Do you enjoy cooking dishes like curries, pilafs, rice puddings, or other Thai and Asian dishes? If so, you may already be familiar with the flavorful taste of jasmine rice. While preparing to make this aromatic rice, you might wonder what the best jasmine rice brand actually is. We’ve taken a look at the many brands on the market to provide you with all the info you need to buy the best rice for your individual needs.
Jasmine rice is a long-grain rice that is commonly used in Southeast Asian dishes, most notably Thai cuisine. It’s unique to other forms of rice because the grains cling together when it is cooked, creating a moist and soft rice. However, with so many options on the market, this guide to the best brands out there can help you ensure you get exactly what you need to perfect your favorite dishes.Best Pick
Dynasty Jasmine Rice is our top pick when it comes to jasmine rice because it offers tons of nutrients, originates from Thailand, and has a taste that will work well in all sorts of dishes.
Budget Pick
Pride of India Thai White Jasmine Rice ranks as our best budget pick based on its sealed food-grade jar and all the different diets that it caters to through being non-GMO, gluten-free, and more.
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Jasmine Rice Brands
1. Dynasty Jasmine Rice
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Available in a large package of 20 pounds, Dynasty Jasmine Rice can be used to create a wide variety of Asian dishes and meals. This rice is made entirely of all-natural, organic rice and can be used for savory or sweet dishes. While even a single package will provide you enough rice to last several weeks, you can also buy this rice as a two, three, or four-pack for those who need an even more substantial amount.
This is an authentic form of jasmine rice that was imported from Thailand, and the bag holds about 40 to 50 cups of rice. Some people have found that this is too much rice for their needs. It also needs to be stored appropriately to prevent insects from finding their way in. However, if you can look past these few drawbacks and want a whole lot of rice to work with, this will prove a great option for you.Pros
Cons
2. Pride of India Thai White Jasmine Rice
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Pride of India offers Thai white jasmine rice that comes in a 1.5-pound jar. The manufacturer also provides a selection of other rice, such as Indian brown basmati rice, organic red quinoa, and tri-color whole grain quinoa. This rice is entirely natural and comes from the horn of Thailand with a fragrant aroma and sweet flavor.
This is a great option for small households, as it includes 16 servings in each jar, which is sealed and made of food-grade materials for your safety. Unlike some other brands of rice, you don’t have to find a way to reseal the packaging to keep it air-tight since the lid handles that for you. This rice is also a great choice for many dietary needs, as it is gluten-free, vegan, and free of GMOs and BPA.Pros
Cons
3. Lundberg Family Farms Organic Jasmine Rice
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While many of the jasmine rice options on this list come from Thailand, this option from Lundberg Family Farms is grown in the United States. The rice is certified organic and is produced in an environmentally-conscious way. It is also non-GMO and gluten free, making a great option for a variety of dietary needs.
As far as your health goes, this rice offers a large amount of fiber and protein to help you meet your nutritional needs for the day. It’s a versatile option that can be used in savory side dishes, as well as desserts like rice pudding. The large size of the bag makes it ideal if you use large amounts of rice or want to stockpile for later use.Pros
Cons
4. Asian Best Jasmine Rice
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As a best jasmine rice brand, you can expect Asian Best Jasmine Rice to offer the natural fragrance and authentic taste that you expect from high-quality, authentic Jasmine rice. It’s available in two different sizes, so you can select whichever best suits you and your family. It also fits perfectly into most diets, being low-sodium, low-cholesterol, and low-fat.
This rice offers a high percentage of whole long grains and is grown in Thailand in the Isaan region, which creates a flavor that is distinct from rice produced in other regions and countries. The only thing to keep in mind is that you will need to ensure the bag is securely sealed, or bugs may get into the rice.Pros
Cons
5. Three Ladies Long Grain Jasmine Rice
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One of the first things you may notice about the Three Ladies rice is that it is grown in Thailand, making it a good option if you’re looking for something as authentic and traditional as possible. Unlike some of the other options for the best jasmine rice brand, this comes in only one size but offers plenty to work with at five pounds per bag. The manufacturer also offers other grains, such as brown jasmine, sanpatong sweet rice, and broken jasmine rice.
