Is Rice Select Royal Blend Gluten-Free? A Crucial Guide

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Though rice is inherently a gluten-free grain, the gluten status of a multi-grain blend like RiceSelect Royal Blend is not guaranteed and requires close inspection. Is Rice Select Royal Blend gluten-free? The definitive answer depends on the specific variety, as one popular version is explicitly not safe for those with celiac disease due to gluten-containing ingredients.

Quick Summary

Some versions of RiceSelect Royal Blend are certified gluten-free, containing only rice varieties, while a specific 'Whole Grain' blend includes wheat and rye, rendering it unsafe for a gluten-free diet. Consumers must always check the product's packaging and certifications to ensure its safety.

Key Points

Variety Matters: Not all RiceSelect Royal Blends are gluten-free; the gluten status depends on the specific variety purchased.
Certified Original Blend: The standard Royal Blend, made with white, brown, wild, and red rice, is certified gluten-free and safe for those with sensitivities.
Whole Grain Blend Contains Gluten: The 'Whole Grain Royal Blend with Wild Rice' is not gluten-free, as it explicitly includes wheat and rye in its ingredients.
Check for Certifications: Look for the 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo on the product label of the safe version to ensure it meets strict gluten-free standards.
Prevent Cross-Contamination: In shared kitchens, take precautions to prevent contact with gluten, such as using separate utensils and cooking equipment.
Always Read Ingredients: To confirm, always check the product's ingredients list, especially when buying a multi-grain blend.

Decoding the Different RiceSelect Royal Blends

RiceSelect offers several variations of its popular Royal Blend. While the phrase 'Royal Blend' might imply consistency, the ingredient list and gluten status can differ dramatically. For anyone on a gluten-free diet, particularly those with celiac disease, this distinction is critical. The key is to carefully examine the packaging and read the full list of ingredients before assuming it is safe.

The Certified Gluten-Free Original Royal Blend

For those seeking a safe option, the Original RiceSelect Royal Blend is the product to choose. This popular blend features a harmonious mixture of Texmati® white rice, brown rice, wild rice, and red rice. According to the manufacturer, RiceSelect, this blend is Non-GMO Project Verified and is specifically labeled as Certified Gluten-Free. This certification is provided by a third-party organization, giving consumers an extra layer of confidence that the product has been tested to meet strict gluten-free standards.

The Royal Blend with Gluten: A Crucial Warning

Conversely, there is another version of this product that is not gluten-free. The RiceSelect® Royal Blend® Whole Grain with Wild Rice is a completely different formulation designed for consumers without gluten concerns. A quick look at the ingredients confirms it contains glutinous grains: Texmati brown rice, soft white wheat, rye berries, and wild rice. The inclusion of soft white wheat and rye berries means this product is strictly off-limits for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The official RiceSelect website and product packaging clearly list 'wheat' as an allergen.

Comparison Table: Gluten-Free vs. Not Gluten-Free


Feature	Original Royal Blend	Whole Grain Royal Blend
Gluten Status	Certified Gluten-Free	Contains Gluten
Key Ingredients	Texmati® white, brown, wild, red rice	Texmati® brown rice, soft white wheat, rye berries, wild rice
Allergen Warning	None	Contains: Wheat
Safe for Celiacs?	Yes	No
Certification	Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO)	Not applicable (Contains gluten)

Safeguarding Your Kitchen from Cross-Contamination

Even when using a certified gluten-free product, a high risk of cross-contamination can exist in shared kitchens. This is particularly important for individuals with celiac disease, where even trace amounts of gluten can cause a reaction. Following proper kitchen practices is essential to maintain food safety.

Here are some best practices for preparing gluten-free rice in a shared kitchen:

Use dedicated, clearly labeled utensils, cutting boards, and cooking pots for gluten-free foods.
When boiling water, never reuse water that has been used for cooking gluten-containing pasta.
Store gluten-free products, like the Certified Gluten-Free Royal Blend, in airtight containers on a higher shelf in the pantry to prevent gluten crumbs from falling into them.
Purchase separate jars of butter, spreads, and condiments to avoid crumbs from gluten-containing foods entering them via shared knives.
Clean all countertops and surfaces thoroughly with dedicated cleaning cloths before preparing gluten-free meals.
If you must use a shared toaster oven or air fryer, use separate toaster bags or baskets to prevent cross-contamination.

How to Verify the Right Product

Verifying the correct product is a simple but vital process. When at the grocery store, start by reading the product title carefully. Look for the phrase "Whole Grain with Wild Rice," which signals the blend containing wheat and rye. Next, flip the jar over and read the ingredients list. It will explicitly state if it contains wheat. Finally, look for the 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo on the packaging of the Original Royal Blend to confirm its safety. By following these steps, you can ensure you are purchasing the correct product for your dietary needs.

Conclusion: A Clear Choice for a Healthy Meal

In conclusion, whether RiceSelect Royal Blend is gluten-free hinges entirely on the specific product variety you select. The standard Original Royal Blend, a mix of Texmati white, brown, wild, and red rice, is indeed certified gluten-free and perfectly safe for those with gluten sensitivities. However, the special 'Whole Grain with Wild Rice' blend, which contains wheat and rye, is not. This highlights the critical importance of reading labels and understanding product variations when adhering to a gluten-free diet. With this knowledge, you can confidently choose the right blend for a delicious and safe meal. For more information, you can visit the official RiceSelect website, where they detail product information and certifications on their FAQ page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the classic Original Royal Blend is certified gluten-free. It is made from naturally gluten-free rice varieties and is labeled as such by the manufacturer.

The 'Whole Grain Royal Blend with Wild Rice' is not gluten-free. This specific variety contains wheat and rye berries, which are gluten-containing grains.

You can distinguish between the two by carefully reading the product label. The non-gluten-free version will explicitly list 'wheat' in its ingredients and will not have the 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo.

Yes, wild rice is naturally gluten-free. However, it is crucial to check the packaging of any product containing it to ensure no other gluten-containing ingredients or cross-contamination has occurred.

No, to prevent cross-contamination, you should use separate pots, pans, and cooking utensils dedicated to gluten-free food preparation. Never use the same water used to cook gluten-containing pasta.

You can find specific product information on the official RiceSelect website, which has a dedicated FAQ section addressing dietary concerns and product ingredients.

The GFCO is a third-party organization that provides a certification mark for food products that meet its strict standards for gluten-free integrity. A product with this logo has been independently verified to contain less than 10 ppm (parts per million) of gluten.