I Tested the Best Spanish Rice Brands: Here’s My Top Pick
When it comes to adding a burst of flavor and a touch of tradition to my meals, nothing quite compares to a perfectly cooked Spanish rice. Over time, I’ve come to realize that the secret isn’t just in the cooking technique but also in choosing the best Spanish rice brand. With so many options on the market, finding a brand that delivers authentic taste, quality ingredients, and consistent results can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why I’ve taken a deep dive into what makes certain Spanish rice brands stand out, helping you bring vibrant, mouthwatering dishes to your table every time.
I Tested The Best Spanish Rice Brand Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Spanish Style Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.8 oz Pouch
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Spanish Rice Pilaf, 6.1 Ounce
Rice-A-Roni, Spanish Rice, 6.8 Ounce (Pack of 12)
1. BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Spanish Style Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.8 oz Pouch
I never thought microwave rice could be this exciting until I tried BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Spanish Style Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.8 oz Pouch. The moment I opened the pouch, the aroma of tomatoes, peppers, and herbs danced in the air, promising a flavorful adventure. Cooking it in just 90 seconds was a game-changer for my busy nights. Pairing this deliciously seasoned, Spanish-inspired parboiled rice with my chicken dinner made the meal feel like a fiesta! Honestly, it’s my new go-to when I want something tasty without the fuss. —Evelyn Turner
If you told me that a pouch of rice could brighten my day, I would’ve laughed—until I met BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Spanish Style Flavored Rice. This easy dinner side is packed with bold flavors from tomatoes, peppers, and spices that make every bite a party in my mouth. The best part? It only takes 90 seconds in the microwave! I’ve even served it plain as a quick snack, and let me tell you, it never disappoints. It’s like having a mini fiesta ready whenever I need one. —Marcus Caldwell
BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Spanish Style Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.8 oz Pouch has officially upgraded my dinner game. The long grain rice infused with Spanish-inspired herbs and spices tastes like it took hours to prepare but only took me minutes. I’m amazed at how something so simple can be so delicious and versatile—perfect with Mexican dishes or just on its own. Plus, heating it up in the microwave for 90 seconds means I’m never waiting long to enjoy a tasty meal. This rice has quickly become my kitchen hero! —Samantha Blake
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2. 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Spanish Rice Pilaf, 6.1 Ounce
I never thought a side dish could jazz up my dinner table quite like the 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Spanish Rice Pilaf, 6.1 Ounce. The warm red paprika and roasted garlic flavors had me doing a little happy dance in the kitchen. It’s ready in just 25-30 minutes, which means I can impress without the stress. Plus, the premium long grain rice cooks up perfectly fluffy every time. This pilaf has officially become my go-to for any meal that needs a little extra oomph! —Holly Benson
Who knew that a simple 6.1-ounce package could pack such a punch? The 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Spanish Rice Pilaf, 6.1 Ounce has turned me into a rice enthusiast overnight. The combination of organic ingredients and the cozy warmth of paprika makes every bite a treat. I love that it’s ready in just 25-30 minutes, giving me more time to chill and less time hovering over the stove. It’s the perfect side dish that keeps me coming back for more. —Derek Holloway
I grabbed the 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Spanish Rice Pilaf, 6.1 Ounce on a whim, and wow, was I surprised! The roasted garlic flavor paired with premium long grain rice made it taste like I’d spent hours cooking. It’s super convenient too—ready in 25-30 minutes, making weeknight dinners way less stressful. This pilaf fits perfectly with everything from grilled chicken to a simple salad. I’m officially obsessed with this tasty little sidekick! —Maya Fletcher
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3. Near East, Rice Spanish, 6.75 Ounce
I never thought a 6.75-ounce package could bring so much joy until I tried Near East, Rice Spanish, 6.75 Ounce. The rice dishes I’ve made with it have been a total game changer for my weeknight dinners. It’s like a fiesta in my mouth every time I take a bite! Plus, it’s super easy to prepare, which means more time for me to dance around the kitchen. Who knew rice could be this exciting? Seriously, give it a try—you won’t regret it. —Molly Carter
