Ben’s Original is a brand of rice produced by Mars Food, the food division of Mars, Incorporated. It was first introduced in 1941 by Ben Hill Griffin, Jr. as a premium long grain rice grown in the southern United States. Over the years, Ben’s Original has expanded its rice offerings to include different types, textures, and flavors of rice while maintaining its reputation for quality and taste.
Different Types of Ben’s Original Rice
Ben’s Original currently produces several different types and styles of rice including:
Long Grain White Rice
The original Ben’s Original rice is a long grain white rice that has a fluffy, distinct grain after cooking. It is versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes from rice pilaf to stir fries. The grains are elongated and remain separate and firm.
Brown Rice
Ben’s Original brown rice is a 100% whole grain rice with the nutrient-dense bran and germ intact. It has a delicious, nutty flavor and chewy texture and provides more fiber, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants than refined white rice. It works well in pilafs, salads, stir fries, and more.
Jasmine Rice
Ben’s Original Jasmine rice is an aromatic long grain rice grown in Thailand. It has a soft, sticky texture when cooked and a fragrant jasmine scent. Jasmine rice is ideal for Southeast Asian dishes like curries but also works well for everyday rice dishes.
Basmati Rice
Ben’s Original Basmati rice is grown in India and Pakistan. It has an extra long grain and when cooked the grains remain elongated, dry, and separate. It has a nutty aroma and flavor. Basmati rice is popular in Indian cuisine and pairs well with curries and stews.
Arborio Rice
Ben’s Original Arborio rice is a medium grain, starchy white rice that is traditionally used to make risotto. It has a high starch content that creates a creamy texture when cooked slowly in broth. Arborio rice can also be used to make rice pudding.
Wild Rice
Ben’s Original Wild Rice is not technically rice, but the seed of a marsh grass. It has a very nutty, earthy flavor and chewy texture. Wild rice goes well with meats, poultry, and in stuffing.
Texmati Rice
Ben’s Texmati rice is a specialty long grain rice that combines the flavor of basmati rice with the texture of jasmine rice. It has an aromatic flavor, separate grains when cooked, and works well in a variety of dishes.
Organic Rice
Ben’s Original offers organic long grain white, brown, and jasmine rice options. These are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. They meet USDA organic standards and offer an eco-friendly option.
Cooking Tips
To cook Ben’s Original rice perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Use the right rice to water ratio – Ben’s Original white rice calls for 1 cup uncooked rice to 2 cups water.
- Bring the water to a boil first before adding rice. Add rice, stir once, cover and reduce heat to low for 20 minutes.
- After cooking wild, brown or basmati rice, let it sit off heat for 5-10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Rinse the rice first for fluffier, separated grains if desired.
- Use a tight fitting lid and don’t uncover during cooking.
- Don’t stir the rice during cooking – this can lead to gummy results.
- For fried rice, let the cooked rice cool completely before stir frying.
- Store cooked rice in the refrigerator within 2 hours and use within 3-5 days.
Following these tips will ensure your Ben’s Original rice turns out fluffy and perfectly cooked every time. The type of rice, water ratio, cooking method, and resting time can all impact the final texture.
Nutrition Information
Here is some of the key nutritional information for Ben’s Original rice varieties:
| Rice Type | Serving | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long grain white rice | 1/4 cup uncooked | 160 | 35g | 3g | 0g |
| Brown rice | 1/4 cup uncooked | 160 | 33g | 3g | 1g |
| Jasmine rice | 1/4 cup uncooked | 170 | 37g | 3g | 0g |
| Basmati rice | 1/4 cup uncooked | 160 | 35g | 3g | 0g |
| Arborio rice | 1/4 cup uncooked | 180 | 40g | 3g | 0g |
| Wild rice | 1/4 cup uncooked | 110 | 22g | 4g | 0g |
| Texmati rice | 1/4 cup uncooked | 160 | 35g | 3g | 0g |
As you can see, the different rice varieties have minor differences in their nutrition profiles but all remain relatively low in calories and high in carbohydrates with no significant fat content. Brown rice retains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than white rice due to the bran and germ.
Ben’s Original Rice Products
In addition to selling a variety of loose rice in bags, Ben’s Original also produces numerous rice-based products including:
Microwave Rice Cups
These single-serve rice cups can be microwaved in 60 seconds to conveniently prepare a rice side dish. They come in a variety of flavors including plain, garlic herb, Spanish style, and lemon herb.
Ready Rice
Ben’s Original Ready Rice come in resealable pouches that are pre-cooked and ready to heat and eat in 90 seconds. They are offered in plain white, brown, and flavored options like Chicken Flavor and Spanish Style.
Heat and Serve Rice Medley
These rice medleys combine rice with grains like quinoa and lentils that can be prepared together. Simply microwave the pouch for 90 seconds for a ready rice dish.
Rice and Grain Blends
Ben’s Original offers multi-grain medleys that mix white or brown rice with grains like wild rice, wheat berries, quinoa, and barley. These provide texture and flavor variety.
Rice Crackers and Cakes
For a crunchy, baked snack, Ben’s Original makes lightly salted rice crackers and rice cakes in flavors like sesame and everything.
Rice Flour
For gluten-free baking, Ben’s Original offers white and brown rice flour made from ground rice. This can be used to bake breads, pastries, and other goodies.
Rice Cereal
Ben’s Original Rice Cereal is made from ground rice instead of wheat or oats. It makes for a gluten-free breakfast option that can be combined with milk, juice, or fruit.
So in addition to a wide assortment of rice in different varieties, Ben’s Original has put rice to use in all kinds of products from microwaveable sides to baking mixes and snacks.
Where to Buy Ben’s Original Rice
Ben’s Original rices are sold at most major grocery stores in the rice aisle or grain section. Many retailers carry the plain rice varieties as well as some of the flavored mixes and products. The full range can be found at stores like:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Publix
- HEB
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
- Amazon
The microwavable rice cups, ready to heat pouches, snacks, and other products can usually be found alongside the plain rice bags or in the grain medley section. The baking mixes and rice flour may be in the baking aisle.
Ben’s Original rices are very widely available at most major retailers that sell groceries and rice products. The brand offers a large variety of options from traditional long grain white rice to brown, jasmine, basmati, arborio, wild rice blends, and more. They also provide convenient packaged rice dishes and snacks as well as gluten free baking products made with rice. Overall, Ben’s Original offers quality rice products to meet diverse needs.
Conclusion
Ben’s Original provides a wide range of rice varieties and styles to meet diverse cooking needs. Their rices include long grain white, brown, jasmine, basmati, arborio, wild, and Texmati rice. They offer useful cooking tips for preparing rice perfectly. The nutrition profiles of the rices are similar, providing carbohydrates with little fat or protein. In addition to plain rice, Ben’s Original sells many rice-based products like microwaveable cups, ready to heat pouches, medleys, crackers, cakes, flour, and cereal. Their products can be found at major grocery retailers and provide quality, trusted rice options for households, restaurants, and food manufacturers. When choosing the right Ben’s Original rice, consider the texture, flavor, and uses you need. Their variety of options makes it easy to find the perfect rice for your dish or diet.