When it comes to finding the perfect store-bought Mexican rice that truly captures the essence of homemade authenticity, you might feel like you’re browsing a sea of options.
However, fear not, as we have some insights on Mexican rice that might just help you uncover the hidden gem among the shelves of your local grocery store.
Let’s explore the subtle nuances and flavors that set these store-bought Mexican rice options apart, guiding you towards a delectable dining experience that will leave your taste buds tingling with anticipation.
Which is The 8 Best Mexican Rice Grocery Store Brands You Can Buy?
When choosing the best store-bought Mexican rice, consider options like SOMOS Mexican Street Corn White Rice, Old El Paso Cheesy Mexican Rice, Goya Mexican Rice Mix, Rice-A-Roni Rice Mix Mexican, and Knorr Rice Sides Mexican Rice.
Each grocery store brand offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, catering to different preferences and taste profiles.
Immerse yourself in the world of store-bought Mexican rice and discover which brand satisfies your craving for authentic and delicious rice dishes.
1. SOMOS Mexican Street Corn White Rice
For those seeking a convenient and flavorful addition to their meals, the SOMOS Mexican Street Corn White Rice stands out as the ideal choice among store-bought Mexican rice options.
This 8.8 oz pack offers fluffy white rice complemented with charred and sweet yellow corn, providing a delicious and authentic flavor profile.
With no hydrogenated fats or high fructose corn syrup, and no bleached or bromated flour, this ready-to-eat rice is a wholesome pantry item. Ready in just 90 seconds, it’s a super easy side dish for dinner.
Customer reviews rave about its great flavor, ease of preparation, and unique taste, making it a must-have for those who appreciate quality and convenience in their meals.
Best For: Busy individuals looking for a quick and delicious side dish option with authentic flavors.
What’s So Great
- Ready in 90 seconds for ultimate convenience
- Fluffy white rice paired with charred and sweet yellow corn for a unique taste
- No hydrogenated fats, high fructose corn syrup, bleached, or bromated flour for a wholesome choice
Good to Know
- Taste may not appeal to everyone
2. Old El Paso Cheesy Mexican Rice
If you’re a fan of quick and flavorful side dishes that pack a cheesy punch, the Old El Paso Cheesy Mexican Rice is the ultimate choice for your next meal.
This delightful blend of rice, spices, and cheesy goodness brings a burst of Mexican-inspired flavors to your table.
Whether you prefer to prepare it on the stovetop or in the microwave, this easy-to-make dish complements a variety of main courses like beef and chicken, adding a tasty twist to your meals.
While some customers suggest adding extra cheese for a more intense flavor, many appreciate the convenience and delicious taste of this rice.
Old El Paso continues to deliver on its promise of providing families with traditional Mexican flavors that bring joy to every bite.
Best For: Those seeking a quick and flavorful side dish with a cheesy kick to complement their meals.
What’s So Great
- Convenient and quick preparation, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile usage as a side dish, taco or burrito filler, or paired with various main courses.
- Enjoyable cheesy flavor that can be enhanced by adding extra cheese for those seeking a stronger taste.
Good to Know
- Some customers may find the cheesy flavor not distinct enough and more reminiscent of traditional Spanish/Mexican rice.
3. Goya Mexican Rice Mix
With its bold flavors and convenient preparation, Goya Mexican Rice Mix stands out as the top choice for those seeking an authentic and time-saving addition to their meals.
This 7-ounce pack of Chicken Flavor rice mix isn’t only easy to make in just 25 minutes but also offers versatility as a main or side dish.
Goya’s commitment to quality is evident in this fat-free and cholesterol-free product. Customer reviews praise its taste and ease of preparation, highlighting its ability to complement various dishes.
While the mix contains a secret blend of whole kernels of corn, bell pepper, onion, garlic, and Jalapeño mixed with Goya Long Grain Rice and chicken flavor, some users suggest enhancing the taste further with additional ingredients.
