Rice is often seen as an important staple in households around the world because it is versatile, inexpensive and can add a lot to your meals. Whether you use an instant potslow cooker, electric pressure cooker, electric rice cooker, or cook it on the stovetop, steamed jasmine rice or any ricerecipe can be delicious.
With so many different kinds of rice available, you may be wanting to try something with more flavor and jasmine rice is the perfect choice if you are wanting to go down that route.
However, as with any subcategory, there are varying levels of quality when it comes to jasmine rice that can make a huge difference to your meals. What brands are the best for jasmine rice?
When researching which brand of jasmine rice to go for, you have to look at where the rice comes from and how the natural flavor and aroma is formed as a lot of cheaper brands will add artificial flavoring which not only doesn’t taste as good but doesn’t have the same health benefits that natural jasmine rice will have.
The great thing about jasmine rice is that it isn’t hugely expensive. It will cost a bit more than regular white rice but not so much more that it will break your bank.
In this article, we’ll be taking you through the top 11 jasmine rice brands that you should consider when trying to find which one is the best for you.
What is jasmine rice?
Jasmine rice is one of the most popular types of white rice in the world thanks to its distinctive aroma and fragrant flavor. It usually comes in the long grain variety unless it is broken into smaller grains.
The best jasmine rice is usually grown in Thailand and is often known as Thai Hom Mali rice or Thai fragrant rice which is a good place to start when researching jasmine rice.
Because of its popularity, jasmine rice is grown all over the world but bear in mind that the further it is removed from its original growing ground, the less natural aroma and flavor it is going to have.
The most popular kind of jasmine rice is within the white rice category, however, it does originally have an outer husk, bran and germ as all grains have.
Although it is not as popular, most brands do offer a brown jasmine rice alternative which is a healthier alternative as it has not been as processed as white rice.
If you do decide to go for brown jasmine rice then bear in mind that it does take a lot longer to cook and has a completely different texture.
Compared to plain white rice, jasmine rice may appear similar in look but the taste and smell is completely different.
They are marketed at similar prices and availability but jasmine rice has that signature scent and flavor that differs greatly from regular white rice.
With white rice, there is more variety in the range of grains available and the textures can differ depending on the length of the grain.
On the other hand, jasmine rice is a naturally long grain rice but can be found in a variety of different colors from the traditional white and brown to more absurd options like purple, red or black.
The main differences between the two is their origins. As discussed, jasmine rice originally comes from Thailand and is most popular in Taiwainese cooking whereas basmati rice has its origins in the Himalayas and makes a regular appearance within Indian cuisine.
Like jasmine rice, basmati has a distinct aroma and flavor that has a nuttier scent for those who don’t like the floral aroma.
Another factor about jasmine rice to think about is how natural the jasmine rice is.
We have already touched on how it is important to look into checking how processed the aroma is, however, it may be absolutely essential for you to have organic rice which may have a higher price tag whereas cheaper brands are more likely to incorporate artificial ingredients and flavorings.
Here are the top 11 brands that you should consider when researching which jasmine rice is perfect for you:
The best long grain jasmine rice on the market is Asian Best Jasmine Rice. Available in bags weighing 25 pounds, there are many meals you can make and the bag is easy to store away.
The natural fragrance and aroma showcases the premium quality of this Thai Jasmine Rice.
The grains have been harvested to reach their full potential and provide an array of nutrients and vitamins as it is low in cholesterol, fat and sodium.
What puts this rice at the top of our list is that the rice is only grown in the Isaan region of Thailand which helps to produce the distinctive aroma and texture.
An ideal choice for those who wish to select a rice that is as natural as can be, this rice has not been processed and remains in its full long grain state.
Our second recommendation is the Three Ladies Jasmine Rice which is available in an array of sizes to suit all kinds of households.
Whether you are catering for yourself or your family as well, this is the best option for those wanting to find the best jasmine aroma.
Grown in Thailand, this rice has been harvested by the best in the world and has a locked in and secure aromatic flavor and taste.
It has the structure of traditional Thai Hom Mali rice which is used in the best Asian cuisines, adding a taste of authenticity to any dish.
The packaging style of this rice is not traditional but it is still amongst the best in the market thanks to its nutty and pandan-like flavor that is sure to be successful no matter what you are cooking.
The long grain structure is extremely versatile and suitable for an array of meals. The strong jasmine aroma means that you don’t have to cook a huge portion at a time as it is filling and full of flavor that will compliment any meal.
Our third choice is the Pride of India Thai White Jasmine Rice which is made from 100% natural Thai Hom Mali rice making it amongst the best in the world.
