Comparison: Best Microwave Quinoa (Updated | Dec 8th)
If you’ve ever stared into your microwave, wondering if that sad, mushy quinoa could actually taste good, you’re not alone. But what if we told you perfectly fluffy, flavorful quinoa could be just minutes away—no stovetop required? We’ve tested the most popular methods, brands, and hacks to find the **best microwave quinoa** that’s fast, foolproof, and actually delicious. Whether you’re meal prepping, in a lunchtime rush, or just craving something healthy and satisfying, we’ve got the lowdown on what really works—straight from the microwave to your bowl.
- Best for 90-second quinoa: 365 by Whole Foods Market
- Best for flavor variety pack: Eat Regal Brown Rice with Quinoa
- Best for veggie-rich pouch: Kitchen & Love Vegetable Quinoa Medley
- Best for organic tri-color bulk: OA QUINOA Now Greenfit | Royal Organic Tri Color Quinoa (5 Lb)
- Best for spanish-style quinoa: Kitchen & Love Spanish Style Quinoa Medley
- Best for garlic-infused organic: Seeds of Change Organic Vegetarian Quinoa & Brown Rice with Garlic 3 (8.5 oz.) Pouches Microwave 90 Seconds by Seeds Of Change
- Best for tabbouleh quinoa: Kitchen & Love Tabbouleh & Quinoa Medley
- Best for mediterranean tabbouleh: Kitchen & Love Tabbouleh & Quinoa Medley | Pre-Cooked
- Best for glorious grain blend: Merchant Gourmet Simply Cooked Glorious Grains with Red Rice & Quinoa – Microwave Rice Mix – Source of Fiber
- Best for meal-in-a-mug: 250 Best Meals in a Mug: Delicious Homemade Microwave Meals in Minutes
Product Comparison: Best Microwave Quinoa
365 by Whole Foods Market, White & Red Quinoa Blend, 90-Second Microwave in Pound, 8.8 Ounce
- No hydrogenated fats or high fructose corn syrup allowed in any food
- No bleached or bromated flour
- No synthetic nitrates or nitrites
Eat Regal Brown Rice with Quinoa, 8.8 oz (Pack of 6) | Ready to Eat | Microwave in 90 Seconds | Fully Cooked | Vegan & Gluten-Free | Healthy Meal or Side Dish
- 3 Flavor Variety Pack – Includes 2 pouches each of Spanish Rice, Thai Jasmine Rice, and Long Grain White Rice for a flavorful and versatile meal experience.
- Microwave in 90 seconds – Fully cooked and ready to eat; just heat the BPA-free pouch for a quick, no-fuss meal or side dish.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free – Made with simple, clean ingredients and free from gluten, dairy, and animal products—great for various dietary needs.
- Shelf-Stable & Travel Friendly – No refrigeration needed; perfect for work, travel, college dorms, or emergency meal kits.
- Wholesome & Delicious – Enjoy as a nutritious base for curries, stir-fries, or as a satisfying side with your favorite proteins or veggies.
Kitchen & Love Vegetable Quinoa Medley, Pre Cooked, Microwave Ready Pouch, Shelf Stable, Non Gmo, Gluten & Dairy Free, Plant Based, Kosher, Vegan, 8 Oz, 6-Pack
- JUST STIR AND GO! Food on the go for breakfast, snack, lunch or dinner! Spoon Included. No Preparation, Cooking, Water or Refrigeration Needed. Dairy free, Plant Based, Good Source Of Fiber, and Kosher.
- EASY way to get a tasty healthy meal while being mindful of your calories. This mouthwatering, innovative Quinoa Quick Meal will change the way you experience Quinoa forever. We made Quinoa easy to eat and prepare. Enjoy it hot, cold or at room temp in its microwavable BPA free cup.
- TRAVEL ACCESSORIES you can eat! Perfect for busy Moms and Dads, students corporate executives, fitness enthusiasts. Great for planes, trains, road trips and camping. There is more Basil Pesto sauce than is needed for the quinoa. Be sure To add the sauce and stir as you go.
- HEALTH conscious cuisine. Packed with vitamins and nutrients. Complete Protein with all 9 Essential Amino Acids. Contains 10+ different Vitamins and Minerals. Source of Complex Carbohydrates
- SIMPLE and premium ingredients, including Cooked White Quinoa 77% (Water, White Quinoa), Vegetables 20% (Carrots, Red Bell Peppers, Sweetcorn, Peas), Sunflower Oil, Basil, Salt, Natural Flavors, Guar Gum (Stabilizer)
OA QUINOA Now Greenfit | Royal Organic Tri Color Quinoa (5 Lb)
Kitchen & Love Spanish Style Quinoa Medley, Pre Cooked, Microwave Ready Pouch, Shelf Stable, Non Gmo, Gluten & Dairy Free, Plant Based, Kosher, Vegan, 8 Oz, 6-Pack
- JUST STIR AND GO! Food on the go for breakfast, snack, lunch or dinner! Spoon Included. No Preparation, Cooking, Water or Refrigeration Needed. Dairy free, Plant Based, Good Source Of Fiber, and Kosher.