Available for purchase at your local grocery stores and on platforms like Amazon, Amazon Fresh, and Prime Pantry, Goya Mexican Rice Mix caters to a wide range of preferences, making it a suitable choice for meat, fish, chicken, and vegetable lovers.
Best For: Those looking for a convenient, flavorful, and versatile rice mix to enhance their meals.
What’s So Great
- Easy and quick to prepare in just 25 minutes
- Versatile use as a main or side dish
- Nutritional qualities include being fat-free and cholesterol-free
Good to Know
- Some users may prefer to enhance the flavor with additional ingredients
4. Rice-A-Roni Rice Mix Mexican
When seeking a convenient and flavorful Mexican rice option that complements a variety of dishes, the Rice-A-Roni Rice Mix Mexican stands out for its zesty blend of ingredients.
This 6.4-ounce package, originating from the United States, offers nutritional benefits by containing no saturated fat, trans fat, or cholesterol while being a good source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and B vitamins.
The mix is seasoned with a combination of tomatoes, green chili peppers, red bell pepper, and paprika, providing an authentic Mexican taste.
Spice up your family meal time with this easy-to-make Rice-A-Roni Mexican Style flavor that blends rice and pasta with flavorful ingredients.
Although some customers suggest it needs a touch more flavor, the overall positive reviews highlight its value and delicious taste.
Best For: Busy families looking for a quick and flavorful meal option to complement a variety of dishes.
What’s So Great
- Zesty blend of authentic Mexican flavors
- Nutritious with no saturated fat, trans fat, or cholesterol
- Easy to prepare and affordable
Good to Know
- Some customers feel it needs a bit more flavor
5. Knorr Rice Sides Mexican Rice
For those seeking a flavorful and convenient rice side dish option, Knorr Rice Sides Mexican Rice stands out as the best store-bought Mexican rice choice due to its authentic blend of spices and bell peppers, offering a quick and satisfying meal solution.
This plant-based rice and pasta blend, seasoned with authentic Mexican spices, provides a creamy texture and a perfect balance of flavors.
While some may find it spicier than expected, many customers praise its great taste and value for money.
With no artificial flavors or preservatives, this dish can be cooked in just 7 minutes on the stovetop or in the microwave, making it an ideal option for busy individuals looking to add a Tex-Mex flair to their meals.
Best For: Busy individuals looking for a quick and flavorful Tex-Mex rice side dish option.
What’s So Great
- Authentic blend of Mexican spices for a flavorful experience.
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 7 minutes.
- Versatile as a standalone side dish or as part of a main meal.
Good to Know
- Some may find the spiciness level to be higher than expected.
6. Vigo Authentic Mexican Rice
Looking for a quick, flavorful, and convenient Mexican rice option that’s ready in less than 25 minutes? Vigo Authentic Mexican Rice with Corn might just be what you need.
This 8oz pack of 12 offers Mexican-style yellow rice infused with corn and taco-flavored seasoning, perfect as a side dish to complement any Mexican meal. The rice is completely seasoned, making it easy to prepare and enjoy in no time.
Customers rave about its outstanding flavor and ease of preparation. While some say it’s not as good as homemade, most find it delicious and a great addition to various entrees.
Though it may be hard to find in local grocery stores, the fantastic price on Amazon makes it a worthwhile purchase for a quick and satisfying meal.
Best For: Health-conscious individuals looking for a quick and delicious Mexican rice option that’s low in fat and high in taste.
What’s So Great
- Easy and quick to prepare in less than 25 minutes
- Delicious flavor with taco seasoning and corn
- Suitable as a side dish for various Mexican entrees
Good to Know
- Some may find it not as flavorful as homemade Mexican rice
7. Authentic Royal Mexican Style Rice
If you seek a convenient yet flavorful addition to your meals, Authentic Royal Mexican Style Rice stands out as the ideal choice.
This ready-to-heat rice, inspired by Mexican Street Corn, combines Basmati rice with corn, spicy, savory, and citrus flavors. It’s vegan, gluten-free, Kosher, Halal, and non-fat, catering to various dietary preferences.
