
Compare the weight and the number of portions stated, then decide whether the rice will be your main meal or a side to go with something else.
Storage instructions may change once a product has been opened. Anses also recommends limiting how long perishable foods are kept at room temperature.
Follow the product label and, if you don’t have a suitable way to keep it cool, wait until mealtime to open the pouch. Also follow the storage instructions for any fresh food you’re taking with you.
The range includes 220 g express rice pouches, including basmati and Chinese-style rice featured on Auchan’s website.
The brand offers, among other products, a 250 g express Chinese-style rice pouch described as a portion for one.
The 220 g precooked basmati rice featured on Auchan’s website can be used as a base for a meal with separate accompaniments.
The “Les Riz Gourmands” range includes a 220 g pouch of plain rice with a hint of butter.
The 220 g plain basmati rice featured on Carrefour’s website could be used as a base with other ingredients added.
These products offer several ways to put together a rice-based meal for your journey: a dish labelled ready to eat, a pouch that needs heating, a cup to prepare with hot water or a self-heating container. Check the preparation instructions for each product before deciding where you’ll eat it.
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Worth considering if you want a rice and lentil dish without having to heat it: the listing describes it as ready to eat and also gives instructions for heating it.
250 g pack. Check the allergens on the packaging and follow the storage instructions after opening.
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This individual meal uses a self-heating container rather than a microwave. Before taking it on the train, check with the train operator whether you’re allowed to use it on board.
260 g pack. The listing mentions soya and wheat; check the label if these allergens are a concern for you.
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This curry rice cup is suitable for preparing before your journey if you have access to hot water. Don’t assume you’ll be able to get hot water on the train unless you’ve confirmed it.
320 g pack. It also comes with egg soup; check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
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Choose this if you can heat the rice before setting off: the listing gives microwave or frying-pan instructions, but doesn’t say it can be eaten without heating.
220 g pouch. The recipe contains milk; after opening, follow the refrigeration instructions on the packaging.
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This seasoned rice cup needs hot water to be added, so plan to prepare it somewhere you know you’ll have access to hot water.
222 g pack. Check the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions on the packaging before buying.
No. The term “express” alone doesn’t mean a product can be eaten this way. Auchan’s listings for Ben’s Original and Suzi Wan basmati rice describe heating instructions, while the Ben’s Original Chinese-style rice listing also says it can be eaten straight away. Always check the exact product.
Only plan to heat your meal on board if you’ve confirmed that you’ll have access to the necessary equipment during your journey. SNCF Connect lists catering services on some trains, but that doesn’t mean passengers can use a microwave. If your meal needs to be hot, you could also prepare it before boarding.
Follow the storage instructions on each product and make sure you have a way to keep food cool when necessary. Some Ben’s Original and Lustucru product listings say to refrigerate the product after opening; Anses recommends limiting the time perishable foods are kept at room temperature.