Rice Pasta

Rice pasta. The miraculous creation that has changed the lives of many, many pasta lovers around the globe. Brown, white, gluten-free, and of course organic, each type has its individual benefits! Here, we discuss the benefits of organic rice pasta and its nutritional value, where to buy rice pasta, and also answer some of the questions that are most frequently asked about rice pasta. 

What is rice pasta?

This pasta is made by using only natural ingredients. Firstly, rice is ground up to make rice flour. The type of rice flour that will make your organic rice pasta will be determined by which rice they use. Brown rice pasta is made from brown rice, and white rice pasta is made from white rice. 

The rice flour is then mixed with water until it makes a dough. The dough is similar to that of wheat pasta. Sometimes natural ingredients will be added to the dough, like rice bran. This dough is then shaped into spaghetti, penne, and lots of other types of pasta. 

The nutritional value of rice pasta 

The nutritional values will depend on the rice flour that you choose to buy and eat! The nutrients in your organic rice pasta will be determined by the rice flour that was used to make it. Brown rice is naturally higher in nutrients than white rice. This is because white rice has been separated from its husk and bran layer, but brown rice hasn't. It remains in one piece, meaning it retains all the goodness it was grown with, and all of the flavour too!

This means brown rice pasta is healthier, but both white and brown rice pasta each have their own nutritional benefits. Both variations are gluten-free and rich in calcium, protein, fibre, and vitamin B6.

What's the best way to cook gluten-free rice pasta? 

When cooking gluten-free pasta, you can use cooking methods that are pretty similar to cooking wheat pasta. Gluten-free pasta can absorb more water though, so you may need to stir it a little more than usual, but apart from that, it's very easy to cook! 

Another great tip for when you cook gluten-free brown or white rice pasta, is to add a little olive oil as soon as you have drained your cooked rice pasta. This will stop it from sticking together!

Top rice pasta brands to try

Biofair - Organic Rice Quinoa Spaghetti

Biofair’s Organic Rice Quinoa Spaghetti isn't just organic and fair trade, it's also free from nuts, dairy, and gluten! Made from a plant-based blend of 75% rice flour, and 25% quinoa flour, this gluten-free rice pasta spaghetti is versatile and nutritious! It’s great for making a vegan spaghetti bolognese and more! 

Orgran - Vegetable Rice Spirals, Wheat & Gluten-Free

Easy to cook, gluten-free pasta, made from brown rice and vegetables! Orgran Vegetable Rice Spirals are also a great source of fibre, magnesium, and other vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants! Made from brown rice flour, rice bran, spinach, and beetroot, these colourful fusilli spirals are perfect for salads and vegan mac and cheese. Made in a wheat and gluten-free environment, this rice pasta also contains no soy, no GMOs, and no artificial flavourings, colours, or preservatives! 

Freee - Organic Maize & Rice Penne

This award-winning, easy-to-cook pasta has been made in Italy, and it is 100% dairy-free and gluten-free! Made from a blend of 30% rice flour and 70% maize flour, Free’s Organic Maize & Rice Penne contains protein, fibre, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins E and B. Makes a tasty substitute for regular pasta, and is perfect to use in a pasta bake, pasta salad, or vegan mac and cheese!

Freee - Organic Brown Rice Pasta

Free from dairy, nuts, sesame and soya, Free’s Organic Brown Rice Pasta has multiple options to choose from. Is quick and easy to cook, and has the same great taste and texture as regular pasta! Made for people with food intolerances in mind, it is carefully made with 100% brown rice flour. Choose from 4 great gluten-free options! Fusilli, Penne, Spaghetti, and Tortiglioni. Gluten-free pasta made from rice for every dish!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is brown rice pasta healthier than regular pasta?

Brown rice pasta contains fewer calories than wheat pasta, so if you are monitoring calories, organic rice pasta is your friend. It also contains no added sugar, which wheat pasta sometimes does, so it can be better to buy it instead of wheat pasta. 

Brown rice pasta is also made with whole grains which have more nutrition. People sometimes prefer the taste of brown rice pasta too, because it retains all of the taste as well as the benefits when it's being processed. White rice is separated from the hull and husk, so it loses a lot of its nutritional value and flavour. 

How long does rice pasta stay fresh?

Once you have opened the original packaging, the best place to store uncooked, organic brown rice pasta or white rice pasta is in the fridge. Pop the organic rice pasta into an airtight container or zip lock bag, and you can then store it in the main compartment of your refrigerator.

As long as you buy rice pasta that is sealed and protected from the air, it can last anywhere between a couple of weeks and a couple of months. Always check the use by or best before date on the individual packaging when you buy rice pasta!

Can I freeze rice pasta?

Yes, you can! If you want your organic rice pasta to last even longer, you can store it in the freezer too! Use the same method as above, place uncooked organic brown rice pasta or organic white rice pasta inside an airtight container, it can then be frozen for up to 2 months as long as it is stored correctly. 

Can I eat rice pasta every day?

Yes, you can eat rice pasta every day, whether it's organic brown rice pasta or organic white rice pasta. As long as it is eaten in moderation and as part of a healthy balanced diet, it's fine to eat often! 

Precook organic brown or white rice pasta at home, for your on-the-go lunch break or your weeknight dinners. If you are on a gluten-free diet, you can use organic gluten-free rice pasta to replace wheat pasta, so now you can enjoy a nice vegan spaghetti bolognese or tagliatelle!