What Type of Rice is Uncle Ben's Original?

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that Uncle Ben's, now known as Ben's Original, has been a top-selling rice brand since the 1940s? The key to its consistent, fluffy texture lies in its unique parboiling process, which clarifies exactly what type of rice is Uncle Ben's original.

Quick Summary

The original Uncle Ben's, now Ben's Original, is parboiled long grain white rice, also called converted rice, known for its fluffy, separate grains after cooking.

Key Points

Type: The original Uncle Ben's is a parboiled long grain white rice.
Processing: The rice is pre-steamed and vacuum-dried while in its husk, a patented process also known as 'converting'.
Texture: Parboiling results in separate, fluffy, and less-sticky grains after cooking.
Nutrition: The process pushes nutrients from the husk into the grain, making it more nutritious than regular white rice.
Brand Name: The brand was renamed to Ben's Original in 2020, but the product itself remains the same.
Quick Cooking: The processing allows for a relatively quick cooking time of around 20 minutes.
Reliability: The sturdy grain structure makes it resistant to overcooking and perfect for reheating.

Understanding the Parboiling Process

To understand what type of rice is Uncle Ben's original, you must first learn about the parboiling process. The brand's original product is a long-grain white rice that has been processed using a special method called 'parboiling,' or converting. This technique involves partially boiling the rice in its inedible husk before the milling process.

The parboiling procedure consists of three main steps:

Soaking: The paddy rice is soaked in hot water to increase its moisture content.
Steaming: The rice is steamed under pressure. This forces water-soluble vitamins and minerals from the outer bran into the starchy kernel.
Drying: The rice is then dried and milled to remove the husk, which results in the finished product.

This is a crucial distinction. Unlike typical instant rice, which is fully cooked and then dehydrated, parboiled rice is only partially cooked. This allows it to retain more nutrients and gives it a specific cooking behavior.

The Benefits of Converted Rice

The parboiling process results in several benefits that distinguish Uncle Ben's rice from other varieties. The steaming step strengthens the rice grains, making them harder and less likely to break during cooking. This also sets the starches, so the rice cooks up with separate, fluffy grains that do not clump together. This non-sticky quality is one of the main reasons for its popularity in many dishes.

Furthermore, the nutritional profile is enhanced. While the brand enriches its rice with added vitamins and minerals like iron and folic acid, the parboiling step itself helps the grain naturally retain more nutrients than regular white rice.

The Rebranding: From Uncle Ben's to Ben's Original

It is important to note that the product formerly known as Uncle Ben's was officially rebranded as Ben's Original in 2020. This change was part of a larger effort to address criticisms of racial stereotyping associated with the brand's original imagery. While the name and packaging have been updated, the product and its signature parboiled quality remain the same.

Comparison of Rice Types


Feature	Ben's Original (Parboiled)	Regular White Rice	Brown Rice
Processing	Soaked, steamed, and dried while in the husk before milling.	Milled to remove husk and bran layers.	Only husk is removed, leaving the bran and germ intact.
Texture	Fluffy, firm, and separates easily with non-sticky grains.	Soft, delicate texture that can become sticky or clump if overcooked.	Chewy and nutty with a firmer texture.
Nutritional Value	More nutritious than regular white rice due to retained nutrients from parboiling.	Lower in nutrients compared to parboiled or brown rice.	Highest nutritional value with more fiber and minerals.
Cooking Time	Cooks relatively quickly, typically around 20 minutes.	Can vary, but often takes 15-20 minutes.	Longer cooking time, usually around 45-50 minutes.
Ideal Dishes	Jambalaya, fried rice, and pilafs where separate grains are desired.	Sides for saucy dishes, rice pudding, or risotto (arborio variety).	Bowls, salads, and dishes where a chewy texture is a plus.

Versatility in the Kitchen

Ben's Original's parboiled rice is a versatile pantry staple, thanks to its reliability and forgiving nature. The separated grains make it an excellent base for a variety of dishes where a fluffy texture is key. It pairs well with many proteins, vegetables, and sauces, soaking up flavors without becoming a clumpy mass. For instance, it works perfectly in a chicken fried rice recipe or as a simple side dish to complement a saucy meal. The consistent results make it a favorite for many home cooks, especially those looking for a quick and easy side that turns out perfectly every time. If you want to learn more about the brand's history and other products, you can visit the official Ben's Original website.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the original Uncle Ben's is a parboiled, or converted, long-grain white rice. This special processing technique, which involves soaking and steaming the rice before milling, is responsible for its signature characteristics. It gives the rice a separate, fluffy texture, reduces stickiness, and helps retain more nutrients than regular white rice. Now sold under the Ben's Original brand, this reliable and versatile product continues to be a staple in kitchens worldwide, prized for its consistently delicious results in countless recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

"Converted" is a term synonymous with "parboiled" rice, referring to the process where the grain is partially steamed and dried while in its husk before being milled.

No, parboiled rice is not the same as instant rice, which is fully cooked and dehydrated. Parboiled rice still requires a cooking process, though it often cooks faster than raw white rice and is not as sticky.

Yes, in 2020, the brand name was changed from Uncle Ben's to Ben's Original, but the recipe and product remain the same.

The parboiling process gelatinizes the starches on the surface of the rice, which prevents the grains from clumping together during cooking, resulting in a fluffy texture.

Yes, parboiled rice is more nutritious than regular white rice because the parboiling process pushes nutrients from the bran layer into the starchy kernel before milling.

Parboiled rice has a firmer, less sticky texture and a slightly stronger, nuttier flavor compared to regular white rice, though it is still milder than brown rice.

No, Uncle Ben's or any parboiled rice is not suitable for dishes like risotto or sushi that require a creamy or sticky texture, as the grains remain separate and fluffy.

Ben's Original parboiled rice typically cooks in about 20 minutes on the stovetop, which is quicker than brown rice but often a similar time to regular white rice.

Yes, Ben's Original parboiled long-grain rice is enriched with vitamins and minerals, including iron, thiamine, and folate, to boost its nutritional content.