12 Best Brown Rice Brands To Try in 2025
Brown rice has surged in popularity in recent years, and with so many brands now on the market, choosing the best brown rice can feel overwhelming. But first, what exactly is brown rice?
Brown rice is the whole grain version of white rice, retaining all the nutritious parts of the grain, including the bran and germ, which are typically removed during the polishing process that turns rice white. Brown rice is widely recognized as a healthier alternative to its white, refined counterpart as it is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals.
With a wide array of brands and rice varieties available, selecting the best brown rice can be quite a challenge. The different grain types and flavor profiles only add to the confusion. That's why we've researched for you, carefully sorting through the options to help you find not only the best brown rice brands but also the healthiest brown rice brands out there. Read on to discover your perfect pick!
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- The 12 Best Brown Rice Brands
- What Are the Healthiest Brown Rice Brands?
- What Is the Best Brown Rice Brand?
The 12 Best Brown Rice Brands
While compiling this list of the best brown rice, we considered several criteria. This includes the place of origin to the length of the grain and from the nutritional value to the growing and processing practices.
We have weighed factors such as aroma, flavor, texture, ease of cooking and whether or not the rice is organic, non-GMO, preservative-free and more. Each of these has been given appropriate consideration before arriving at our list of the 12 best brown rice brands.
1. Dynasty Brown Jasmine Rice
A healthy and versatile grain that is one of the best brown rice varieties available, Dynasty Brown Jasmine Rice has a pleasant taste with a light aroma that makes it a great base for any add-on sauces. We found that this brown rice, which originates in Thailand, pairs well with saucy dishes such as Thai curries or stir-fries.
It is fluffy and cooks consistently without turning mushy. This consistency remains whether you cook it in a regular pot or an Instant Pot.
Some may consider it to be a bit on the expensive side and not everyone may be enchanted with the aroma, but this jasmine variety definitely can be considered as one of the best brown rice choices with all the whole-grain health benefits.
2. Bombay Market Brown Basmati Rice
We consider the Bombay Market Brown Basmati Rice to be one of the best brown rice varieties available due to its fragrant aroma and long grains, the hallmark of good basmati rice. The flavor was a clean and natural one with the earthy taste that makes a meal feel both nourishing and satisfying.
The chewy texture held up well in the many dishes that we tried, from a simple vegetable curry to the more complex flavors of a biryani. It wowed even the hardcore, white rice loyalists thanks to its gentle flavor that complements the other ingredients.
The cooking time might be a bit unpredictable, with some finding it takes a bit longer to get that perfect texture. The earthy aroma might also not be to everyone’s liking, but altogether, it is a lovely grain and makes the switch from white to brown rice relatively easy. Bombay Market is one of the best brown rice choices available for those looking for a fluffy basmati brown rice brand.
3. Royal Brown Basmati
As lovers of fluffy-textured, aromatic grains, we found Royal Brown Basmati to be a definite contender in the best brown rice category. It is a premium basmati with a natural aroma and a nutty flavor that is well-suited to most rice dishes, from simple vegetable curries to more elaborate biryanis.
With a little care while cooking, you can have your rice cook without clumping together, with each grain separate. In addition to this, its gluten-free label will appeal to many.
All of this does come at a cost, which is reflected in its higher price, one that we feel is justified by the taste of the final dish. Some may be none too happy with the packaging, so it is advisable to transfer the rice immediately to an airtight container. Overall, it is one of the best brown rice varieties available to those looking for both aroma and flavor.
4. Ben’s Original Ready Rice Brown Basmati
One of the best brown rice varieties suitable for a quick, wholesome meal, Ben’s Original Ready Rice Brown Basmati delivers exactly what the name promises. Just pop the pouch into a microwave and, hey presto!
Ninety seconds later, you have ready-to-eat rice with a nice, chewy texture and a nutty aroma. Its simple ingredients, such as parboiled brown rice and canola oil, deliver a clean, earthy flavor that makes it a suitable accompaniment to a variety of dishes.
From having a quick meal with a side of vegetables to adding a curry, the possible permutations are combinations are varied. The texture retains its firmness, very reminiscent of freshly cooked rice. In addition, it is vegan and free of preservatives and perfectly proportioned for one or two people, making it perfect for small households.
