People who make risotto from scratch
You want to choose your own stock, cheese and toppings, starting with rice intended for risotto.
Who are these options for?
People comparing sugar levels
You want to check the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g without confusing it with the total carbohydrate content.
People short on time
You’re considering a quick-cook mix, so you need to check its ingredients, allergens and seasoning before buying.
What should you check before buying?
For an Italian-themed dinner, first decide whether you want to make the dish with plain rice or use a ready-seasoned mix. Then compare the nutritional information on the same basis.
| What to check | Things to look for | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars and carbohydrates | Compare the ‘of which sugars’ and ‘carbohydrates’ values per 100 g. Separately, look for any ‘reduced sugar’ claim that matters to your choice. | If I’m watching my sugar intake, I want to compare packs without mistaking this value for the carbohydrate content; around 42% of consumers prioritise this distinction. |
| Making risotto | Check that the rice is intended for risotto, then read the cooking instructions and stated cooking time. | If I’m serving homemade risotto, I’m happy to spend time cooking rather than choose a ready-made recipe; around 33% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Speed and ingredients | For a seasoned mix, check the cooking time, number of portions, ingredients and allergens. | When preparation time is my main concern, I’d consider a quick-cook pack while still checking what it contains; this is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
The DGCCRF states that nutritional values shown per 100 g make it easier to compare products. Compare like with like, too: a pack of plain rice and a seasoned recipe don’t have the same ingredients list.
Common mix-ups to avoid
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Assuming low sugars means low carbohydrates
According to Auchan’s listing for Gallo Per Risotti, this rice contains 0.2 g of sugars and 78.3 g of carbohydrates per 100 g. These two values answer different questions.
If your choice depends on carbohydrate content, check that value as well as the ‘of which sugars’ figure. Don’t infer a nutritional quality from the term ‘reduced sugar’ alone.
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Assuming a quick-cook mix is the same as plain rice
Carrefour’s listing for Knorr Risotto Classique describes a recipe containing, among other ingredients, wheat flour and milk-based ingredients. It’s not simply rice.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you buy, particularly if you want to choose every part of the recipe yourself.
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Choosing based on the rice name alone
Two products described as suitable for risotto may have different preparation instructions. The cooking time shown for one product doesn’t apply to all the others.
Check the stated use and follow the instructions on the pack you choose before planning when to serve it.
Brands to know
Riso Gallo
Auchan lists two risotto rice products: Per Risotti in a 1 kg pack and organic Arborio in a 500 g pack.
- For both products, the listings state 100% risotto rice, 0.2 g of sugars and 78.3 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.
- These values apply to these two specific products. Check the label if you choose a different Riso Gallo product.
Vivien Paille
Auchan lists a 1 kg special risotto rice, described as parboiled long-grain rice.
- The listing states 78.2 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.
- If the sugar content determines your choice, check the ‘of which sugars’ value on the pack or with the seller before buying.
Knorr
Carrefour’s listing describes the 175 g Knorr Risotto Classique as a seasoned mix that serves two.
- The cooking instructions give a 12-minute cooking time for an al dente finish.
- The recipe contains wheat and milk-based ingredients, among other things. Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack.
Rice for making risotto from scratch
This special risotto rice is for people who prefer to make their dish with rice rather than buy a ready-seasoned recipe.
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Taureau Ailé Special Risotto Rice 500 g
A rice to choose if you want to make your own risotto. The pack contains 500 g. If they’re important to your purchase, check the ‘of which sugars’ and ‘carbohydrates’ values on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Does rice with a low sugar content also contain few carbohydrates?
No. These are two separate values in the nutritional information. For example, Auchan’s listing for Gallo Per Risotti states 0.2 g of sugars and 78.3 g of carbohydrates per 100 g. Check both values, depending on what you want to compare.
How do you make risotto with plain rice?
Follow the instructions for your chosen rice. For Gallo Per Risotti, Auchan’s listing says to add hot stock gradually and gives a cooking time of around 18 minutes. Choose the other ingredients for the recipe separately.
Is Knorr Risotto Classique suitable if I need to avoid milk or wheat?
The recipe described by Carrefour contains wheat flour and milk-based ingredients. If these allergens are a concern for you, don’t choose it without checking the label. Check the other allergen information on the pack you buy, too.
What should I compare between two risotto rice packs?
First, compare the nutritional values on the same per-100 g basis, as recommended by the DGCCRF to make products easier to compare. Then check whether each pack contains just rice or a prepared recipe, and look at the number of portions and cooking instructions.