Despite some reports of an unpleasant smell and taste for some individuals, many customers praise its great flavor that adds a zing to dinner.
The rice has a sticky texture but is undeniably tasty, making it a perfect accompaniment for guacamole, salsa, or chicken dishes.
With its quick 90-second microwave preparation and commitment to quality and authenticity, Authentic Royal Mexican Style Rice offers a delicious and hassle-free dining experience.
Best For: Those looking for a quick and flavorful vegan side dish with Mexican-inspired flavors.
What’s So Great
- Quick and convenient microwave preparation in just 90 seconds.
- Vegan, gluten-free, and suitable for various dietary preferences.
- Globally inspired flavors that add a zing to dinner.
Good to Know
- Some individuals may find the product has an unpleasant smell and taste.
8. Farmhouse Mexican Style Rice
When searching for a flavorful and convenient Mexican rice option, consider Farmhouse Mexican Style Rice as your top choice, boasting authentic restaurant-like taste and easy preparation.
Customers have raved about the taste of this rice, with reviews mentioning its resemblance to restaurant quality.
Some feedback did point out that the rice can be a bit salty for some tastes, but it can easily be balanced out by mixing it with plain brown rice.
Despite some quality control issues reported by a few customers, many have expressed their difficulty in finding a better-tasting alternative in local grocery stores.
If you’re looking for a delicious Mexican rice option that’s easy to prepare and offers a taste reminiscent of dining out, Farmhouse Mexican Style Rice may be the perfect choice for your next meal.
Best For: Those seeking a convenient and flavorful Mexican rice option with authentic restaurant-like taste.
What’s So Great
- Authentic restaurant-like taste
- Easy preparation
- Positive customer reviews praising taste and quality
Good to Know
- Some feedback mentions the rice can be too salty for some tastes
Frequently Asked Questions
Are store-bought Mexican rice options typically gluten-free?
When you’re scanning those grocery store aisles for a quick Mexican rice fix, it’s like playing a gluten-free roulette.
Some options might surprise you with their healthy ingredient choices and flavorful seasonings. Others boast easy microwave cooking but lack that authentic Mexican taste.
Keep your label-reading glasses on to find those gluten-free alternatives that hit the spot while satisfying your taste buds with a true south-of-the-border experience.
Can store-bought Mexican rice options be prepared in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can prepare store-bought Mexican rice in a rice cooker! Follow these tips for a delicious meal: add broth instead of water for more flavor, throw in some diced tomatoes and jalapeños for a kick, or even mix in some cooked beans for extra protein. This cooking hack will save time and make meal prep a breeze.
Experiment with ingredient substitutions like quinoa for a healthier twist. Enjoy your flavorful rice dish!
How long do store-bought Mexican rice products typically last in the pantry?
Store-bought Mexican rice products typically last about 6-12 months in the pantry. Make sure to check the expiration date for shelf life. Store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight for ideal storage.
When cooking, follow the package instructions for best results. You can also enhance the flavor by adding diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. These rice options offer convenience, but be mindful of their nutritional value due to added preservatives.
Are store-bought Mexican rice options suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
When it comes to store-bought Mexican rice, you’ll find several flavor options that are suitable for vegetarians or vegans. These rice products often boast an ingredient list that includes flavorful spices and vegetables, making them a tasty and plant-based choice.
Checking the nutritional value is crucial, as some brands may offer healthier options than others. Follow the cooking instructions carefully to guarantee a perfect side dish.
Consider brand comparisons to find the best fit for your diet.
What are some creative ways to use store-bought Mexican rice in recipes other than as a side dish?
Get creative with store-bought Mexican rice! Whip up flavorful rice bowls, stuff peppers with a delicious mix, use it as a quesadilla filling, or stuff burritos for a hearty meal.
Don’t forget about rice soup for a warm, comforting option. The possibilities are endless with your store-bought rice as the base for these scrumptious dishes.
Let your culinary imagination run wild and enjoy the tasty results!