Some of our team did find it to be a bit oily and you will need a microwave for the best results. The size of the pouches at 8.5 ounces limits your ability to feed many. However, if you are looking to add some whole grains to your meal and are pressed for time, this is one of the best brown rice options on the market.
5. Nishiki Premium Brown Rice
We found a versatile and nutritious grain that is a great choice for anyone looking for options in the healthiest brown rice category. Nishiki Premium Brown Rice is grown in California and delivers a dish with a fluffy texture and a nutty flavor that makes it suitable for anything from a breakfast porridge to a savory pilaf.
It cooks easily with either a stovetop or a rice cooker, fluffing up beautifully without getting mushy. We even tried it successfully in making brown rice sushi.
While it is a great choice for those looking to switch over from white rice, there are a few things to consider. The 15-pound bag will take up valuable space in your pantry and requires careful storage.
We also noticed a variation in texture if not cooked carefully, with an occasional chalky texture. Irrespective, it remains one of the best brown rice options available to keep your diet on the healthy side.
6. Mahatma Whole-Grain Brown Rice
We found Mahatma Whole-Grain Brown rice to be one of the best brown rice options for those looking for a healthier rice without compromising on the flavor. It is a well-regarded brand with brown rice grains that cook up light, fluffy and separate without too much fuss.
We found it to be suitable as a base for many dishes, including stir-fries, curry dishes, roasted vegetable bowls and salads. It is easy to prepare on either a stovetop or a rice cooker and its gluten-free and non-GMO labels make it one of the healthiest brown rice out there.
One should, however, note that the cooking time of about 45 minutes requires a little more planning as compared to regular rice. We also noticed on bulk purchases that there were some quality issues, such as discoloration and even pests present.
This just underscores the need for proper storage. But the fact remains that Mahatma offers one of the best brown rice choices in the market, delivering plenty of value along with quality.
7. Carolina Jasmine Brown Rice
We really enjoyed trying the Carolina Jasmine Brown Rice and found it to combine the virtues of jasmine and brown rice well. Simply for this reason, it deserves to be on this list of the best brown rice available. With a sweet jasmine aroma adding to its earthy flavor, it truly combines the best and is a no-brainer as a healthy substitute for white jasmine rice.
Certified by the Whole Grains Council, it works well with any Southeast Asian dish and is gluten-free, MSG-free and preservative-free. These certifications help make it one of the healthiest brown rice brands in the market.
This rice does require you to pay some attention (and love) while cooking. It cooks well on the stove, in a rice cooker, or an Instant Pot. It is extremely versatile and pairs well with any curry or stir fry, the fluffy texture and flavors adding to the quality of the final dish.
8. Grain Trust Steamed Brown Rice
While Grain Trust Steamed Brown Rice may not have the best brown rice flavor, it has one of the best brown rice textures. We managed to get some perfectly cooked and textured rice in just about three minutes in the microwave, tender and bouncy and without a hint of mushiness.
Anyone looking for a quick and easy meal needs to look no further, as this makes for a solid, dependable base that is ideal for a solo dinner. The convenience is unmatched, just pop the pouch in the microwave and you have a portion for two in about three minutes. While there may be some issues with its consistency, most will appreciate the ease of putting together a tasty dish in just a few minutes, especially after a long day at work.
9. Seeds of Change Quinoa and Brown Rice
A mix of organic quinoa and brown rice and flavored with garlic, this option from Seeds of Change gives you a wholesome, healthy meal with great quality ingredients. This is reason enough to include in a list of the best brown rice or even in the list of healthiest brown rice brands.
The blend, as the name suggests, combines whole grain brown rice with protein-rich quinoa along with a hint of garlic that makes it an ideal base for veggie bowls, stir-fries or just a side. Certified as organic and microwaveable in just 90 seconds, this delightful mix offers a hearty, fiber-rich option that goes well with both vegetarian and meaty mains.
The flavor may be a bit too subtle for some and most of our team preferred to add some spice or sauce for flavor. The personal favorite was soy and wasabi.
The “organic” label does mean it is pricier, though. It is easily one of the best brown rice brands available, even though it’s mixed with quinoa.