- EASY way to get a tasty healthy meal while being mindful of your calories. This mouthwatering, innovative Quinoa Quick Meal will change the way you experience Quinoa forever. We made Quinoa easy to eat and prepare. Enjoy it hot, cold or at room temp in its microwavable BPA free cup.
- TRAVEL ACCESSORIES you can eat! Perfect for busy Moms and Dads, students corporate executives, fitness enthusiasts. Great for planes, trains, road trips and camping. There is more Basil Pesto sauce than is needed for the quinoa. Be sure To add the sauce and stir as you go.
- HEALTH conscious cuisine. Packed with vitamins and nutrients. Complete Protein with all 9 Essential Amino Acids. Contains 10+ different Vitamins and Minerals. Source of Complex Carbohydrates
- SIMPLE and premium ingredients, including Water, White Quinoa, Tomato, Green Lentils, Tofu (Water, Soy, Magnesium Chloride (gelling agent)), Vegetables (Red Bell Peppers, Sweetcorn, Red Beans), Sunflower Oil, Salt, Guar Gum (Stabilizer), Chili Powder, Cumin Powder
Seeds of Change Organic Vegetarian Quinoa & Brown Rice with Garlic 3 (8.5 oz.) Pouches Microwave 90 Seconds by Seeds Of Change
- Made with certified organic quinoa and brown rice
- Infused with garlic for rich, savory flavor
- Ready in 90 seconds—microwaveable pouch for convenience
- Excellent source of whole grains and plant-based nutrition
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- 8.5 oz pouch—ideal for single or shared servings
Kitchen & Love Tabbouleh & Quinoa Medley, Pre Cooked, Microwave Ready Pouch,Shelf Stable, Non Gmo, Gluten & Dairy Free, Plant Based, Kosher, Vegan, 8 Oz, 6-Pack
- JUST STIR AND GO! Food on the go for breakfast, snack, lunch or dinner! Spoon Included. No Preparation, Cooking, Water or Refrigeration Needed. Dairy free, Plant Based, Good Source Of Fiber, and Kosher.
- EASY way to get a tasty healthy meal while being mindful of your calories. This mouthwatering, innovative Quinoa Quick Meal will change the way you experience Quinoa forever. We made Quinoa easy to eat and prepare. Enjoy it hot, cold or at room temp in its microwavable BPA free cup
- TRAVEL ACCESSORIES you can eat! Perfect for busy Moms and Dads, students corporate executives, fitness enthusiasts. Great for planes, trains, road trips and camping. There is more Basil Pesto sauce than is needed for the quinoa. Be sure To add the sauce and stir as you go.
- HEALTH conscious cuisine. Packed with vitamins and nutrients. Complete Protein with all 9 Essential Amino Acids. Contains 10+ different Vitamins and Minerals. Source of Complex Carbohydrates
- SIMPLE and premium ingredients, including Water, Bulgur Wheat, Tomato, Red Quinoa, Red Bell Peppers, Olive Oil, Raisins, Mint, Lemon Juice, Salt, Guar Gum (Stabilizer), Natural Flavor. CONTAINS: Gluten
Kitchen & Love Tabbouleh & Quinoa Medley | Pre-Cooked, Microwave Ready Pouch, Shelf Stable, Non-GMO, Gluten & Dairy Free, Plant Based, Kosher, Vegan, 8oz (3 Pack)
- JUST STIR AND GO! Food on the go for breakfast, snack, lunch or dinner! Spoon Included. No Preparation, Cooking, Water or Refrigeration Needed. Dairy free, Plant Based, Good Source Of Fiber, and Kosher.
- EASY way to get a tasty healthy meal while being mindful of your calories. This mouthwatering, innovative Quinoa Quick Meal will change the way you experience Quinoa forever. We made Quinoa easy to eat and prepare. Enjoy it hot, cold or at room temp in its microwavable BPA free cup
- TRAVEL ACCESSORIES you can eat! Perfect for busy Moms and Dads, students corporate executives, fitness enthusiasts. Great for planes, trains, road trips and camping. There is more Basil Pesto sauce than is needed for the quinoa. Be sure To add the sauce and stir as you go.
