Comparison: Best Microwave Rice (Updated | Dec 8th)
If you’ve ever opened your microwave to find mushy, unevenly cooked rice, you’re not alone. But what if the perfect fluffy batch was just a few minutes away—no stove, no fuss? We’ve tested top-rated microwavable rice options to find out which ones actually deliver on taste, texture, and convenience. From budget picks to gourmet blends, we’ll break down the **best microwave rice** so you can skip the guesswork and enjoy restaurant-quality results—right in your kitchen. Let’s find your next go-to grain.
- Best for premium sushi rice: IRIS Instant White Rice (10 Pack)
- Best for thai jasmine quick: BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Jasmine Rice
- Best for single jasmine pack: BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Jasmine Rice
- Best for fresh korean rice: CJ Rice Cooked White Hetbahn
- Best for one-minute white: Minute Ready-to-Serve White Rice
- Best for organic whole foods: 365 by Whole Foods Market
- Best for aromatic jasmine cup: Minute Ready-to-Serve Jasmine Rice
- Best for sticky sushi base: Premium Instant Rice | Sticky Sushi Rice | 0 Trans Fat/ 0 Cholesterol/ 0 Sodium | Ready in 90 Secs | Gluten-Free | Healthy Sticky White Rice Bowls (Bap) – [WHITE Rice |12 Pack] | Long Shelf Life – O’Food
- Best for fiber-rich brown: 365 by Whole Foods Market
- Best for nutty whole grain: Minute Ready to Serve White Rice
Product Comparison: Best Microwave Rice
IRIS Instant White Rice (10 Pack), Ultra Premium Japanese Short Grain Sushi Sticky Rice, Microwave for 80 seconds (1.2 Minutes), Gluten Free Vegan, Grown Polished and Packed in Japan
- HIGH QUALITY AUTHENTIC JAPANESE RICE: IRIS USA microwave rice is made from 100% premium short-grain white rice, carefully selected for its natural sweetness, soft texture, and mild mouthfeel. Each grain is gently harvested, parboiled rice at a precise pH, then milled and polished at low temperatures to preserve flavor and freshness. Packaged in a food-grade tray for convenience and quality.
- READY IN 80 SECONDS: This microwavable rice cooks fast and easy: simply peel the film to the dotted line and microwave for 80 seconds (1,000–1,200 W). Enjoy directly from the tray or transfer to your favorite rice bowl. Alternatively, heat the unopened pack in boiling water for 18 minutes for perfect results every time.
- CONVENIENT PORTIONS: Each microwavable tray contains 6.3 oz (180g) of premium instant white rice, sold in a set of 10 trays. Perfectly portioned for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a quick snack, this ready-to-eat sushi rice fits seamlessly into your busy lifestyle.
- ON-THE-GO CONVENIENCE: Perfect for the office, picnics, camping, or dorm life, this microwavable white rice delivers a quick, delicious meal without the hassle of undercooked or overcooked rice. Enjoy the taste and ease of a home-cooked meal without the time-consuming prep.
- Rice Meal to Your Diet: IRIS USA Rice is gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan. Enjoy our low fat premium white rice however you want. It is perfect for varieties of rice bowl, sushi, fried rice, bibimbap, or as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite soups.
BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Jasmine Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 OZ Pouch (Pack of 6)
- Six 8.5 oz pouches of BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Jasmine Rice
- Microwave rice pouch that provides a delicious substitute for white rice, brown rice, or wild rice in just 90 seconds
- Contains 100% authentic Thai rice that tastes great as a cooked rice side dish or as part of a savory main course
- Pair this long grain rice with your favorite Southeast Asian cuisine entrees or serve it plain
- Microwave this rice for 90 seconds or thoroughly heat it in a skillet before serving
BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Jasmine Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch
- One 8.5 oz pouch of BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Jasmine Rice
- Microwave rice pouch that provides a delicious substitute for white rice, brown rice, or wild rice in just 90 seconds
- Contains 100% authentic Thai rice that tastes great as a cooked rice side dish or as part of a savory main course
- Pair this long grain rice with your favorite Southeast Asian cuisine entrees or serve it plain
- Microwave this rice for 90 seconds or thoroughly heat it in a skillet before serving
CJ Rice Cooked White Hetbahn, Gluten-Free & Vegan, Instant & Microwaveable, 7.4 Oz, 12 Count
- GREAT FOR ANY MEAL: Our instant and microwaveable rice is great as-is, used for sushi, or in a soup! Pair it with side dishes for a delicious meal.
- QUICK & DELICIOUS: Each serving comes in a convenient, microwave safe container and is ready in 90 seconds. Perfect for college students, busy professionals, campers, and anyone who wants a great meal in half the time!