If some of your favorite dishes call for sticky rice, this product could be the answer. Known as Thai fragrant rice, it sticks together well and offers a nutty aroma that will fill your kitchen before it fills your belly. However, it isn’t certified as organic or non-GMO, so you may want to consider whether this is an important factor for you.Pros
Cons
6. Spicy World Pure Jasmine Rice from Thailand
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Spicy World’s jasmine rice comes in either a 10-pound or 20-pound bag that is made to last, with convenient handles and a durable design. The rice inside is imported straight from Thailand and is considered hom mali jasmine rice. It can be used as a delicious base for many different dishes originating from Asia, the Middle East, and India.
As far as the healthiness of this rice goes, it is a low-fat, low-cholesterol jasmine rice option. It provides plenty of carbohydrates and the delicious flavor and fluffy texture jasmine rice is famous for. You will want to keep in mind that this rice isn’t certified as non-GMO or organic, which may be a disadvantage if those are factors you value in your ingredients.Pros
Cons
7. Lotus Foods Gourmet Brown Jasmine Rice
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This jasmine rice from Lotus Farms is produced in Cambodia, rather than Thailand or the United States like most of the other rice options we’ve looked at. It comes in several sizes, so you can choose whichever works best for you, from a one-pound, 11-pound, or 25-pound package. The rice is organic and offers a floral scent, a buttery taste, and a sticky-but-soft texture.
In addition to being organic, this rice is also vegan, whole grain, fair trade, and gluten-free, making it a viable option for various dietary needs. It has been grown on farms that conserve water, which helps reduce methane emissions and improves the income of farmers. The rice is also formulated to cook in less than 30 minutes, whether you use the stove or a rice cooker.Pros
Cons
8. Premium Thai Best Jasmine Rice by KAOW NUMSUB
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One of the things that makes this rice unique is that it comes in a vacuum-sealed package that prevents moisture or insects from getting inside. The rice is produced in the Surin province in Thailand, so you can expect an authentic taste and texture that will come through in all your favorite recipes. It produces long, soft, white and fragrant rice once cooked.
The inclusion of lutein, fiber, and niacin also helps bring a few extra nutrients to the party. It’s a soft rice with a natural texture that should be cooked at a ratio of one cup of rice to one cup of water. It should also be appropriately stored in a refrigerator or other cool, dry place to ensure its quality is retained for later meals.Pros
Cons
9. Artisanal Jasmine White Rice
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The first thing you’ll notice about this Artisanal Jasmine White Rice is that it comes in a large, durable bucket that holds a whopping 25 pounds of rice. All rice that comes from this brand is sustainably grown, making it great for the environment as well as your taste buds. This is also a brand that is produced in the United States and follows all USDA requirements.
This rice comes from a family-owned, family-operated farm, so you know exactly where your food is coming from and how it is raised. It has a floral scent and a nutty flavor that is ideal for Asian and Middle Eastern dishes and a light texture that makes creating sticky rice a breeze. It is also entirely non-GMO, kosher, and gluten-free to fit many different diet types.Pros
Cons
10. Goya Foods Jasmine Rice
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One of the most popular types of jasmine rice is Thai hom mali rice, and that’s the variety Goya Foods offers. This high quality rice comes with a light and fluffy texture and a nutty flavor that will work well in all sorts of dishes, both savory and sweet. It can be prepared just like any white rice but has a stickier consistency that is perfect for dishes like puddings and curries.
This is a gluten-free rice that includes a large amount of fiber without packing in the fat, saturated fat, or cholesterol. You can customize it to your needs based on how much water you add to the dish. If you want a firmer rice, you should go with less water and cook for a shorter time, while softer rice can be achieved by adding additional water and cooking for longer.Pros
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What to Think About When Buying Jasmine Rice
Rice, as a whole, is a huge energy source for people around the globe. It comes in all sorts of varieties that suit a wide variety of dishes. If you’re familiar with white rice, jasmine rice is similar but has its own set of unique characteristics. Below, we’ll look into the nutrition of jasmine rice, what makes it different from other kinds of rice, and how to use it in your favorite recipes. First, we want to take a look at what sets jasmine rice apart from other rice on the market.
What Makes Jasmine Rice Unique?
