What type of rice is Uncle Bens? A look at converted and parboiled grains

November 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Uncle Bens, a brand now known as Ben's Original, is not a rice type but a proprietary parboiling process that steams the rice before milling. This technique is the key to understanding what type of rice is Uncle Bens, as it creates the fluffy, separated grains the product is known for.

Quick Summary

Ben's Original (formerly Uncle Bens) is primarily a converted or parboiled long-grain rice, which is partially steamed and dried before being milled. This process results in fluffier, less sticky, and more nutrient-rich rice than regular white rice.

Key Points

Converted Rice: The iconic Uncle Bens rice is a type of long-grain rice that has been converted, or parboiled, before milling.
Parboiled Process: The rice is steamed under pressure, which forces nutrients from the bran into the kernel, resulting in a more fortified grain.
Fluffy Texture: The parboiling process alters the starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky or mushy, and ensuring fluffy, separated grains.
Brand Rebranding: The brand name was changed from Uncle Bens to Ben's Original in 2020 in a move toward more inclusive branding.
Nutrient Richer: Converted rice is more nutrient-dense than regular white rice, retaining more B vitamins and minerals.
Versatile for Cooking: It is a great choice for dishes where the rice needs to maintain its structure, like pilafs, casseroles, and salads.

What Defines Uncle Bens: Understanding Converted (Parboiled) Rice

The iconic brand, now officially named Ben's Original™, is known for its original long grain rice, which is a type of converted, or parboiled, rice. The term "converted" is actually a trademarked name that refers to the specific parboiling process used by the company. This special treatment is what gives the rice its signature fluffy, separate texture and unique nutritional properties.

Unlike traditional white rice, which is milled and polished after being harvested, converted rice undergoes a pre-cooking procedure. This involves soaking, steaming under pressure, and then drying the grain while the inedible husk is still on. This steam-pressure treatment is the key difference and leads to several desirable outcomes for the end product.

The Patented Parboiling Process

The process, originally patented by chemist Erich Huzenlaub in the 1940s, was designed to improve the nutritional value and storage life of rice. When the rice is steamed, the pressure forces some of the nutrients from the outer bran layer into the starchy endosperm, or inner core, of the grain. After this step, the rice is dried and then milled to remove the bran and husk, much like regular white rice. The result is a rice that is firmer, more nutrient-dense, and less likely to become mushy or sticky during cooking.

This is why converted rice is often preferred for dishes that require rice that holds its shape, such as stir-fries, pilafs, and casseroles. It also reheats exceptionally well, making it a great option for meal prep. The treatment also makes the grains harder, so they are more resistant to pests, which improves shelf stability.

More Than Just Converted: The Ben's Original Product Line

While the original converted rice is the product the brand is most famous for, Ben's Original offers a diverse range of rice products to suit various cooking needs and preferences. The product lineup has expanded over the years to include different rice types and convenient formats.

Long-Grain Rice: The classic, fluffy grains that are perfect for sides.
Brown Rice: Offers a higher fiber content and nuttier flavor, with the added benefit of being a whole grain.
Ready Rice™: Microwavable pouches of various rice types, including jasmine and flavored grains, that cook in just 90 seconds.
Basmati & Jasmine Rice: Aromatic varieties with distinct flavors, ideal for specific regional cuisines.
Boil-In-Bag: Convenient, pre-portioned bags of rice that cook easily and reduce cleanup.

The Rebranding from Uncle Bens to Ben's Original

In 2020, parent company Mars, Inc. announced that it would be rebranding the Uncle Ben's name and image to Ben's Original. The change was prompted by concerns over the racially stereotypical origins of the brand's logo and name. The new packaging began rolling out in 2021, and the company also launched initiatives to promote inclusion and equity, including educational and nutritional programs. The rebrand was a significant step toward aligning the brand with modern values while retaining its recognizable product quality.

Uncle Bens (Converted) vs. Regular White Rice Comparison


Feature	Converted (Parboiled) Rice	Regular White Rice
Processing	Soaked, steamed under pressure, dried, then milled	Milled and polished after harvesting
Texture	Firmer, more separated, and fluffy grains	Softer, tends to clump or get sticky
Nutritional Value	Higher nutrient content (B vitamins, iron) due to parboiling	Enriched with some nutrients, but less than converted
Appearance	Slightly golden or darker color	Bright white color
Cooking Time	A bit longer, around 20-25 minutes	Faster, around 15-20 minutes
Best For	Pilafs, casseroles, stir-fries, reheated dishes	Side dishes, general use, where a softer texture is desired

Conclusion

To answer the question, what type of rice is Uncle Bens, the answer is a unique converted, or parboiled, long-grain rice. The company, now known as Ben's Original, has long set itself apart with this specific processing method. This technique results in a fluffier, less sticky grain that is more nutritious than standard white rice and holds its shape well, making it a reliable staple in kitchens everywhere. Understanding this process helps explain its consistent quality and why it performs differently in various recipes compared to other rice varieties.

For more information on the brand's history and product evolution, visit the official Ben's Original website at www.bensoriginal.com/our-history.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Uncle Bens (now Ben's Original) converted rice is not instant rice. While it does cook consistently and relatively quickly, true instant rice is fully cooked and dehydrated, and cooks in much less time.

Converted rice is another term for parboiled rice. It is rice that has been partially cooked by steaming under pressure before the husk and bran are removed, which drives nutrients into the grain and alters the starch to prevent stickiness.

The brand name was changed by its parent company, Mars, Inc., in 2020 as part of an effort to address racial stereotypes associated with the historical logo and name. The rebranding to Ben's Original was part of a larger initiative to promote inclusion and equity.

Converted rice is generally more nutritious than regular white rice because the parboiling process forces vitamins and minerals from the bran into the grain before milling. However, it is not as nutritious as whole grain brown rice.

No, Ben's Original offers a variety of rice products in addition to its original converted rice. Their product line includes ready-rice pouches, brown rice, basmati, and jasmine rice.

Converted rice typically takes longer to cook than regular white rice, generally around 20 to 25 minutes. Instant rice varieties from the brand, however, cook much faster.

Yes, converted rice is an excellent choice for stir-fries because its firmer grains remain separate and hold their shape well, preventing the dish from becoming a sticky, clumpy mess.