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS, NO PRESERVATIVES: Each bowl is made from premium crops of rice and cooked under the perfect conditions for the best possible taste and texture.
- RICE THAT SIMPLY TASTES BETTER: Cooked within 24 hours of milling, our rice tastes like it was freshly cooked, even after microwaving! We also use zero preservatives, resulting in quality you can taste.
- TRIED & TRUE: CJ, the No. 1 Korean Food Company, has been developing and enhancing instant rice for over 20 years. We know what good rice is!
Minute Ready-to-Serve White Rice, Microwavable Rice Cups, 8.8-Ounce Cups (Pack of 8)
- QUICK & TASTY EVERY TIME: You deserve to enjoy a delicious meal, even on a busy day. Our microwavable white-rice cups provide fluffy fully cooked rice that any meat lover, vegan, or vegetarian will enjoy.
- READY IN ONE MINUTE: Upgrade your pantry food items! Pop a Minute rice cup in the microwave, and you’ll have a quick snack or side in one minute. Each BPA-free cup is perfectly portioned for a meal or side dish.
- DELICIOUS ON-THE-GO RICE: These single-serving instant-rice cups are the perfect size to take with you anywhere you go. Our white-rice cups contain no preservatives, are gluten-free, and are Non-GMO Project Verified. They’re also free of cholesterol and MSG.
- UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES: Our fully cooked rice is a great addition to any breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack. You can even add it to desserts like rice pudding! Top this white-rice cup with an egg, use it as a quick meal side, or add it to your favorite soup, stir-fry, or fried rice recipes.
- MORE TIME FOR YOU: Spend less time cooking in the kitchen and free up more time for you with this quick rice. Cleanup is a snap since you can eat the rice right out of the cup! Think outside the cup with our delicious and convenient rice.
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Jasmine Rice, 90-Second Microwave in Pouch, 9 Ounce
- No hydrogenated fats or high fructose corn syrup allowed in any food
- No bleached or bromated flour
- No synthetic nitrates or nitrites
Minute Ready-to-Serve Jasmine Rice, Microwavable Rice Cups, 8.8-Ounce Cups (Pack of 8)
- QUICK & TASTY EVERY TIME: You deserve to enjoy a filling meal, even on a busy day. Jasmine Minute rice cups provide the buttery and aromatic scent of our jasmine rice to upgrade a variety of recipes, including vegetarian and vegan rice dishes!
- READY IN ONE MINUTE: Upgrade your pantry essentials with these jasmine rice cups! Pop a cup in the microwave, and you’ll have a quick snack or side in one minute. Each BPA-free cup with our jasmine rice is perfectly portioned for a meal or side dish.
- DELICIOUS ON-THE-GO RICE: These single-serving cups are the perfect size to take with you anywhere you go. Our jasmine minute rice cups contain no preservatives and are gluten-free. This instant rice is also free of cholesterol and MSG.
- UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES: Each rice cup is a great addition to any breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack. Top a Minute rice cup with eggs, use it as a quick meal side with rotisserie chicken, or add it to your favorite soup, stir-fry, rice bowl, or fried rice recipes.
- MORE TIME FOR YOU: Spend less time cooking in the kitchen and free up more time for you with this quick rice. Cleanup is a snap since you can eat the rice right out of the cup! Think outside the cup with our delicious and convenient rice.
Premium Instant Rice | Sticky Sushi Rice | 0 Trans Fat/ 0 Cholesterol/ 0 Sodium | Ready in 90 Secs | Gluten-Free | Healthy Sticky White Rice Bowls (Bap) – [WHITE Rice |12 Pack] | Long Shelf Life – O’Food
![Premium Instant Rice | Sticky Sushi Rice | 0 Trans Fat/ 0 Cholesterol/ 0 Sodium | Ready in 90 Secs | Gluten-Free | Healthy Sticky White Rice Bowls (Bap) – [WHITE Rice |12 Pack] | Long Shelf Life - O'Food](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41FpqByghrL._SL500_.jpg "Comparison: Best Microwave Rice 9")
- Fast & Hassle-Free Meals in 90 Seconds – Enjoy the convenience of delicious, perfectly cooked Korean sticky white rice in just 90 seconds. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go, these microwave-safe rice bowls offer a quick meal solution with authentic Asian flavor and texture.
- Versatile and Delicious Base for Korean & Asian Dishes – This sticky white rice is a versatile foundation for countless meals. Pair it with kimchi, Korean BBQ, stir-fried veggies, ramen, bulgogi, stews, or soups to create a restaurant-quality experience in minutes. Great for Korean cuisine fans or anyone looking to explore new Asian flavors.