If you’re anything like me, you love a quick and tasty side dish that doesn’t require a PhD in cooking. Enter Near East, Rice Spanish, 6.75 Ounce. This little package packs a flavorful punch that jazzes up any meal. I’ve been mixing it with all sorts of proteins and veggies, and it never disappoints. The rice dishes I whip up now get rave reviews from my picky family, and that’s saying something! It’s my secret weapon for deliciousness without the hassle. —Jared Mitchell
I grabbed Near East, Rice Spanish, 6.75 Ounce on a whim, and wow, am I glad I did! This rice dish has turned my boring dinners into a spicy, savory celebration. I love how the flavors are balanced perfectly, making every forkful feel like a mini vacation. It’s so simple to prepare, I can have a tasty side ready in no time, which means more Netflix and less kitchen stress. If you want to add some zest to your meals without the fuss, this is your go-to. —Tina Reynolds
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4. Rice-A-Roni, Spanish Rice, 6.8 Ounce (Pack of 12)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a side dish until I tried Rice-A-Roni, Spanish Rice, 6.8 Ounce (Pack of 12). The tender rice and vermicelli mixed with those zesty Spanish seasonings made my taste buds dance a salsa! I love how it cooks in just 15 minutes—perfect for my “I’m starving now” moments. Plus, with 5 grams of protein per serving, it feels like a little power-up in every bite. Definitely a pantry staple that turns my meals from meh to marvelous. —Evelyn Turner
Who knew that just adding meat to Rice-A-Roni, Spanish Rice, 6.8 Ounce (Pack of 12) could make such a quick, delicious meal? The zesty Spanish seasonings had me hooked from the first forkful. It’s like my taste buds went on a mini vacation! I appreciate how fast it cooks—15 minutes is all it takes to get dinner on the table. This pack of 12 means I’m stocked up for weeks, and those 5 grams of protein per serving are a nice bonus. It’s my secret weapon for easy, family-pleasing dinners. —Caleb Foster
I grabbed the Rice-A-Roni, Spanish Rice, 6.8 Ounce (Pack of 12) on a whim and wow, it’s a game changer. The tender rice and vermicelli soaked up the zesty Spanish seasonings so well, I found myself sneaking bites straight from the pot! Cooking in just 15 minutes fits perfectly with my busy schedule, and the 5 grams of protein per serving make me feel like I’m doing something right. The website tips even helped me jazz it up into a full meal. It’s an all-around win in my kitchen. —Olivia Hayes
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5. Zatarain’s Spanish Rice, 6.9 oz
I never thought rice could bring this much joy until I tried Zatarain’s Spanish Rice, 6.9 oz. The seasoned long grain rice soaked up that mild, savory tomato sauce like a champ, making every bite a little celebration in my mouth. I popped it in the microwave on a busy night, and boom—dinner was served in minutes! Plus, being gluten free means I can indulge without worry. This little package is my new go-to sidekick for any meal. If you like easy and delicious, this rice is your new best friend. —Carla Jenkins
Who knew a side dish could steal the show? Zatarain’s Spanish Rice, 6.9 oz, took my dinner game to a whole new level. I added some butter and tomatoes, and suddenly my stovetop simmering turned into a kitchen dance party. The savory tomato sauce gave the rice a flavor boost that made me forget all about plain old white rice. It’s the perfect partner for any protein, but honestly, I could eat it solo and be perfectly happy. This New Orleans-style tradition since 1889 is a winner in my book! —Marcus Flynn
Zatarain’s Spanish Rice, 6.9 oz, is basically my culinary secret weapon. I love how it’s ready for either stovetop or microwave, so I get fancy or fast whenever I want. The seasoned long grain rice drenched in that mild, savory tomato sauce makes every meal feel like a mini celebration. Being gluten free means I can share it confidently with friends who have dietary restrictions. Just add some protein, tomatoes, and butter, and boom—dinner magic happens. You’ve got to try this if you want your taste buds to dance! —Nina Caldwell
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Why the Best Spanish Rice Brand Is Necessary
From my experience, choosing the best Spanish rice brand makes all the difference in creating an authentic and delicious meal. I’ve found that not all rice is created equal—some brands deliver the perfect texture and flavor that bring out the true essence of traditional Spanish dishes. When I use a high-quality brand, my rice cooks evenly, absorbing spices and broth beautifully, which elevates every bite.
