Is Ben's red beans and rice gluten-free?

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the manufacturer's website, Ben's Original Ready Rice Red Beans & Rice is listed with ingredients that do not contain gluten. However, a closer look at the different product versions and potential contamination risks is crucial for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Quick Summary

An examination of Ben's red beans and rice ingredients reveals that while the core ingredients are gluten-free, some product variations and manufacturing processes may pose a risk for those with sensitivities.

Key Points

Ingredient List Inspection: While basic Ben's Ready Rice Red Beans & Rice ingredients don't list gluten, always check for additives like hydrolyzed wheat protein in different product versions.
Product Variation Awareness: Newer versions, such as some Ben's Street Food bowls, may be explicitly labeled gluten-free, providing a higher assurance of safety.
Cross-Contamination Risk: The product is not certified gluten-free, which means there is a risk of cross-contact with gluten-containing products in the manufacturing facility.
Labeling Matters: A product labeled 'gluten-free' is different from one where ingredients are simply 'gluten-free'. The former is a regulated claim with higher safety standards.
Homemade is Safest: For those with celiac disease, preparing red beans and rice from scratch using verified gluten-free ingredients is the safest option.
Updated Packaging: Always read the current packaging for the most accurate ingredient information, as formulations can be changed by the manufacturer over time.

Navigating Ben's Original Products for a Gluten-Free Diet

For anyone following a gluten-free diet, understanding which products are safe to consume is a top priority. When it comes to popular convenience foods like Ben's red beans and rice, the answer can be less straightforward than it seems. While the rice and beans themselves are naturally gluten-free, the flavorings, additives, and manufacturing environment can introduce hidden gluten. For this reason, a detailed inspection of the product's ingredients and the brand's official statements is the only way to be certain. Simply because the core components are gluten-free does not guarantee the final packaged product is safe for those with celiac disease.

The Ingredients in Question: Ready Rice vs. Street Food Bowls

It is essential to recognize that Ben's Original offers different versions of red beans and rice. The ingredients for the standard microwavable Ready Rice Red Beans & Rice differ from those found in the newer Street Food line. A look at the Ben's Original website confirms that the Ready Rice product ingredients do not explicitly list wheat or other gluten-containing items. Ingredients include water, parboiled long grain rice, red beans, canola oil, and various spices and seasonings. This is different from some older or discontinued Uncle Ben's products that may have contained hydrolyzed wheat protein, which would not be gluten-free. The newer Street Food version, such as the Jamaican Jerk Style Red Beans & Rice, is explicitly labeled as gluten-free on some grocery store sites, which offers a higher level of assurance.

The Importance of Reading Labels for the Gluten-Free Community

For those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, reliance on a simple 'gluten-free' claim is not always sufficient. Cross-contamination is a significant concern in facilities that process both gluten-containing and gluten-free foods. Always check the most current and specific packaging, as formulations can change over time. While the ingredient list for the Ready Rice product might appear safe, a product that is not certified gluten-free does not guarantee against trace amounts of gluten. The best practice is to stick with products that are either certified gluten-free or explicitly labeled as such, like the Street Food bowl variations. When in doubt, a homemade version is always the safest route.

Comparison Table: Ben's Ready Rice vs. Standard Homemade


Feature	Ben's Ready Rice Red Beans & Rice	Standard Homemade Red Beans & Rice
Gluten Status	Ingredients are gluten-free but not certified. Potential for cross-contamination exists in facilities that also handle gluten products.	Can be guaranteed 100% gluten-free by using safe, whole ingredients like rice, dried red beans, and gluten-free sausage.
Convenience	Excellent. 90-second microwave preparation.	Requires significantly more time for soaking beans, chopping vegetables, and cooking.
Ingredients	Pre-flavored with specific seasonings like yeast extract, natural smoke flavor, and modified corn starch.	Uses fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices. Allows for complete control over flavor profiles and allergen exposure.
Cost	Generally more expensive per serving than preparing from scratch.	More cost-effective for large batches.
Control	No control over ingredients or potential cross-contact.	Complete control over ingredients, ensuring safety for strict gluten-free diets.

How to Create a Homemade Gluten-Free Red Beans and Rice

For the ultimate peace of mind, making your own red beans and rice is the best option. Here's a simple guide:

Ingredients: Start with naturally gluten-free ingredients such as long-grain white rice, dried red kidney beans, onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic.
Sausage: Choose a sausage specifically labeled 'gluten-free,' as some brands of andouille or smoked sausage contain hidden gluten fillers.
Broth: Use a certified gluten-free chicken or vegetable broth.
Seasoning: Create your own Cajun seasoning blend with spices like paprika, cayenne, thyme, and oregano, or buy a pre-mixed one that is certified gluten-free.
Cooking Process: Use a Dutch oven or slow cooker to simmer the beans and seasonings until creamy. Serve over freshly cooked rice.

Conclusion

While the ingredient list for the standard Ben's Ready Rice Red Beans & Rice appears to be free of gluten, the product is not officially certified gluten-free, which leaves room for potential cross-contamination concerns, especially for those with celiac disease. Some newer variations, like the Street Food line, may have clearer labeling. For the safest option, and to ensure complete control over ingredients and preparation, a homemade version is highly recommended. The convenience of a 90-second meal is tempting, but for sensitive diets, a thorough label check or a from-scratch approach is the only way to be certain. For more information on celiac disease and gluten-free living, refer to reliable sources like Beyond Celiac.

Frequently Asked Questions

The manufacturer's ingredient list for the standard Ready Rice product does not include gluten, but it is not certified gluten-free, so cross-contamination is a risk. Those with celiac disease should consider a safer, certified product or a homemade alternative.

No, some older formulations of Uncle Ben's products included hydrolyzed wheat protein. Always check the ingredient list on the specific package, as newer 'Ben's Original' branding and recipes may have changed.

Yes, if the product is not certified gluten-free, it is possible that it was produced on shared equipment with other gluten-containing products. For sensitive individuals, this risk is a serious consideration.

Some retailers have explicitly labeled this Street Food product as gluten-free. This suggests a higher level of assurance, but it is still wise to verify the label on the physical package.

A product labeled 'naturally gluten-free' but not certified may still pose a risk due to manufacturing processes. The term means the core ingredients don't contain gluten, but it doesn't guarantee against cross-contamination.

To ensure it's completely gluten-free, use naturally safe ingredients like plain rice, dried beans, gluten-free sausage, certified gluten-free broth, and fresh seasonings. Avoid pre-packaged spice mixes unless they are certified.

Authoritative sources like Beyond Celiac offer extensive resources on gluten-free living, understanding labels, and managing celiac disease effectively.