If you like rice but are tired of simple white or brown rice, jasmine rice can be an excellent alternative. It’s a long-grain rice that has a nutty, sweet flavor and aroma that sets it apart from the crowd. This variety of rice pairs well with spices commonly used in Thai and Middle Eastern dishes.
Many people consider this rice the most fragrant available, but its aroma will dissipate as time goes by. Another thing that makes it unique is its color, which is similar to the stronger-tasting basmati rice. It’s often used to cook side dishes that are aromatic and lively and pairs well with poultry, fish, or vegetables.
While you can find jasmine rice in all sorts of countries, most of the rice you’ll find on the market is grown in Thailand. However, it can also be produced in places like Vietnam and Cambodia. There are also farms in the United States that produce jasmine rice with the same qualities as its Asian counterparts.
Also, keep in mind that jasmine rice comes in white and brown (or polished and unpolished) varieties. The texture and flavor will also depend on when in the year the rice is harvested. As an example, rice that is harvested in spring is going to be more delicately flavored, while rice harvested later in the year will have a more robust flavor.
Many people are unsure of the differences between jasmine rice and basmati rice, so let’s take a moment now to explore the unique qualities of the two. While jasmine and basmati rice are similar, they are not exactly the same, as they have slightly different textures, flavors and aromas. In addition, basmati rice is typically aged before it hits the store shelves.
If you’re a serious foodie and you want the most authentic dishes, basmati rice is best used for Indian dishes, while jasmine rice is best for Thai cuisine. However, even though the two are different, many people use them more or less interchangeably with few drawbacks. It all really comes down to personal preference and how serious you are about authenticity.
Health and Nutrition Facts About Jasmine Rice
The easiest way to understand the nutritional value of jasmine rice is by comparing it to white rice, which most people are already familiar with. Jasmine rice actually falls under the category of white rice but is only one of several types. Some of the key differences you can expect when choosing jasmine rice include:
- Slightly more calories
- About the same amount of protein
- A bit more fat
- Slightly more carbs
- The same amount of fiber
- The same amount of calcium
- More iron
Beyond that, some brands of jasmine rice will have trace amounts of B vitamins, zinc, copper, magnesium, and manganese. While some nutrients are lost when the rice is processed, vitamins and minerals like folate, niacin, iron, and thiamine are often added after the processing for additional nutrition.
There are also healthier kinds of jasmine rice available, which comes in brown and whole wheat varieties. Just like other whole grains, the bran and germ are kept in the rice, but the outer husk will be removed. This is what allows the rice to retain its nutrients even after it is cooked.
This rice will have a high fiber content, which tends to result in fewer carbohydrates and calories compared to white rice. It will also include potassium, calcium, and iron. If you choose a whole grain purple, red, or black jasmine rice, it will also come with beneficial phytonutrients. This means you’ll also be getting a good dose of antioxidants to help protect and support your body’s cells.
White jasmine rice is a refined grain, which means most of the nutrients and fiber are removed. This also means it is easily digestible, which can cause a spike in blood sugar for some people. Because of this, switching to a brown jasmine rice variety can be a good choice for those with diabetes.
Whole grain brown jasmine rice has plenty of fiber, which means sugar will be absorbed more slowly and has less time to accumulate and stick around in the bloodstream. Brown rice also has additional healthy nutrients such as phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins which offer many health benefits, including supporting the immune system and heart health.
The Best Way to Prepare Jasmine Rice
If you have never cooked jasmine rice before, you’re probably wondering if the method of cooking is much different from cooking traditional white rice. The truth is that there aren’t many significant differences at all, so you’re already prepared if you’ve ever made any other type of rice. However, there are a few small changes you can make to get the most out of your jasmine rice, such as cooking it for a little longer than usual.
The steps for cooking jasmine rice to get the best results are listed below:
- First, take the rice and give it a rinse with cold water. After you’ve rinsed it, massage the rice using your fingers. At that point, you can drain out the water and shake the excess off of the rice before moving on to step two.
- Assuming you are going to cook jasmine rice on a stove, the first thing you’ll want to do is put it into a pot. The amount of rice you use in contrast to the amount of water you use is going to vary by brand and the type of jasmine rice. It’s a good idea to check your rice’s label cooking recommendations for details. If there are no instructions, you can experiment using a cup of rice with one and a half cups of water. Once the ingredients are in the pan, turn up the heat and bring to a boil.
