Which Rice Brand Has the Least Arsenic? The Ultimate Guide

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to reports by the FDA and groups like Healthy Babies Bright Futures, arsenic is a concern in many rice products, but its levels vary significantly. The key to finding which rice brand has the least arsenic lies less in the brand name itself and more in the rice variety and its geographic origin.

Quick Summary

Low arsenic rice types include white basmati from India/Pakistan, jasmine from Thailand, and varieties grown in California. Arsenic levels are influenced by region and rice type, with brown rice typically containing more than white. Proper cooking techniques can further minimize heavy metal exposure.

Key Points

Sourcing Matters Most: Geographic origin, not brand, primarily determines arsenic levels, with rice from California, India, and Thailand often being lower.
White vs. Brown Rice: White rice generally contains less inorganic arsenic than brown rice because the heavy metal accumulates in the bran layer, which is removed during processing.
Cook Wisely: The "pasta method" (cooking in a large volume of water and draining) is proven to reduce arsenic levels in cooked rice by up to 60%.
Seek Specific Varieties: Look for white basmati from India or Pakistan, Thai jasmine, or California-grown rice to minimize arsenic intake.
Diversify Your Diet: Eating a variety of grains like quinoa, barley, and farro is an effective way to lower overall heavy metal exposure.
Labels Can Help: Some brands, like Earth's Promise, market themselves as low-arsenic, but always cross-reference with sourcing information.

Understanding Arsenic in Rice

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that is present in soil and water. Rice is particularly prone to absorbing it because it's grown in water-flooded fields. The amount of arsenic that ends up in the rice grain depends on several factors, including the soil and water composition in the growing region, the rice variety, and whether it's brown or white rice.

Unlike organic rice, which has similar arsenic levels to conventional rice because the arsenic comes from the soil itself, your best defense is to be an informed consumer about sourcing and variety.

The Role of Variety and Region

Extensive research, including studies cited by Consumer Reports and the FDA, highlights that the rice's origin is the most important factor in determining its arsenic content.

Low-Arsenic Regions and Varieties

Basmati from India, Pakistan, and California: White basmati from these regions consistently shows lower inorganic arsenic levels. Some reports, however, indicate higher cadmium levels in certain Indian basmati varieties, so monitoring multiple heavy metals is wise.
Jasmine from Thailand: Thai jasmine rice is another excellent option with typically low arsenic levels.
California-grown Rice: Rice grown in California, including Calrose and sushi rice, generally has lower arsenic levels compared to rice from other parts of the U.S., particularly the South.

High-Arsenic Regions

Southern United States: Rice from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas has historically shown the highest levels of arsenic in U.S. testing. This is linked to historical pesticide use on cotton fields, where the arsenic-contaminated soil is now used for rice farming.

Cooking Methods to Reduce Arsenic

Even with lower-arsenic rice, you can take extra steps to reduce your intake significantly. These techniques are often more effective than simply choosing a brand.

Best Cooking Practices:

Rinsing: Rinse raw rice thoroughly before cooking to wash away some of the surface-level arsenic.
Soaking: Soaking the rice for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, before cooking can help reduce arsenic.
The "Pasta Method": Cooking rice in a large volume of water (a 6:1 or 10:1 ratio of water to rice) and draining the excess, similar to cooking pasta, can reduce inorganic arsenic levels by 40-60%. While this can also reduce some B vitamins, it's a trade-off many consider worthwhile for reduced arsenic exposure.

Low-Arsenic Rice Brands: A Comparison

When looking for a brand, remember to check the sourcing details on the package. The brand name itself isn't a guarantee without knowing the rice's origin. Here's a comparison based on sourcing and independent testing.


Brand	Sourcing / Variety	Arsenic Profile	Key Considerations
Trader Joe's	Organic Basmati from India	Generally tested low for arsenic.	Can have some variation, but a frequently cited low-arsenic option.
Royal Authentic	Basmati from India	Has tested low in some reports.	Always check sourcing on the bag, as brand consistency can vary.
Mahatma	Basmati from India	Basmati specifically has tested low, but other varieties like "extra long enriched" may test higher.	The variety is crucial; not all Mahatma rice is equal.
Lundberg Family Farms	Grown in California	Claim low heavy metal levels based on their own testing.	Some third-party reports show higher levels in brown varieties. Always check the company's stated sourcing and testing results.
Earth's Promise	Often labeled low-arsenic, sustainably sourced.	Marketed as low-arsenic. Need to verify testing data.	Good for those looking for explicitly labeled products.

Limiting Your Overall Exposure

While finding which rice brand has the least arsenic is important, a multifaceted approach is best. Consider these strategies to further minimize your risk:

Vary Your Grains: Include other healthy, low-arsenic grains in your diet, such as quinoa, barley, millet, amaranth, and farro.
Limit Rice-Based Products: Be mindful of processed foods containing rice ingredients, especially rice syrup, which can be a concentrated source of arsenic.
Moderate Consumption: As advised by some consumer organizations, limiting overall rice consumption, especially for infants and children, is a key preventative measure.

Conclusion

While no rice brand is completely free of arsenic, you can significantly reduce your exposure by making informed choices. Prioritize white basmati from India/Pakistan, jasmine from Thailand, or any rice explicitly labeled as California-grown. Brands like Trader Joe's, Royal Authentic, and specific Mahatma varieties, when sourced from low-arsenic regions, are good choices based on available data. Always remember to use effective cooking methods like the "pasta method" to wash away even more heavy metals. For the most up-to-date and in-depth information, you can always refer to reputable sources like Consumer Reports or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. By combining smart purchasing with careful preparation, you can enjoy rice with greater peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, organic rice is not necessarily lower in arsenic. Arsenic is absorbed from the soil and water, so the farming method (organic vs. conventional) does not affect the arsenic levels absorbed by the plant.

Yes, brown rice typically has higher inorganic arsenic levels than white rice of the same variety because arsenic accumulates in the bran, which is stripped away to produce white rice. While brown rice is more nutritious, opting for low-arsenic white varieties and cooking them properly can reduce exposure.

White basmati rice from India or Pakistan, Thai jasmine rice, and California-grown sushi or Calrose rice are consistently shown to have lower inorganic arsenic levels.

The most effective method is the "pasta method," which involves cooking rice in a large pot with a 6:1 or 10:1 ratio of water to rice, then draining the excess water afterward. Soaking the rice beforehand also helps.

Arsenic levels vary more by growing region than brand. Rice grown in the southern U.S. (Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas) is a known concern. Instead of focusing on brands to avoid, focus on brands that source from low-arsenic regions.

For most people, it is not necessary to stop eating rice altogether. The key is moderation and informed choices. By choosing low-arsenic varieties, varying your grains, and using proper cooking techniques, you can enjoy rice as part of a balanced diet.

Yes, substituting other grains like quinoa, barley, farro, and amaranth for rice can significantly reduce your arsenic intake, as these grains do not accumulate heavy metals in the same way rice does.