If you’re from the Bay Area, the theme song to the Rice-A-Roni commercial from the 1960’s might ring a bell. “Rice-A-Roni, a San Francisco Treat,” became a catchy tune nationwide that helped boost the brand for decades. The dish became extremely popular in America as it was marketed to be a quick, easy, and mouthwatering side dish. But what is Rice-A-Roni actually made of rice?
Rice-A-Roni is not gluten-free. A hybrid of rice and macaroni, Rice-A-Roni contains wheat flour, making it not gluten-free. This applies to all 12 unique flavors of Rice-A-Roni. Essentially, it’s a pilaf-like dish with a seasoning packet. The best gluten-free and healthier alternatives to Rice-A-Roni include Banza Chickpea Rice, Annie’s White Cheddar Rice with Hidden Veggies, and The Skinny Pasta Rice.
As productivity and efficiency in the workplace seemed to increase, people sought out ways to cut down time in the kitchen, too. Rice-A-Roni became an enticing option for those wanting to save time cooking dinner as dishwashers and kitchen appliances began to rise in popularity in the classic American household. Come along as we explore the history of Rice-A-Roni, its nutritional content and healthy yet delicious gluten-free rice alternatives!
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Background Information on Rice-A-Roni
1958 was the year Rice-A-Roni was born, and it became a nationwide phenomenon just four years later. The flavorful rice dish was invented when the DeDomenico brothers, Vincent, Tom, and Paskey, decided that they could make an invention from their sister-in-law lucrative by putting it in a box with a seasoning package, ready to cook.
The DeDomenico brothers were descendants of Domenico DeDomenico, who immigrated to the United States from Sicily in 1890 to open up a vegetable store and eventually a pasta factory. While Domenico’s Golden Grain business sold to countless Italian stores and restaurants, one Rice-A-Roni hit the market, the DeDomenico family hit the jackpot.
While the viral Rice-A-Roni jingle helped with sales, it was the convenience and flavor of Rice-A-Roni that were the breadwinners for the business. The DeDomenico family’s Golden Grain Company grossed more than $250 million in annual sales by 1986, which was then bought by Quaker Oats Company for $275 million. Rice-A-Roni is currently a product of Quaker Oats Company, and a subsidiary of PepsiCo, which purchased Quaker Oats in 2001.
Is Rice-A-Roni Healthy?
A classic side dish since the 60’s that still remains under $2 is something to take a closer look at. The labels for Rice-A-Roni show that the nutritional information pre and post preparation make a difference, and overall the amount of sodium is extremely high. After being prepared, Rice-A-Roni calls for heaps of butter, and has more saturated fat, and MSG (monosodium glutamate). Autolyzed yeast extract is another substance to look out for, as it is a hidden source of gluten and naturally contains monosodium glutamate.
Rice-A-Roni also lists palm oil as an ingredient, which is inflammatory. Natural flavor is listed as an ingredient, which generally signifies that there are hidden additives and other artificial ingredients. The ingredients in the seasonings package vary by the flavor of each box, but it is safe to say Rice-A-Roni is not only unfriendly for those who are gluten-free, but also relatively unhealthy.
Nutritional Facts for Rice-A-Roni
Chicken Rice-A-Roni
An eccentric combo of bold flavors that pair perfectly with chicken and herb garnishes. The aroma alone is enough to catch the eye of your guests. However delectable, the long list of ingredients including Disodium Guanylate Inosinate (a flavor enhancer), Autolyzed Yeast Extract, and Monosodium Glutamate, are additives to look out for. Sorry folks, this dish is not gluten-free.
Ingredients:
- Rice
- Wheat Flour
- Salt
- Sugar
- Autolyzed Yeast Extract
- Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
- Dried Onions
- Monosodium Glutamate
- Natural Flavor
- Parsley
- Garlic
- Chicken Broth
- Chicken Fat
- Turmeric (Color)
- Ferric Orthophosphate
- Niacin
- Disodium Guanylate Inosinate
- Ferrous Sulfate
- Thiamine Mononitrate
- Turmeric Extract (Color)
- Folic Acid
- Riboflavin
Nutritional Facts (per 2.5oz/⅓ cup dry rice-past mix):
- Calories 310
- Calories from Fat: 80
- Total Fat: 1g, 14% DV
- Saturated Fat: 0g, 0% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg, 0% DV
- Sodium: 960mg, 44% DV
- Total Carb.: 51g 17%
- Dietary Fiber: 2g 7%
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 7g
Spanish Rice
There’s nothing like a zesty Spanish rice blend to spice up your dinner dishes. Pairs well in tacos, with beef, chicken, or pork, or even on its own. While flavorsome, the amount of sodium is exorbitantly high and there are additives for color retention, preservation, and flavor that are best to steer clear from.
Ingredients:
- Rice
- Wheat Flour
- Salt
- Dried Onions
- Green Bell Pepper with Sodium Sulfite (Color Retention)
- Paprika (Color)
- Spices
- Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
- Monosodium Glutamate
- Natural Flavor
- Garlic
- Chicken Broth
- Turmeric (Color)
- Ferric Orthophosphate
- Niacin
- Ferrous Sulfate
- Thiamin Mononitrate
- Folic Acid
- Riboflavin
Nutritional Facts (per 2oz):
- Calories 260
- Calories from Fat: 5
- Total Fat: 0.5g, 1% DV
- Saturated Fat: 7g, 7% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg, 0% DV
- Sodium: 1130mg, 47% DV
- Total Carb.: 41g 14%
- Dietary Fiber: 2g 7%
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 5g
Cheddar Broccoli
Cheddar Broccoli Rice-A-Roni is the ultimate comfort food, but if you take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll find that this is one of the most unhealthy of the Rice-A-Roni flavors on the market. There is added sugar, powdered cheeses and milk cultures, corn syrup, palm oil, and other additives that are enough to turn heads.
