Does Jasmine Rice Contain Folic Acid? A Look at Fortified vs. Unfortified Grains

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), since 1998, enriched grain products in the US have been fortified with folic acid to help prevent neural tube defects. So, does jasmine rice contain folic acid? The answer depends entirely on whether the specific brand you purchase is an enriched product or not.

Quick Summary

Whether jasmine rice contains folic acid depends on its processing and brand. Unfortified versions do not, while many enriched white jasmine rice products do. Brown jasmine rice contains naturally occurring folate, not synthetic folic acid, and offers more fiber.

Key Points

Depends on Fortification: White jasmine rice only contains folic acid if it has been enriched by the manufacturer, a process required in many countries.
Brown Rice Has Folate: Brown jasmine rice is a whole grain that contains naturally occurring folate (vitamin B9), but not the synthetic folic acid.
Read the Label: The key to determining folic acid content is to check the packaging for the words 'enriched' or 'fortified' on the ingredients list.
Brown is Higher in Fiber: Compared to white jasmine rice, the brown version offers higher fiber and a lower glycemic index, aiding in blood sugar control.
Supplementation is Common: For those requiring consistent folic acid intake, such as pregnant women, supplements or a wider variety of fortified foods are often recommended over relying on rice alone.
Natural Sources are Best: A diverse diet rich in leafy greens, legumes, and fruits is a great way to ensure adequate natural folate intake.

The Difference Between Folate and Folic Acid

To grasp the nutritional profile of jasmine rice, it's essential to first distinguish between folate and folic acid. Folate is the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9, found in a wide variety of foods, such as leafy green vegetables, legumes, and eggs. Folic acid, on the other hand, is the synthetic form of this vitamin, specifically designed for better absorption by the body.

Folic acid is used in supplements and is added to fortified foods to help people meet their daily needs. This fortification is a public health strategy aimed at improving folate nutritional status in populations, especially to prevent birth defects like spina bifida.

White vs. Brown Jasmine Rice

Fortified White Jasmine Rice

The most common type of jasmine rice available is the white variety, which has undergone milling and polishing to remove the outer bran and germ. This process strips away many naturally occurring nutrients, including some folate. However, many manufacturers of white rice, including jasmine rice, enrich their products with synthetic vitamins and minerals to restore nutritional content.

For products sold in countries with mandatory fortification programs, such as the United States, white jasmine rice is a reliable source of folic acid. A quick glance at the ingredients list will confirm if a brand is 'enriched' with folic acid. An enriched product can provide a significant portion of the daily recommended value in a single serving. This added folic acid makes enriched white jasmine rice a valuable dietary source for this essential nutrient.

Brown Jasmine Rice

Brown jasmine rice is a whole grain that retains its outer bran layer, making it nutritionally superior to its white counterpart. Because it is less processed, it contains naturally occurring folate, not the synthetic folic acid added to enriched grains. Brown jasmine rice also boasts a higher fiber content, antioxidants, and a wider array of other micronutrients like manganese and selenium.

It is important to note that since brown rice is not typically fortified, its folate levels are generally lower and less bioavailable than the synthetic folic acid in enriched white rice. Nevertheless, it offers numerous other health benefits as a whole grain, including better blood sugar management due to its higher fiber content and lower glycemic index.

Making an Informed Choice

When standing in the grocery aisle, the key to knowing whether your jasmine rice contains folic acid is to read the nutrition and ingredients labels. The packaging will specify if the rice is 'enriched' or 'fortified.' If the product is not explicitly labeled as such, particularly if it is brown jasmine rice or from a country without mandatory fortification, it should not be relied upon as a primary source of folic acid.

A Quick Comparison


Feature	Fortified White Jasmine Rice	Brown Jasmine Rice
Processing	Milled and polished, outer bran removed.	Less processed, whole grain with bran intact.
Folic Acid	May contain significant amounts if enriched, as indicated on the label.	Does not contain added folic acid.
Natural Folate	Low inherent folate due to processing.	Contains naturally occurring folate (vitamin B9).
Fiber Content	Low fiber.	Higher fiber content.
Nutrients	Often fortified with iron and other B vitamins.	Good source of manganese, selenium, and B vitamins.
Glycemic Index	Higher GI, leading to faster blood sugar spikes.	Lower GI, helping with blood sugar control.

Boosting Your Folate and Folic Acid Intake

For those seeking to increase their intake of B9, relying solely on rice is not the most comprehensive strategy. A balanced approach includes both naturally folate-rich foods and, if necessary, supplements or fortified products. Excellent sources of folate include:

Leafy Green Vegetables: Spinach, kale, and romaine lettuce.
Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and black-eyed peas.
Certain Fruits: Oranges, bananas, and avocados.
Eggs: A great source of natural folate.
Fortified Grains: In addition to enriched rice, many breakfast cereals, breads, and pastas also contain folic acid.

Conclusion

In summary, whether jasmine rice contains folic acid is not a simple yes or no. The presence of this synthetic B vitamin is dependent on whether a white jasmine rice product has been fortified, a common practice in many regions. Brown jasmine rice contains natural folate but not added folic acid, and it offers the added benefits of being a whole grain. For consumers, the best practice is to always check the product label for the term 'enriched' and to consider a variety of folate-rich foods as part of a balanced diet for optimal nutrition. If you have specific dietary needs, consulting a healthcare provider or dietitian is always recommended. CDC on Folic Acid

Frequently Asked Questions

Folate is the form of vitamin B9 that occurs naturally in foods, while folic acid is the synthetic, man-made form of vitamin B9 that is added to fortified foods and supplements.

No, brown jasmine rice is a whole grain and is not typically enriched with folic acid. It contains naturally occurring folate, but in lesser amounts and with lower bioavailability than the synthetic form found in fortified white rice.

Brown jasmine rice is generally considered healthier because it is a whole grain with more fiber, antioxidants, and naturally occurring nutrients. However, enriched white jasmine rice offers a readily absorbed source of synthetic folic acid.

To check for folic acid, look at the ingredients list on the rice packaging. It will specify if the rice is 'enriched' or 'fortified,' which indicates that folic acid has been added.

Excellent natural sources of folate include leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale, legumes such as lentils and chickpeas, and certain fruits like oranges and avocados.

Studies on rice fortification show that a high percentage of added folic acid is retained even after washing and cooking. However, natural folate in vegetables can be sensitive to heat.

Yes, folic acid is especially important for women of childbearing age and during pregnancy. Adequate intake helps prevent neural tube defects in developing babies.