Does Uncle Ben's Mexican Rice Contain Gluten?

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 2 million Americans have celiac disease, making ingredient labels a critical resource. Understanding if Uncle Ben's Mexican rice contains gluten is essential for many, as ingredients can vary across products and regions. This guide provides a fact-checked look at the ingredients to help you navigate your dietary needs.

Quick Summary

An analysis of Ben's Original Mexican style rice products confirms that some varieties do contain gluten, while others do not. Key gluten-containing ingredients often include barley or yeast extract, so checking labels for the specific product is crucial.

Key Points

Not All Products are Equal: The gluten status of Ben's Original Mexican rice depends heavily on the specific product and the country where it is sold, with some containing barley.
Read the Label: The most reliable way to know if a specific Ben's Original Mexican rice is gluten-free is to check the ingredient list and allergen warnings on the packaging.
Watch for Hidden Gluten: Ingredients like 'yeast extract' can sometimes be derived from gluten-containing grains like barley, posing a risk in products that aren't certified gluten-free.
Plain Rice is Safer: Plain Ben's Original rice is generally gluten-free, but you must avoid the seasoned packets or mixes unless they are specifically labeled and certified as safe.
Certified Gluten-Free Alternatives Exist: Brands like Somos, Tilda, and Rico offer specifically labeled gluten-free Mexican rice options for safer consumption.
DIY is Safest: For those with severe celiac disease or sensitivities, making your own Mexican rice from scratch using plain rice and gluten-free spices is the most foolproof method.

Is Uncle Ben's Mexican Rice Gluten-Free? The Full Breakdown

The question of whether Uncle Ben's Mexican rice is gluten-free is complex, as the answer depends on the specific product and geographical region. Since the brand was renamed to Ben's Original, there have been several variations of its Mexican-style rice, with ingredients differing significantly. A definitive answer requires a closer look at the product's packaging, as some contain gluten while others may not.

The Importance of Reading the Label

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, reading the ingredient label is non-negotiable. While rice itself is naturally gluten-free, the seasonings and added components in flavored rice mixes can introduce gluten. Common sources of hidden gluten include yeast extract, certain seasonings, and cross-contamination during processing. This is why relying on a product's gluten-free claim is safer than making assumptions based on the primary ingredient alone.

Why Some Ben's Original Mexican Rice Contains Gluten

Several international versions of Ben's Original Mexican rice explicitly list gluten-containing ingredients. For example, the Ben's Original Mexican Style 240g pouch sold in Australia contains 'Steamed Barley 33%,' and its allergen statement clearly says 'Contains: Soy, Gluten'. This is a clear indication that not all products with the 'Mexican Style' label are safe for those on a gluten-free diet.

Product-Specific Ingredient Analysis

To make an informed decision, let's examine a few specific products and their known ingredient profiles based on available product information online.

BEN'S ORIGINAL™ READY RICE™ Spicy Mexican Style Rice (U.S. Market)

Ingredients: Water, parboiled long grain rice, canola oil, tomato powder, salt, spices, dehydrated onion, chili pepper, sugar, dehydrated garlic, yeast extract, citric acid, natural flavors, etc.
Gluten Risk: The inclusion of yeast extract is a potential red flag. While not all yeast extract contains gluten, if derived from a gluten-containing source like barley, it can make the product unsafe. Without a 'gluten-free' certification, this product should be approached with caution.

Ben's Original™ Spicy Mexican Microwave Rice Pouch (U.K. Market)

Ingredients: Steamed Long Grain Rice 80%, Capsicum, Onion, Tomato, Vegetable Oil, Jalapenos, Flavour, Sugar, Onion, Salt, Turmeric, Chilli, Garlic, Cumin, Pepper, Yeast Extract.
Gluten Risk: Similar to the U.S. version, this product contains yeast extract, which is a common source of hidden gluten derived from barley. The absence of a gluten-free label on this specific product listing is a strong indicator of potential risk.