- HEALTH conscious cuisine. Packed with vitamins and nutrients. Complete Protein with all 9 Essential Amino Acids. Contains 10+ different Vitamins and Minerals. Source of Complex Carbohydrates
- SIMPLE and premium ingredients, including Water, Bulgur Wheat, Tomato, Red Quinoa, Red Bell Peppers, Olive Oil, Raisins, Mint, Lemon Juice, Salt, Guar Gum (Stabilizer), Natural Flavor. CONTAINS: Gluten
Merchant Gourmet Simply Cooked Glorious Grains with Red Rice & Quinoa – Microwave Rice Mix – Source of Fiber, Low Fat & Vegan – Pack of 6 x 250g Ready-to-eat Pouches
- Nutrient-Rich Blend: Enjoy a flavourful combination of wheatberries, red rice, freekeh, black barley, and quinoa in our Simply Cooked Glorious Grains. Packed with fibre and protein, it’s a wholesome addition to your diet.
- Ready in minutes: Each pack contains 6 x 250g pouches of ready-to-eat goodness, providing quick and hassle-free meal options. Simply heat in the microwave for a delicious and nutritious meal in minutes.
- Vegan and Low Fat: Our Glorious Grains mix is both vegan and low in fat, making it a guilt-free choice for health-conscious consumers. Enjoy the goodness of whole grains without compromising on taste or nutrition.
- Versatile Kitchen Staple: From salads to stir-fries, our grain mix adds a beautiful nutty flavour to a variety of dishes. Elevate your culinary creations with this versatile kitchen cupboard essential.
- Trusted Quality: Crafted with care, our Glorious Grains are simply cooked with water and a dash of olive oil to preserve their natural flavours and nutrients. Stock up your cupboards with this delicious and nutritious option.
250 Best Meals in a Mug: Delicious Homemade Microwave Meals in Minutes
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for when choosing a microwave‑ready quinoa product?
Check the ingredient list for simple, recognizable foods and avoid added sugars, hydrogenated fats, or artificial preservatives. Look for dietary labels such as vegan, gluten‑free, or kosher if you have specific restrictions. Also consider the cooking time—most of these pouches heat in 90 seconds, which is ideal for quick meals.
How do the Whole Foods 365 quinoa blend and the Kitchen & Love Vegetable Quinoa Medley differ in nutrition?
The Whole Foods blend focuses on a plain quinoa mix with no added sauces, offering a clean source of protein and fiber. Kitchen & Love’s Vegetable Medley adds carrots, bell peppers, and peas, boosting vitamin and mineral content while still providing complete protein. Both are low‑fat, but the medley gives extra micronutrients from the vegetables.
Is there a noticeable price‑to‑value advantage among the bulk organic quinoa (Royal Organic Tri‑Color) versus the single‑serve pouches?
Buying the 5‑lb bag of Royal Organic Tri‑Color quinoa is generally more cost‑effective per ounce than the individual microwave pouches, especially if you already have a way to store and cook it. However, the pouches offer convenience, no refrigeration, and portion control, which can justify the higher per‑unit price for busy lifestyles or travel.
Which product is best for travelers or on‑the‑go meals?
The Eat Regal Brown Rice with Quinoa and the Kitchen & Love pre‑cooked pouches are both BPA‑free, shelf‑stable, and require no refrigeration, making them ideal for travel. Their 90‑second microwave preparation and included spoon add extra convenience for planes, trains, or camping trips.
Do any of these quinoa meals contain gluten or allergens I should be aware of?
Most of the listed products are gluten‑free, including the Whole Foods blend, Eat Regal, and Kitchen & Love quinoa medleys, but the Tabbouleh & Quinoa Medley does contain bulgur wheat, which introduces gluten. Always review the full ingredient list for potential allergens such as soy, nuts, or dairy, even if the label highlights a specific dietary claim.
How do flavor options compare across the different brands?
Flavor variety ranges from plain or lightly seasoned quinoa (Whole Foods) to more robust options like Spanish‑style, basil pesto, and garlic‑infused blends (Kitchen & Love, Seeds of Change). If you prefer a neutral base to customize with your own sauces, the plain quinoa blends are best; for ready‑made seasoned meals, the medley options provide more taste without extra prep.
Are the microwave cooking instructions reliable for all microwaves?
The 90‑second heating guideline works for most standard microwaves, but power levels vary; you may need to add 10‑20 seconds for lower‑wattage units or reduce time for higher‑wattage models. Stirring halfway through ensures even heating, especially for pouches with sauces or vegetable mixes.
What environmental considerations should influence my purchase?
Products packaged in BPA‑free, recyclable pouches (like Eat Regal and Kitchen & Love) reduce plastic waste compared to traditional containers. Buying in bulk, such as the 5‑lb organic quinoa bag, also minimizes packaging per serving, making it a greener choice if you have storage space and a way to cook the quinoa yourself.