- As soon as you notice the liquid is boiling, it’s time to take the heat down to the lowest setting on your stove. You should also cover the pot with a lid at this time. Next, you’ll want to simmer the rice until it is fully cooked. On average, this will take around 20 minutes in total.
- Once your jasmine rice is thoroughly cooked, it’s time to take it off the heat and set it somewhere to rest. Keep it covered and let it sit for around 10 minutes or longer.
- At this point, you can uncover the pot. Once you’ve removed the lid, use a fork or chopsticks to fluff up your jasmine rice.
- And you’re done! The rice can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to a week, or frozen for later use. Defrosted rice is especially good for soups and stews.
Leftover rice has a ton of uses that you may not be aware of. For example, adding lime zest and juice can add brightness and acidity to the rice. It can also be used to make many other recipes, such as rice and beans, fried rice, or rice pudding. It can also be used as a side dish for most meals.
Cooking Tips to Use with Jasmine Rice
One of the things that makes jasmine rice different from other types of rice is that it is very starchy. Some people believe that means that basmati is better for dishes like pilaf, but the truth is that jasmine can easily take its place. With a pilaf, the grains are encouraged to cook separately instead of sticking together like in other recipes.
This can be a positive and a negative at the same time, as one of the top reasons to choose jasmine rice is due to its extra starch, but pilaf isn’t suited to make the most of this aspect. However, there’s no reason why you can’t use jasmine rice in any type of recipe as long as it suits your tastes.
If you’ve ever heard that you should soak rice before preparing it, now is the time to leave that advice behind. Soaking rice can actually lead to rice that is soggy and flavorless. However, rinsing is recommended to remove the starch from the outside of the rice.
Keep in mind that if you want a genuine jasmine rice taste and texture like you experience at a Vietnamese or Thai restaurant, you don’t need to rinse it before serving. If you want to be sure you remove any dirt or debris from the rice, you can give it a quick rinse.
Cooking rice is not as difficult as some people believe, even when it comes to exotic varieties like jasmine rice. When cooking any kind of white rice, it should take only around 20 minutes to do so. You can double that time for cooking brown rice.
If you steam rather than boil your jasmine rice, you can expect a light and fluffy end result that many people prefer. This is one of the reasons why many people use a rice cooker or a bamboo steamer to make jasmine rice rather than using a pan on the stove.
The Best Places to Purchase Jasmine Rice
As we have already explained, most jasmine rice comes from Thailand, but it can also be produced in other areas. Despite the fact that Thailand is the primary producer, it is popular in countries all over the world. This has led to its cultivation in other countries and its inclusion on the shelves of many different supermarkets and health food stores in the United States and beyond.
If you’re shopping for jasmine rice at the grocery store, there are two places you can typically find it. It’s often found in the rice aisle with every other kind of rice and may also be included in the Asian section of your supermarket. Since this rice is similar to traditional white rice, it will often be sold in large containers of five pounds or more. If you are more interested in the exotic types of jasmine rice, the best options in your neighborhood are going to be Asian and ethnic food markets.
Fortunately, you can also order jasmine rice online, which is the best place to find the vast number of varieties available around the world. In addition to typical white or brown jasmine rice, you may find the more colorful purple jasmine rice and varieties from countries other than Thailand or the USA on the web.
Conclusion
Jasmine rice is a fantastic ingredient to have in your pantry for all the delicious Thai dishes you may want to create. It’s a unique type of rice that tastes great in all sorts of dishes, from curry and stew to puddings and other desserts. It is a truly versatile ingredient with a delicious taste that pairs well with numerous dishes.
However, brand matters, and knowing which option is right for you is a must. This article gives you a good idea of what the best jasmine rice brands are and what other great options are available. At this point, you should be ready to grab the best bag and get to cooking the recipe you’ve been thinking about!
Sources:
https://www.finecooking.com/article/jasmine-basmati-rice
https://www.thespruceeats.com/cooking-with-jasmine-rice-2355377
https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-cook-jasmine-rice-4064599
https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-jasmine-rice-1328439
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/jasmine-rice-vs-white-rice
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