Ben's Original Mexican Style 240g (Australian Market)

Ingredients: Steamed Barley 33%, Steamed Brown Rice, Sweetcorn, Capsicum, Onion, Tomatoes, Black Beans, Garlic, Red Kidney Beans, Jalapeno, etc.
Gluten Risk: This version clearly lists barley as a primary ingredient and explicitly states it contains gluten. This product is definitively not gluten-free and should be avoided by anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Comparison Table: Gluten Status of Ben's Original Mexican Rice


Product Variant	Market Region	Contains Gluten?	Key Ingredient(s) with Gluten Risk	Gluten-Free Label?
BEN'S ORIGINAL™ READY RICE™ Spicy Mexican	U.S.	Potentially	Yeast Extract	No (Not labeled GF)
BEN'S ORIGINAL™ Spicy Mexican Microwave	U.K.	Likely	Yeast Extract	No (Not labeled GF)
Ben's Original Mexican Style 240g	Australia	Yes (Confirmed)	Barley	No (States 'Contains: Gluten')
Plain Long Grain Rice	Various	No	N/A	Yes (Labeled GF)

Safe Alternatives for Gluten-Free Mexican Rice

Given the inconsistency of the Ben's Original flavored products, a safer approach is to use a certified gluten-free plain rice and add your own seasonings. Several brands offer reliably gluten-free options:

Plain Ben's Original Rice: The brand's plain rice varieties, like converted or ready rice, are often labeled gluten-free. Be sure to check the packaging, especially for seasoning packets in other variants.
Somos Mexican Rice: This brand offers various microwavable, gluten-free, and vegan Mexican rice meals.
Tilda Spicy Mexican Rice: Tilda's entire rice range is labeled as gluten-free, including their Spicy Mexican flavor.
Rico Brand Mexican Rice: This option is clearly marked as gluten-free and vegan on their website.
DIY Mexican Rice: The most reliable method is to cook plain long-grain rice and add your own spices like cumin, chili powder, and onion and garlic powder, ensuring all ingredients are from gluten-free sources.

The Final Verdict: Always Check the Label

Because Ben's Original produces many different versions of its Mexican rice globally, with varying ingredients, you cannot assume any single version is gluten-free. While the plain rice products are generally safe, the seasoned Mexican varieties are not. Anyone with a gluten-related disorder must scrutinize the ingredient list for hidden gluten sources like barley or yeast extract and look for clear 'gluten-free' certification on the packaging. When in doubt, opting for a certified gluten-free brand or making your own from scratch is the safest bet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the short and critical answer is that certain versions of Uncle Ben's (now Ben's Original) Mexican rice do contain gluten, making them unsafe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The presence of ingredients like barley in some international versions and the potential for hidden gluten in ingredients like yeast extract in others necessitates careful label reading. Always verify the specific product's allergen statement, and for a guaranteed gluten-free meal, consider using plain rice and preparing your own seasonings. This cautious approach ensures you can enjoy a delicious meal without compromising your health.

Gluten-Free Labeling and Cross-Contamination

For products sold in the United States, the FDA requires food labeled 'gluten-free' to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. However, products that don't make this claim might still contain gluten through manufacturing processes. For those with severe sensitivities, checking for cross-contamination warnings on packaging is also a best practice. Some brands, like those mentioned above, take extra steps to ensure their products are certified gluten-free, offering peace of mind. For authoritative information on hidden gluten sources, visit the Gluten-Free Watchdog's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Ready Rice Spicy Mexican Style is not certified gluten-free and contains yeast extract, which can be a source of hidden gluten. It is not considered safe for those on a strict gluten-free diet.

Plain varieties, such as Ben's Original Converted Brand Rice and plain Ready Rice, are generally safe and often labeled gluten-free. Always check the packaging to be certain.

While plain rice is gluten-free, flavored rice mixes can contain gluten in their seasoning packets. Ingredients like barley, wheat, or yeast extract derived from gluten grains can be included in the mixture.

No, the Australian Ben's Original Mexican Style 240g pouch explicitly lists barley as an ingredient and is labeled with a 'Contains: Gluten' warning.

Yeast extract is a flavor enhancer that is sometimes derived from barley, a gluten-containing grain. Unless a product is explicitly certified as gluten-free, yeast extract should be viewed with caution by those avoiding gluten.

Yes, cross-contamination is a concern for packaged food. If a facility processes both gluten-containing and gluten-free products, there is a risk. Only products with a 'gluten-free' certification should be considered safe for individuals with celiac disease.

Brands known for offering gluten-free options include Somos, Tilda, and Rico Brand. Many grocery stores also carry their own certified gluten-free versions of plain rice that can be seasoned at home.