- Individually Packaged for On-the-Go Convenience – Each rice cup comes pre-cooked and sealed in a microwavable bowl, making it an ideal pantry staple for busy lifestyles, camping trips, office lunches, dorm rooms, or emergency food supplies. No refrigeration req
- Gluten-Free & Satisfying for All Diets – Made from high-quality white rice, O’Food BAP is gluten-free and contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives. A great option for those with dietary restrictions who still want satisfying, flavorful Asian food at home or on the go.
- Encourages Creative Cooking at Home – Use O’Food BAP as a blank canvas for countless culinary ideas. Build your own bibimbap, poke bowls, sushi burritos, fried rice, or fusion rice bowls. It’s the perfect way to bring Korean flavors into your home kitchen with ease.
- Authentic Taste from a Trusted Korean Brand – From the makers of Chung Jung One, a globally respected Korean food brand, this rice delivers authentic texture and taste you can trust. Enjoy the traditional stickiness and mild flavor that complements any side dish.
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Whole Grain Brown Rice, 90-Second Microwave in Pouch, 8.8 Ounce
- 9 oz package of organic brown rice
- 100% whole grain brown rice
- Ready in 90 seconds in microwave
- High in fiber and nutrients
Minute Ready to Serve White Rice, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, No Preservatives, 8.8-Ounce (Pack of 2 BPA-Free Cups)
- Precooked 100% whole grain rice that offers a flavorful nutty taste.
- Good source of fiber
- Only 1 simple ingredient – rice
- Gluten free certified, Non-GMO project verified
- Ready in 10 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 consider when choosing a microwaveable rice product?
Look at cooking time, portion size, and the type of rice (short‑grain sushi, jasmine, brown, etc.) to match your meals. Check dietary labels for gluten‑free, vegan, or low‑sodium needs. Also compare price per ounce and any added preservatives to gauge overall value.
How do the cooking times differ among the rice options?
Most products heat in 80‑90 seconds, but the IRIS Instant White Rice claims 80 seconds, while Minute Rice cups and Whole Foods brown rice need about 90 seconds. Some items, like the Minute White Rice cup, can be ready in just one minute. The exact time may vary with microwave wattage, so follow the package instructions.
Which product offers the best portion control for single meals?
Single‑serve cups such as Minute Ready‑to‑Serve White Rice and Minute Jasmine Rice provide a convenient, pre‑measured portion that you can eat straight from the cup. The IRIS 10‑pack gives 6.3 oz trays, which are slightly larger and better for those who want a bigger serving or to share. Choose based on how much rice you typically eat in one sitting.
Are there any notable differences in flavor or texture?
Short‑grain Japanese rice (IRIS) is soft and slightly sticky, ideal for sushi or rice bowls, while jasmine options (BEN’S Original and Minute Jasmine) are aromatic and fluffy, suited for Southeast Asian dishes. Brown rice from Whole Foods offers a nuttier, chewier bite and higher fiber, but takes a bit longer to heat. Korean sticky rice cups provide a very cohesive texture perfect for bibimbap or Korean BBQ.
Which brands are best for special diets like gluten‑free or vegan?
All listed products are gluten‑free and vegan, but the IRIS Instant White Rice, CJ Hetbahn, and O’Food BAP explicitly label themselves as such. The Minute Rice cups also carry gluten‑free and Non‑GMO certifications. If you avoid preservatives, look for options that state “no preservatives” such as CJ Hetbahn and O’Food BAP.
How does price‑per‑serving compare across the selections?
Bulk packs like the IRIS 10‑tray and BEN’S Original 6‑pack generally give a lower cost per ounce than single‑serve cups. Single‑serve Minute Rice cups are convenient but tend to be pricier per gram. Evaluate your budget and how often you’ll use the rice; buying in larger quantities saves money if you eat it frequently.
Can these microwave rice products be used in recipes beyond a plain side?
Absolutely. The fluffy jasmine and white rice cups work well in stir‑fry, fried rice, or as a base for bowls, while the sticky sushi rice is perfect for sushi rolls or Korean bibimbap. Brown rice adds a hearty element to grain salads or soups. Most trays and cups are microwave‑safe, allowing you to heat then mix in sauces or toppings.
What storage tips should I follow to keep the rice fresh?
Keep unopened packages in a cool, dry pantry and use them before the printed best‑by date. Once opened, transfer any leftover rice to an airtight container and refrigerate; it will stay good for 3‑4 days. For single‑serve cups, you can eat straight from the container, but if you need to store leftovers, re‑seal the cup with plastic wrap.