Which Brands of Rice Have the Least Arsenic? A Guide to Safer Choices

November 15, 2025 •

2 min read

According to reports by Consumer Reports and Healthy Babies Bright Futures, rice variety and origin are more significant factors for arsenic content than brand name alone. This guide will help you understand which brands of rice have the least arsenic by focusing on key factors for safer choices.

Quick Summary

Certain rice varieties like Thai jasmine, Indian basmati, and California-grown white rice are often lower in arsenic. The growing region is a primary factor determining arsenic levels, and specific cooking methods can significantly reduce contamination.

Key Points

Check Origin and Type: Region and variety are the strongest indicators of arsenic levels.
Choose Specific Varieties: Opt for Thai jasmine, basmati from India, Pakistan, or California, or California-grown white rice.
Avoid Southern US Rice: Rice from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas often has the highest arsenic.
Use the Pasta Cooking Method: Cooking with excess water and draining can reduce arsenic by up to 60%.
Diversify Your Grains: Include other grains like quinoa or oats to reduce overall exposure.
Brown vs. White Rice: White rice generally has less arsenic than brown rice; brown basmati from low-arsenic regions is the best brown option.

Why Arsenic is a Concern in Rice

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element present in soil and water, which rice plants absorb, especially in flooded fields. Inorganic arsenic is the more harmful form, linked to long-term health risks. Both organic and conventional rice can contain arsenic.

Rice Varieties with the Lowest Arsenic Levels

Research indicates that rice type and origin are the most crucial factors for low arsenic content.

Regions with Lower-Arsenic Rice

California-Grown Rice: Varieties like Calrose have generally lower inorganic arsenic.
Thai Jasmine Rice: Often shows low heavy metal levels.
Basmati Rice from India and Pakistan: Typically lower in arsenic than many other types.
US Sushi Rice: Another lower-arsenic option.

Varieties with Higher Arsenic Levels

U.S. Rice from the South-Central Region: Varieties from states like Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas often have higher levels.
Brown Rice: Tends to have higher arsenic than white rice of the same type because arsenic concentrates in the bran.

Specific Brands That Test for Low Arsenic

While region and variety are primary, some brands test and provide sourcing details. Checking brand websites is recommended.

Lundberg Family Farms: This California-based brand grows rice locally and shares arsenic testing results.
Royal Basmati Rice: Some reports suggest certain batches of Royal basmati have tested low for arsenic and cadmium.

How to Reduce Arsenic in Rice When Cooking

Cooking methods can lower arsenic levels. The 'pasta method' is effective.

Techniques include:

Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse until the water runs clear.
Cook with Excess Water: Use a high water-to-rice ratio (e.g., 6-10:1).
Drain Excess Water: Draining after cooking can significantly reduce inorganic arsenic.
Soak (Optional): Soaking before cooking and draining can further help.

Comparison of Arsenic Levels by Rice Type and Origin


Rice Type (White)	Origin	Arsenic Level (Relative)	Notes
Basmati	India/Pakistan/California	Low	Good choice
Jasmine	Thailand	Low	Consistently low levels
Sushi/Calrose	California	Low	Lower than other types
Long-Grain	Arkansas/Louisiana/Texas	High	Highest levels in U.S.


Rice Type (Brown)	Origin	Arsenic Level (Relative)	Notes
Basmati	India/Pakistan/California	Lower than other brown	Best brown option
Long-Grain	Arkansas/Louisiana/Texas	High	Significantly higher than white rice from same region

Diversifying Your Grains

To minimize arsenic exposure, particularly with high rice consumption, include other grains in your diet. Alternatives with low arsenic include quinoa, oats, barley, bulgur, millet, farro, and amaranth.

The Verdict on Rice for Babies

Infants are sensitive to arsenic. Health authorities advise using non-rice infant cereals, like oatmeal or barley, which contain much less arsenic than rice-based options.

Conclusion

Identifying lower-arsenic rice options depends primarily on the rice type and origin, not just the brand. Recommended choices include white basmati from India or Pakistan, Thai jasmine, and California-grown rice. Cooking with excess water and draining can also help. Diversifying grains and using non-rice cereals for infants are further strategies. For more details, consult resources like Healthy Babies Bright Futures and Consumer Reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, arsenic levels depend more on soil and growing conditions than organic status.

Brown rice typically has higher arsenic due to the bran. However, brown basmati from low-arsenic regions is a better brown choice than other brown rices.

The 'pasta method' (boiling in excess water and draining) is most effective.

Yes, it is safe. Focus on lower-arsenic varieties and cooking methods, and diversify your diet.

Choose non-rice cereals like oatmeal or barley, which have significantly less arsenic.

Instant white rice can sometimes be lower, but prioritizing variety and region is key. Some processed rice may contain other contaminants.

Some brands like Lundberg Family Farms share results. Consult consumer organizations like Consumer Reports and Healthy Babies Bright Futures for reports.