Ben’s Original

Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the Ben’s Original Ready Rice™ Basmati Rice falls short of the clean and healthy standards set by our website. This product is not organic, and it is not verified as using non-GMO ingredients, which already puts it at a disadvantage in the pursuit of offering cleaner food options. The presence of soy lecithin and canola oil further detracts from its score, as these ingredients are considered potentially harmful and not in line with a clean eating philosophy.

The product includes water and basmati rice, which are typically unproblematic ingredients. However, the addition of canola and/or sunflower oil raises concerns due to the potential health implications and the lack of clarity on the source of these oils. Soy lecithin, often used as an emulsifier, is another ingredient that may cause hesitation among health-conscious consumers due to its widespread use in processed foods and potential GMO origins.

Furthermore, the product is fortified with vitamins and minerals such as niacin, iron (in the form of ferric orthophosphate), thiamine, and folate. While fortification can be beneficial, it does not offset the negative aspects of the other ingredients when considering the overall health profile of the product.

The Ben’s Original Ready Rice™ Basmati Rice does not meet the criteria for a product that promotes clean eating. Its non-organic status, inclusion of non-GMO verified ingredients, and the use of additives and oils that are not aligned with a clean diet result in a low green leaf rating. To enhance its healthfulness and appeal to consumers seeking cleaner food options, the product would benefit from the use of organic ingredients, verification of non-GMO contents, and the elimination of potentially harmful additives and oils.