Uncle Ben’s rice has been a household brand name for many generations. Now rebranded as Ben’s Original, rice products offer variety, convenience, and a reliable base for everyday meals. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, prepping meals for the week, or trying new global recipes, Ben’s rice fits the bill.
The History of Uncle Ben’s Rice
Uncle Ben’s rice was introduced in the 1940s and became known for its parboiled long-grain rice that cooked quickly and stayed fluffy. Recently, the brand has changed its old branding and adopted a new name, Ben’s Original, focusing on inclusivity and quality.
The modern product range covers whole grains, wild rice combinations, and ready-to-serve microwave pouches.
Types of Uncle Ben’s Rice You’ll Find Today
If you need a hearty side or a foundation for your next rice bowl, Ben’s Original has you covered.
1. Uncle Ben’s Brown Rice
Looking for a healthier, fiber-rich option? Uncle Ben’s brown rice retains the bran layer, giving it a nutty taste and a chewy texture. It pairs perfectly with stir-fries, roasted vegetables, and even curries.
Looking for more whole grain options? Our organic brown rice and brown basmati rice guides offer other nutritious choices.
2. Uncle Ben’s Wild Rice
Many are unaware that wild rice is an aquatic grass, not a true rice, but don’t tell your dinner guests. Uncle Ben’s wild rice blend offers a toothsome bite and earthy flavor perfect for fall or winter dishes. Wild rice blends are particularly popular among those seeking complex textures and earthy flavors.
These blends often work well with fall vegetables like roasted squash or mushrooms. Brown rice also works well in stir-fries, grain bowls, or even vegan fried rice. Its slight nutty flavor and chewy texture elevate simple meals.
Explore our vegan fried rice recipe for a flavor-packed alternative. For a hearty twist, you can sub wild rice.
3. Ben’s Rice Microwave Pouches
If convenience is the name of the game, Ben’s Original Ready Rice delivers. In just 90 seconds, you get perfectly cooked rice—no pot, no mess. These microwaveable packets include:
- Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice Original Long Grain
- Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice Jasmine
- Ben’s Ready Rice Brown Rice
- Uncle Ben’s Spanish Style Rice
For even more convenience tips, see how the microwave rice cooker can give you fluffy results with zero stress.
Versatility That Works for All Meals
Ben’s rice adapts to your needs from weeknight dinners to meal prep Sundays. Add it to soups, grain bowls, wraps, or serve it with a protein. Options include:
- Stir-fried vegetables over jasmine or brown rice
- Wild rice pilaf with mushrooms and herbs
- Burrito bowls with Spanish-style rice
You can mix it with grains like quinoa for added protein and texture. (Check out our quinoa rice cooker guide for cooking them together.)
Cooking Tips for Better Ben’s Rice
Even microwave pouches deserve some care:
- Gently knead the pouch before microwaving to break up clumps
- For stovetop rice, add a touch of olive oil or butter to enhance flavor
- Spice it up with aromatics like garlic, onion, or a bay leaf
Want more tips? Our best rice cooker picks make even plain rice taste restaurant-ready.
Why People Still Buy Uncle Ben’s (Ben’s Original)
The brand has evolved, but the appeal remains:
- Consistency – Cooks evenly, fluffs easily
- Variety – From Uncle Ben’s brown rice to Ben’s original ready rice
- Speed – Perfect for busy lives and small kitchens
It’s also ideal for smaller households—whether you’re cooking for one or two, the portioned microwave packets prevent waste.
Comparing Ben’s Rice to Other Pantry Staples
Curious how Ben’s Original stacks up to other rice brands? While specialty varieties like Lundberg brown rice or Mahatma jasmine rice offer unique flavor profiles, Ben’s wins easily and quickly.
Looking to explore Japanese or Korean options? Our reviews on the Cuckoo rice cooker and the best Japanese rice cookers give you more depth in cooking authentic grains.
Final Thoughts: Is Uncle Ben’s Still Worth Buying?
Uncle Ben’s rice (aka Ben’s Original) is still a pantry MVP if you want convenience, consistency, and variety in one brand. From quick meals to special occasions, it remains a go-to.
Are you curious about how Ben’s rice compares to other staple options? Our Organic Brown Rice and Mahatma Jasmine Rice posts break down flavor, nutrition, and versatility.
Ben’s Ready Rice can be a real time-saver if you’re meal prepping for a family. But if you want more control over texture and sodium, consider using a Zojirushi rice cooker or a Cuckoo rice cooker with bulk brown rice instead.