Uncle Ben's Rice & Grains review

Did you know that ...

There are roughly 120 known varieties of quinoa - which is a great source of protein, fibre and minerals, and is gluten free.

Pearl wheat is also known as wheat berries.

Contrary to the name, wild rice isn’t actually a member of the rice family – it’s a grain producing grass.

No? Neither did I, which is probably why I've never really experimented with them much, because I'm never sure what to do with them or how to eat them.

Uncle Ben's have just taken all of the hassle out of the equation though, by launching  a new range of wholesome, great-tasting Rice & Grain varieties that blend the goodness of wholegrain rice with added grains such as quinoa, wild rice or pearl wheat. Like the microwavable rice that we often buy, the pouches can be prepared in just two minutes in the microwave.

The Rice & Grains Range is made up of five varieties : Wholegrain & Quinoa, Pearl Wheat, Quinoa and Wholegrain, Wholegrain & Quinoa Tomato and Basil, 5 Whole Grains and Rice Medley.

We started off with the Rice Medley, because I thought it would be the smallest change compared to what we usually eat. Everyone ate what was on their plate and nobody noticed that I'd switched to a healthier version.

I was slightly less confident about the reaction the quinoa varieties would get, mainly because someone who will remain nameless had pointed out that the picture on the pouch looks just like maggots, something I'm extremely squeamish about ! I'm pleased to say that it looks much less maggoty in real life (!) and this was a surprise hit, with a slightly nutty taste that packs in more flavour than plain rice.

‘Super grains’ have soared in popularity in recent years, with much being written about their health benefits. Quinoa for example, is one of the only grains that provides all nine essential amino acids making it a complete protein. Uncle Ben's new range is a simple and convenient way of introducing them to family mealtimes and we'll definitely be buying them again. Anything that can be sneaked in as a healthier choice with nobody noticing has to be a good thing !

star rating : 4.5/5

RRP : £1.99 for 220g

Disclosure : We received the products in order to write an honest review.