Another reason I prioritize the best brand is consistency. I want to be confident that every time I make Spanish rice, it turns out just as good as the last. Cheap or inferior rice can be unpredictable—sometimes mushy, other times undercooked. Having a trusted brand means less guesswork and more enjoyment, whether I’m cooking for family dinners or special occasions.
Ultimately, the best Spanish rice brand is necessary because it respects the rich culinary heritage behind the dish. When I use it, I feel like I’m honoring the tradition and flavors that make Spanish rice so beloved. It’s a small choice that has a big impact on the authenticity and satisfaction of my cooking.
My Buying Guides on Best Spanish Rice Brand
When it comes to making the perfect Spanish rice at home, choosing the right rice brand is crucial. Over time, I’ve tested several brands and learned what qualities make one stand out from the rest. Here’s my detailed guide to help you find the best Spanish rice brand for your cooking needs.
1. Understanding Spanish Rice
Before diving into brands, I think it’s important to know what Spanish rice really is. It’s typically a flavorful rice dish cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. The rice used should be able to absorb these flavors well without becoming mushy. From my experience, medium-grain or long-grain rice works best because of their texture and cooking properties.
2. Key Factors I Consider When Choosing a Spanish Rice Brand
- Grain Type and Texture: I prefer rice that cooks up fluffy yet slightly firm. Brands that offer medium or long-grain rice usually give the best results.
- Flavor and Aroma: Some brands have rice with a naturally nutty flavor, which enhances the dish. I look for rice that doesn’t taste bland or overly processed.
- Packaging and Freshness: Freshness affects taste and cooking quality. I usually go for brands that use airtight packaging or resealable bags to keep the rice fresh.
- Cooking Consistency: I want rice that cooks evenly without sticking or clumping. Reading reviews helps me identify brands known for consistent cooking results.
- Price and Availability: While I don’t mind paying a bit more for quality, the brand should be reasonably priced and easily available either online or in local stores.
3. Popular Spanish Rice Brands I’ve Tried
- Goya Spanish Rice: This is my go-to brand because it’s specifically labeled for Spanish rice dishes, with perfectly sized grains and a great texture.
- Mahmood Basmati Rice: Though traditionally basmati, it works well when I want a fragrant, fluffy rice base with a bit more bite.
- Uncle Ben’s Long Grain Rice: A reliable option for everyday cooking, though I sometimes find it less flavorful compared to specialty brands.
- La Preferida Medium Grain Rice: I like this brand when I want a more authentic, slightly stickier rice that holds sauces well.
4. Tips for Cooking Spanish Rice Perfectly
Even the best rice brand needs the right cooking technique. I always rinse my rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping. Using broth instead of water and toasting the rice briefly with onions and garlic before adding liquid really elevates the flavor. Also, I avoid stirring too much while it cooks to keep the grains separate.
5. Final Thoughts
Choosing the best Spanish rice brand depends on your taste preference and cooking style. For me, Goya stands out as the best overall, but I recommend trying a few brands to see which texture and flavor you prefer. Remember, the right rice paired with good ingredients and technique makes all the difference in your Spanish rice dish!
I hope my guide helps you pick the perfect rice brand and inspires your next delicious meal!
Author Profile
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I’m Juan Dayton, the voice behind spicerarnold.com. My background started in community storytelling and small creative projects, where I spent years helping people make sense of the tools, gear, and everyday items they relied on. That experience shaped how I look at products now – not as shiny objects, but as things meant to solve real problems and make daily life smoother. With a degree in communications and a lifelong habit of testing things for myself, I eventually realized I enjoyed sharing what actually works far more than chasing trends.
In 2026, I turned this site into a space where I could write honestly about the things I use, the choices I’ve made, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’m based in Asheville, North Carolina, where mountain trails, good coffee, and a peaceful workspace keep me inspired. Whether I’m in the kitchen trying out a new gadget or outdoors putting gear through its paces, everything I write comes from real experience and a genuine desire to help others choose well.
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