Ingredients:
- Rice
- Wheat Flour
- Palm Oil
- Whey
- Broccoli
- Salt
- Corn Syrup Solids
- Cheddar Cheese (milk, cultures, salt, enzymes)
- Parmesan Cheese (milk, cultures, salt, enzymes)
- Nonfat Milk
- Cheddar and Romano Cheese (milk, cultures, salt, enzymes)
- Cream
- Sugar
- Potassium Phosphate
- Natural Flavor
- Lactic Acid
- Spinach
- Yeast Extract
- Autolyzed Yeast Extract
- Annatto (Color)
- Ferric Orthophosphate
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Soy Lecithin
- Ferrous Sulfate
- Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1)
- Folic Acid
- Riboflavin
Nutritional Facts (per 2.5oz/⅓ cup dry rice-past mix):
- Calories 290
- Total Fat: 13g, 16% DV
- Saturated Fat: 4g, 19% DV
- Trans Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: <5mgmg, 1% DV
- Sodium: 710mg, 31%, DV
- Total Carb.: 37g 14%
- Dietary Fiber: 1g, 4% DV
- Sugars: 3g
- 1g added sugars, <1% DV
- Protein: 6g
Healthier, Gluten-Free Alternatives to Rice-A-Roni
Banza Chickpea Rice
A huge hit on the market for all the gluten-free guys and gals out there. Banza has tons of different shapes for pasta alternatives. Banza has a clean, short list of ingredients and is a plentiful source of fiber and protein, with far less sodium. This chickpea rice is friendly for the celiac and gluten-free folks.
Ingredients:
- Chickpeas
- Potato Starch
- Xanthan Gum
- Sea Salt
Nutritional Facts (per 1/4th cup dry rice/50g):
- Calories: 170
- Calories from Fat: 30
- Total Fat: 3g, 4% DV
- Saturated Fat: 0g, 2% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg, 0% DV
- Sodium: 70mg, 3% DV
- Total Carb.: 30g 11%DV
- Dietary Fiber: 5g 19% DV
- Sugars: <1g
- Protein: 11g, 21% DV
Annie’s White Cheddar Rice with Hidden Veggies
This version of the iconic Annie’s White Cheddar pasta shells is in the form of rice, and friendly for those who are gluten-free. It is rich and creamy in flavor and texture, and the perfect comfort food. Just be wary that it is high in saturated fat, and contains dairy in the prepackaged seasoning.
Ingredients:
- Organic White Rice
- Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Non-Animal Enzymes)
- Whey
- Cauliflower Powder
- Butter (Pasteurized Cream, Salt)
- Nonfat Milk
- Salt
- Sodium Phosphate
- Silicon Dioxide (for Anticaking)
Nutritional Facts (per 2.6oz/1/3 cup dry pasta):
- Calories 360
- Total Fat: 5g, 18% DV
- Saturated Fat: 33g,150% DV
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg, 12% DV
- Sodium: 620mg, 30% DV
- Potassium: 260mg, 6% DV
- Total Carb.: 50g 18%
- Dietary Fiber: 2g 6%
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 7g
The Skinny Pasta Rice
Skinny Pasta Rice is made from the Konjac plant, an herb grown in Asia also referred to as konnyaku potato, devil’s tongue, or voodoo lily. This pasta maintains the texture and taste of traditional pasta while promoting healthy weight loss. It is completely free of wheat, sugar, soy, soy, cholesterol and other preservatives. This keto, paleo, and vegan friendly pasta rice dish goes great with mushrooms and herbs.
Ingredients:
- Water
- Konjac
- Tapioca
- Calcium Hydroxide
- Citric Acid
Nutritional Facts (per ½ cup/118mL):
- Calories 40
- Total Fat: 2.5g, 3% DV
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g, 13% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg, 0% DV
- Sodium: 105mg, 5% DV
- Total Carb.: 3g 0%
- Dietary Fiber: 0g 0%
- Sugars: 0g
- 0g added sugars, 10% DV
- Protein: 1g
- Calcium: 251mg, 20% DV
- Potassium: 323 mg, 6% DV
Rice Pasta Pairings
Try spicing up your typical rice dishes by adding other gluten-free ingredients, such as prosciutto. The fats and salt in the prosciutto pair well with rice to give it a stronger, more savory taste. Another flavorful addition to a traditional rice based dish is ricotta cheese, which is also gluten-free. These pair nicely with tomatoes, chopped onion, and fresh herbs such as parsley or basil. An alternative stand-in could be mushrooms, pine nuts, and spinach.
Related Questions
Does Rice-A-Roni have MSG?
Yes, Rice-A-Roni is loaded with MSG. It is best to avoid products with MSG as it is known to cause headaches, nausea, chest-pain, and sweating.
Does Rice-A-Roni have dairy?
Some, but not all products of Rice-A-Roni contain dairy. It is best to check the labels.
Does Rice-A-Roni expire?
Yes. Check the “Best by x date” label on the packaging for the spice contents. If you prepare Rice-A-Roni, you must refrigerate it, and it is best to eat it within two days.