This raw healthy rice has a sweet flavor and fragrant aroma that is also silky soft when cooked. Sold in plastic jars, this is an extremely easy rice to store away when it is not in use.
GMO and gluten free, this rice is also vegan which makes it a hugely accessible product for all types of households.
The soft structure of this rice compliments the floral aroma and its shorter structure allows you the option to cook it longer for a stickier texture if desired.
Whatever cuisine you choose, this rice is a fantastic choice because it has been organically grown and boasts an array of health benefits.
It is one of the most sustainable choices on our list, making it an ideal choice for those who want to select the best organic jasmine rice.
Our fourth recommendation is Dynasty’s Jasmine Rice. The perfect choice for those who like to bulk buy their foods, this jasmine rice comes in a 20 pound package making it perfect for larger households or those where rice is an integral ingredient in a variety of meals. `
This jasmine rice has a beautiful fragrance that makes it a perfect accompaniment for a variety of meals, especially within Asian cuisine so whether you are an avid chef or learning to cook, you cannot go wrong with this option.
What makes this such a fantastic choice is that it is 100% natural and organic meaning that it contains no artificial ingredients or flavoring.
The aroma and fragrance isn’t overpowering or processed which allows you to incorporate this rice into a balanced diet to promote a healthy lifestyle.
This rice has been imported from Thailand so you can be assured that it is the best quality and that it will maintain its beautiful flavor.
Our fifth recommendation is the Goya Thai Jasmine Rice which is both aromatic and fluffy thanks to its nutty flavor.
It has a slightly sticky quality making it an extremely versatile ingredient that works in many different dishes.
With an array nutritional qualities, this rice is fat free, cholesterol free and sodium free as well as being vegan and kosher which makes it highly accessible and suitable for all lifestyles.
This rice is perfect for all kinds of households because it is available in multiple sizes making it perfect for every size household and you can cater for any amount of people.
Made from 100% Thai Hom Mali Rice, you can be assured of the strong flavor that this rice has and how well it will compliment different foods.
Our sixth recommendation is the Seeds of Change Organic Jasmine Rice which has been made with USDA certified organic ingredients meaning that it is free of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.
Suitable for all households and lifestyles, this jasmine rice will go perfectly with a variety of sweet and savory dishes from cuisines around the world.
Whether you are making a dessert rice pudding or delving into Taiwainese cuisine, this jasmine rice is sure to enhance your tasting experience.
The jasmine rice ingredients are grown by a group of trusted farmers who carry out sustainable practices to ensure that the rice retains its natural fragrance and flavoring qualities.
An ideal choice for those who like to prepare their food quickly, this rice is cooked in the microwave in 90 seconds making it great for busy households or those on the go.
Our seventh selection is RiceSelect’s Jasmati Rice which is an American style jasmine rice that has been packaged in a 100% recyclable, BPA free jar.
This rice has been non-GMO verified and is also gluten free and kosher making it suitable for all households and lifestyles.
With no preservatives or additives, this rice is also low in fat, cholesterol and sodium making it an extremely healthy option that will fit in perfectly with a balanced diet.
This rice is inspired by traditional Thai jasmine rice and incorporates the intoxicating aroma with a beautiful fluffy texture which makes it ideal for those who want to experiment with their cooking or want to venture into Asian cuisine.
A perfect accompaniment for the majority of meals, you can be assured that this rice has the versatility of basmati rice whilst also bringing the beautiful jasmine flavorings to enhance the taste of any dish.
Our eighth recommendation is the Food to Live Organic Jasmine Rice which has been naturally sourced.
The rice has been harvested and grown locally with farmers of the highest expertise to ensure that the flavor is maintained.
It is incredibly easy to cook and only takes a maximum of 20 minutes to gain its wonderful texture.
With a long and fluffy grain, this rice is naturally aromatic and is particularly ideal when mixed in with fresh vegetables to enhance the tasting experience.
This rice is incredibly easy to serve and works as both the main component or a side dish for any meal.
Whether you are making a traditional Asian dish or putting the rice with meat or fish, you are sure to enjoy your rice no matter what meal you have.
This rice is vega, non Gmo, gluten free, kosher and non fat making it perfect for healthy living.
Our ninth choice is the Iberia Jasmine Rice which is full of Lundberg Organic California white jasmine rice.
This rice has a light and floral scent with a buttery flavor.
A great choice whether you are preparing savory or sweet desserts as the grains cling together when cooked but they are not overly sticky meaning they have a perfect fluffy texture.
