How many calories are in Ben's fried rice?

December 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Ben's Original, a pouch of their Ready Rice Fried Rice with Peas & Carrots has 370 calories. Calorie counts vary with product type, including special fried versions and microwavable single-serve cups.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for Ben's fried rice fluctuates depending on the product, from roughly 160 calories per serving for some Chinese Style options to 370 calories per pouch for the Ready Rice version. Nutritional value depends on specific ingredients, like fat content and sodium.

Key Points

Ben's Original Ready Rice Pouch: One pouch of the Ready Rice Fried Rice with Peas & Carrots has 370 calories.
Single-Serve Cup Calories: The single-serve microwavable cups can contain as few as 160 calories per serving.
Product Variations Matter: The specific product impacts the final calorie count.
Factors that Increase Calories: Adding extra oil or high-fat proteins will increase the total calorie count.
Homemade vs. Processed: Homemade fried rice allows for healthier, lower-calorie adjustments compared to pre-packaged versions.
Check the Label: For accurate information, always refer to the specific Ben's Original product packaging.

Understanding the Calories in Ben's Original Fried Rice

Ben's Original offers several types of fried rice, such as microwave pouches and single-serve cups. The calorie content is not uniform and depends on the specific product, serving size, and added ingredients. The Ready Rice Fried Rice, which comes in a multi-serving pouch with peas and carrots, is the most commonly referenced version.

A standard pouch of Ben's Original Ready Rice Fried Rice with Peas and Carrots, which is considered a single serving, contains 370 calories. This includes approximately 75% carbohydrates, 17% fat, and 9% protein.

Breakdown of Ben's Original Ready Rice Fried Rice (Pouch)

Calories: 370
Total Fat: 7g (9% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 0.5g (3% Daily Value)
Carbohydrates: 70g (25% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% Daily Value)
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 8g
Sodium: 500mg (22% Daily Value)

Other Ben's Fried Rice Variations

Ben's Original also offers single-serve cups and other flavors with different nutritional information. Some 'Chinese Style' variants have lower calorie counts per serving. A single-serve cup or smaller portion might contain closer to 160 calories. This distinction is crucial for tracking intake, as the product type can drastically change the numbers.

Factors Influencing Fried Rice Calories

Beyond the specific Ben's Original product, preparation will impact the total calorie count. Several ingredients can increase fried rice's caloric density.

Oil Content: Traditional fried rice uses a generous amount of oil for flavor and texture. Excessive cooking oil can add hundreds of calories per serving. Using healthy cooking oil like canola or sunflower oil, as Ben's Original does, is a better alternative.
Added Protein: Adding extra protein like beef, shrimp, or more chicken will increase the protein and fat content, and thus the overall calories.
Soy Sauce and Seasonings: High-sodium soy sauce can add extra salt, and some pre-packaged sauces contain hidden sugars that contribute to the calorie count. Ben's Original uses lower-sodium options.
Serving Size: Portion control is the most significant factor. A cup of standard Chinese restaurant fried rice can contain around 238 calories, but restaurant portions are often much larger, potentially doubling or tripling that number.

Homemade Fried Rice vs. Ben's Original

Making fried rice at home gives control over ingredients and allows for healthy adjustments. Using brown rice instead of white can increase fiber, and adding extra vegetables can boost nutrient content with minimal added calories.

Comparison Table: Ben's Original vs. Average Restaurant vs. Healthier Homemade


Feature	Ben's Original Ready Rice (1 Pouch)	Average Chinese Restaurant (1 Cup)	Healthier Homemade (1 Cup)
Calories	370	~238	~200-250 (adjustable)
Primary Fat Source	Canola Oil	Often vegetable or cheaper oils	Olive, canola, or sesame oil
Sodium	500mg	~530mg+	Customizable (using low-sodium soy sauce)
Ingredients	Rice, peas, carrots, flavorings	Rice, oil, eggs, seasonings	Brown rice, lean protein, multiple vegetables
Fiber	3g	1.5g	~3-5g (using brown rice and veggies)
Control	None	Limited	Full

Making Healthier Choices

If watching calorie intake, understanding the source of fried rice is key. For a quick meal, Ben's Original pouches offer a consistent, pre-portioned calorie count. When dining out, consider splitting a large fried rice order or asking for less oil. Cooking at home allows for improvements to the nutritional profile.

Tips for a healthier homemade version:

Use leftover cooked rice: Cold, day-old rice fries better.
Minimize oil: Use just enough oil to coat the pan.
Increase vegetables: Add extra vegetables to increase fiber and nutrient density.
Choose lean protein: Incorporate lean sources for a protein boost without excess fat.
Control sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep sodium levels in check.

Conclusion

The number of calories in Ben's fried rice depends on the specific product. A standard pouch of the Ready Rice variety contains 370 calories, while other variations and serving sizes will differ. Check the nutritional label for the most accurate information. Homemade fried rice offers the greatest flexibility for controlling ingredients and creating a healthier, lower-calorie meal, but Ben's provides convenience and consistency. Understanding these differences allows for informed decisions that align with dietary goals. Explore resources like the MyPlate website for more insights on healthy eating.

How many calories are in Ben's fried rice? The final word

There is no single answer to the question of how many calories are in Ben's fried rice. You must consider the specific product (pouch vs. cup), the flavor (original vs. special fried), and the portion size. Always refer to the product packaging for the most accurate and up-to-date nutritional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ben's Original Special Fried Microwave Rice, which includes rice, egg, ham, and vegetables, has varying calorie counts depending on the market and serving size. An Australian variant contains approximately 393 calories per 250g pack, while the UK version often lists around 197 calories per 125g portion.

While Ben's Original products offer convenience, whether they are considered 'healthy' is relative. They contain a moderate amount of calories and sodium, but the overall nutritional profile is less dense in fresh vegetables and lean protein compared to a well-balanced, homemade version.

Ben's Original fried rice typically contains fewer calories than a standard restaurant serving. For example, a Ben's Ready Rice pouch has 370 calories, while a single cup of restaurant fried rice can be around 238 calories, and a large serving is often much more due to higher oil and ingredient content.

Yes, you can easily make Ben's fried rice healthier. Simply add extra lean protein like chicken or shrimp and mix in more fresh vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or additional carrots and peas. You can also reduce the sodium by using a low-sodium soy sauce when flavoring.

The primary ingredients in Ben's Original Ready Rice Fried Rice are parboiled long-grain rice, peas, and carrots. Other components include canola oil, yeast extract, salt, and various seasonings for flavor, with some variations containing dehydrated chicken flavoring.

The core calorie count of the Ben's Original product itself remains the same whether microwaved or cooked on the stove. However, if you add any extra ingredients like butter or oil during skillet preparation, it would increase the final calorie total.

Ben's Original Ready Rice Fried Rice contains a modest amount of protein, with about 8 grams per pouch. While this contributes to your daily intake, it is not a primary source of protein. It's recommended to add a lean protein source, like chicken or shrimp, to make it a more complete meal.