How many calories are in 1 cup of cooked Thai jasmine rice?

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, one cup of cooked jasmine rice contains approximately 181 calories. This fragrant and fluffy staple of Thai cuisine is a fundamental component of many meals, and understanding its caloric content can help with effective meal planning and dietary management.

Quick Summary

A standard cup of cooked Thai jasmine rice has around 181 to 238 calories, with most variations depending on the amount cooked and water absorption. It is primarily a carbohydrate source, providing energy, and contains a small amount of protein and fat. Nutritional details vary slightly by brand or preparation, so moderation is key for a balanced diet.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A single cup of cooked Thai jasmine rice contains between 181 and 238 calories, with an approximate figure around 181 kcal frequently cited.
Primary Macronutrient: The majority of the calories in cooked jasmine rice come from carbohydrates.
Factors in Variation: The exact calorie count can vary based on the specific brand, the amount of water absorbed during cooking, and the presence of any additives.
White vs. Brown: White jasmine rice has less fiber than its brown counterpart, which retains the bran and germ.
Moderate Portions: Because of its higher glycemic index, jasmine rice should be consumed in moderation, especially for individuals managing blood sugar levels.
Compared to Others: Jasmine rice is calorically similar to other white rice varieties but has a higher glycemic index than basmati or brown rice.

The Caloric Breakdown of Cooked Thai Jasmine Rice

Determining the exact number of calories in a cup of cooked Thai jasmine rice can yield slightly different results depending on the specific source and method of preparation. Reputable nutrition databases offer a range, but a common figure for a single cup of cooked rice (approx. 158-160 grams) is around 181 to 238 calories. The variance often comes from how much water the rice absorbs during cooking, which affects the final weight and density of the serving. Most of these calories are derived from carbohydrates, with smaller contributions from protein and fat.

What is Jasmine Rice?

Jasmine rice is a long-grain rice variety, highly prized for its fragrant aroma and soft, slightly sticky texture when cooked. Originating from Thailand, it is a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine. When prepared, the starch content of the grains is gelatinized, absorbing water and becoming fluffy. The cooking process is what changes the uncooked rice's nutrient profile into the final, cooked version that has fewer calories per unit of weight due to the added water.

Macronutrient Profile

Aside from the caloric information, understanding the macronutrient breakdown helps provide a complete nutritional picture. A typical cup of cooked jasmine rice primarily consists of carbohydrates, with modest amounts of protein and negligible fat.

Here is a general breakdown:

Carbohydrates: Approximately 39 grams per cup, providing most of the energy.
Protein: Around 4 grams per cup.
Fat: Roughly 1 gram per cup, though some sources list it as slightly higher or trace amounts.
Fiber: A small amount, often less than 1 gram in white jasmine rice.

For those seeking higher fiber content, brown jasmine rice is a superior alternative, as the bran and germ are not removed, resulting in more dietary fiber.

Comparison Table: Jasmine vs. Other Rice Varieties

To put the caloric content of jasmine rice into perspective, here is a comparison with other commonly consumed rice types, all for a 1-cup cooked serving:


Rice Type	Calories (approx.)	Carbohydrates (approx.)	Protein (approx.)	Glycemic Index (approx.)
White Jasmine Rice	181-238	39g	4g	68-80 (Moderate to High)
Basmati Rice	191-210	46g	5g	50-58 (Lower)
Brown Rice	216	45g	5g	50-55 (Lower)
Long-Grain White Rice	205	45g	4.3g	64 (Moderate)

This table demonstrates that while white jasmine rice is comparable in calories to other white rice varieties, options like basmati and brown rice offer a slightly different macronutrient profile, particularly a lower glycemic index for basmati.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Several factors can influence the final calorie count of your rice, including preparation method and portion size. Measuring cooked rice can be less precise than measuring dry rice due to the variable amount of water absorbed. A more consistent method is to measure uncooked rice and then calculate the final portion size.

Water Absorption: The amount of water and cooking time can impact the density. Drier rice will be more calorie-dense by volume than moister rice.
Cooking Additives: Adding oil, butter, or other high-calorie ingredients will increase the total caloric content of the final dish.
Fortification: Some brands fortify their rice with additional vitamins and minerals, which can also affect nutritional information slightly.

Conclusion

In summary, one cup of cooked Thai jasmine rice typically provides between 181 and 238 calories, with the most widely cited figure often falling around 181 calories. It is predominantly a source of carbohydrates, with a small contribution from protein and very little fat. While it offers quick energy, its higher glycemic index means that portion control is advisable, especially for individuals monitoring their blood sugar. For those seeking higher fiber and a more gradual energy release, brown jasmine rice is a better option. Regardless of the variety, jasmine rice can be a part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and paired with other nutritious foods. For the most accurate data for a specific product, always check the packaging's nutritional information.

USDA FoodData Central offers a reliable resource for nutritional information on a wide range of foods, including rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, brown jasmine rice and white jasmine rice have slightly different calorie and nutrient profiles. Brown jasmine rice retains its bran and germ, giving it more fiber and nutrients, and is often cited with a slightly higher calorie count and lower glycemic index compared to white jasmine rice.

The cooking method can affect the final calorie count per cup of cooked rice, primarily because of water absorption. Rices that absorb more water are less calorie-dense by volume. Additives like oil or butter can also increase the total caloric value.

As a high-carbohydrate food, jasmine rice is generally not suitable for a strict low-carb or ketogenic diet. However, it can be included in moderation in a balanced diet for those who consume carbohydrates.

Thai Hom Mali is the most well-known type of jasmine rice, and nutritionally, it is largely similar to other jasmine rice varieties. Any minor differences would be negligible for general dietary purposes.

For consistent calorie counting, measuring the dry rice portion before cooking is the most accurate method. A 1/4 cup of uncooked jasmine rice is often used as a standard serving for nutritional information.

Different nutrition databases may report slightly different calorie values due to variations in testing, serving size definitions (e.g., cup size and weight), or brand-specific differences in rice. Additionally, water absorption during cooking can cause variation in cooked volume and weight.

Yes, jasmine rice can be a part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. As a good source of energy, it should be balanced with other nutrient-rich foods, including vegetables, protein, and healthy fats.