This rice has been cultivated to maximize the flavor of each individual grain. Available in a variety of different types of grain and color, you can select your preference according to what you plan on cooking.
This rice is fantastic for all households and lifestyles as it is gluten free, vegan and kosher whilst also remaining organic and non GMO project verified.
No matter what your requirements are, this rice is sure to fit in and add some natural flavoring and aroma to a healthy balanced diet.
The Iberia brand has been making rice since 1937 and has retained its popularity thanks to their natural growing practices.
Our penultimate choice is the Mahatma Jasmine Long Grain Rice which is an authentic aromatic Thai jasmine rice meaning that you can use it for a variety of meals.
This is extra long grain rice with a perfect soft and fluffy texture making it extremely versatile and perfect for rice salads, rice pilaf, oven bakes and dessert rice pudding.
It is naturally free of sodium, fat and cholesterol as well as gluten free, non GMO and kosher making it a brilliant choice for all households who want to lead a healthy lifestyle.
This rice is beautifully balanced as it is free from any preservatives or artificial ingredients.
Because of its long grain structure, you can add it to a variety of dishes and enhance the flavors. It will bring a heightened experience for all occasions.
When cooked, it has a soft and fluffy texture which makes it great to have in small portions while also still being very filling. Whether you use it for savory or sweet dishes, this rice will not disappoint.
Our final recommendation is Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice Jasmine which is a delicious all natural jasmine rice.
Ideal for those who lead hectic lives or busy households, this rice microwaves in just 90 seconds making it one of the most convenient and time effective options on our list.
This rice also contains a very low amount of sodium making it a great contributor to a balanced diet.
Although this rice has been processed more than most of the other options on this list, this is a great choice for those who want a cheaper option or a rice that cooks up quickly.
Full of other nutritional benefits and product attributes, this rice is a good source of niacin and iron as well as a great source of thiamine and folic acid.
It also boasts low fat and cholesterol free features meaning that it is an incredibly healthy choice for those who don’t want to compromise their bank balance for high quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you cook jasmine rice?
When you purchase your jasmine rice, always read the label thoroughly as they will contain the instructions on the packaging that caters to that particular brand.
This is because the manufacturing process and structure of the rice may differ depending on the brand that you buy.
However, on the whole, jasmine rice is simple and quick to cook. The secret to cooking a successful batch of jasmine rice is to ensure that the pot of water is already boiling before you add your rice to it.
This will allow it to cook quickly without losing the distinctive flavoring or aroma.
Some guides may advise you to rinse the grains beforehand but it isn’t completely necessary. It’s all down to your personal preference but as mentioned before, be sure to read the instructions on the label as this will always give you the best results.
If you want your rice to be softer and stickier then add a bit more water and cook for an extra couple of minutes so it can maintain that texture.
When the water is boiling, make sure to set it to a low simmer immediately as this will prevent any overheating that may get rid of the aroma.
Once the rice is on a low simmer, leave it for 15 minutes and then remove it from the heat, drain and fluff and then serve.
Is jasmine rice sticky rice?
As it is not high in gluten, jasmine rice isn’t considered to be a sticky rice. The texture is slightly sticky but this is dependent on how long it is cooked and how much water you add to the rice whilst cooking.
Jasmine rice is naturally a long grain rice but it can be bought in broken varieties, making it shorter grains that will be capable of having a stickier texture when cooked.
On the other hand, you can also cook your rice to ensure that it does not have that sticky texture.
The choice is entirely up to you. If you rinse your rice thoroughly before adding the boiling water then you’ll reduce the stickiness whilst also ensuring the fluffiness within the texture because some of the starch will have been removed from the individual grains.
The easiest way to think about it is that the longer the rice is cooked and the more water is used, the stickier your rice will be.
If you leave your jasmine to cool for a bit after cooking then it’s likely to take the stickiness out because the heat will have been gradually reduced between the grains.
Is jasmine rice gluten free?
Rice is naturally gluten free but when cooked can become glutenous because of the high starch content.
Despite having a high starch content, it still remains gluten free. Because of this, jasmine rice is naturally gluten free itself and isn’t overly sticky which occurs when the starch content is very high.
Bear in mind, however, that processed foods may be contaminated by gluten during the manufacturing process. If the brand you are looking at processes your jasmine rice then there is always the possibility of cross contamination.
If you lead a gluten free lifestyle then always be sure to read the label thoroughly and ensure that your jasmine rice is completely natural and organic before cooking as this will eliminate any risk of processing or cross contamination.
Jasmine Rice Brands: Our Best 11 Brands
These options are sure to be a hit. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