10. Augason Farms Brown Rice
A great brand to store at home (even long term) is Augason Farms Brown Rice. With 24 pounds of grain packed into an airtight and waterproof pail, this gluten-free brown rice cooks well, each grain turning out fluffy and separate.
Ideal for making stir-fries, salads, casseroles or to have with curries, it has a wholesome flavor that helps absorb sauces easily. Its long life makes it a staple that is worth stocking, making it one of the best brown rice in the market.
While the packaging is solid, the lid can be a bit tricky to open. The price is also on the higher side, but the longer shelf life and larger quantity appeal to many. For those who consume large amounts of rice regularly, this is one of the best brown rice options available.
11. Success Boil-in-Bag Whole Grain Brown Rice
Success Boil-in-Bag Whole Grain Brown Rice is a pre-cooked grain that is just about the easiest thing in the world to cook. The rice cooks in under 10 minutes and has a subtle, sweet flavor that we found to be very pleasant.
The chewy and fluffy texture holds up well in many different dishes, including stir-fries. Add salt or seasoning to suit your taste buds and you have a perfect neutral base for any meal. This versatility makes it one of the best brown rice varieties available.
A perfect balance between fast, flavorful and nutritious makes this brown rice a great option to stock up at home for everyday meals. It is preservative, MSG and GMO-free, so it easily fits into many healthy dietary requirements.
12. Sukoyaka Genmai Brown Rice
Sukoyaka Genmai Brown Rice is one of our favorites. One of the best brown rice brands available, it's unique balance of flavors and textures combines the best of both white and brown rice.
Light and fluffy with nutty and earthy flavors, it needs a bit of care for the desired result. Following the soaking and cooking instructions results in a perfectly cooked dish with a soft and slightly sticky texture. This makes it ideal for dishes such as yaki onigiri (grilled rice balls).
Sukoyaka Genmai is one of the best brown rice varieties for those seeking a healthier alternative to white rice without having to sacrifice texture. The price is a bit on the higher side, but we felt that it was worth the extra because of the consistency, faster cooking time and sheer versatility. If you are looking for the best brown rice for everyday dishes, including sushi, this one is a good choice.
What Are the Healthiest Brown Rice Brands?
Figuring out which is the healthiest brown rice brand can be a tricky affair, as there are so many factors to consider. One of the first things to consider in deciding on the best brown rice is the organic certification. Organic certification is important as it tells you whether or not the grain is free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, chemicals that are harmful to your health.
Checking if it's whole-grain and the brand's sustainable farming practices will let you know if the bran and germ, parts that are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, are included in the grain, all of which provide more health benefits than white rice.
Other factors that need to be considered in deciding the healthiest and best brown rice include texture, cooking time and the sourcing of the rice. Two of the best brands that we found while considering all these factors were Carolina Jasmine Brown Rice and Success Boil-in-Bag Whole Grain Brown Rice. Both of these brands are preservative and MSG-free and are standout examples of the best brown rice available.
What Is the Best Brown Rice Brand?
The best brown rice comes down to your needs, taste preferences and the dishes you plan to prepare alongside it. If you're someone who values organic certification, Carolina Jasmine Brown Rice, with its Whole Grain Council stamp, could be your top pick.
Do you prefer a slightly nuttier flavor? If the sweet and floral notes of jasmine rice aren't quite your style, then Nishiki Premium Brown Rice might be the best brown rice brand for you.
Ease of cooking is another key factor in choosing the best brown rice. Few options beat Seeds of Change Quinoa and Brown Rice when it comes to convenience. You can cook up a portion in about 90 seconds flat, as claimed on the label.
For those who aren’t too fond of the quinoa in the mix, an easy alternative would be Grain Trust Steamed Brown Rice, which can be microwaved in under three minutes. Ultimately, finding the best brand of brown rice is a personal decision that depends on your taste preferences, cooking habits and health goals.
Selecting the best brown rice also means considering factors like organic certification, non-GMO labeling and sustainable farming practices. Some shoppers may prioritize eco-friendly brands, while others may focus more on flavor and how well the rice pairs with their favorite recipes.
If you're managing specific health concerns, like weight management or diabetes, a registered dietitian can guide you towards the best brown rice option for your needs. Each of these best brown rice brands brings something unique to the table, and any choice from this list will provide you with a wholesome, nutritious alternative to white rice.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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