Flavored rice and pasta mixture
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a convenient, pre-seasoned blend of rice and pasta, often found in boxed mixes or as a staple in certain cuisines. It typically offers a savory, aromatic flavor profile with a satisfying texture that combines the softness of rice with the chewiness of pasta. Nutritionally, it's a light, carbohydrate-dense base, providing quick energy with minimal protein and fat.
Calorie split: 9% protein · 64% carbs · 26% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its comforting, familiar taste and the way it effortlessly soaks up sauces and spices, making it a versatile canvas for countless dishes. Its cultural significance in many cuisines, from Middle Eastern pilafs to Latin American rice-and-noodle mixes, also adds a layer of nostalgic appeal.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
This mixture is primarily a refined carbohydrate source, which can lead to blood-sugar spikes if not paired with protein or fiber, and some commercial versions may be high in sodium. To counteract this, serve it alongside a lean protein (like grilled chicken or legumes) and a generous portion of non-starchy vegetables to slow digestion and add essential nutrients.
Key benefits
- Quick-cooking and convenient for busy meals
- Provides a good source of energy from complex carbohydrates
- Versatile base that absorbs surrounding flavors well
- Light and easy to digest for most people
- Long shelf life as a dry pantry staple
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
In many Middle Eastern cuisines, it's traditional to toast the pasta (fideo) separately before mixing it with rice, which gives the dish a deeper, nuttier flavor and a distinct golden color.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 73.5 g |
| Energy | 118 kcal |
| Protein | 2.7 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 3.5 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 19.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.30 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.18 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 7.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.66 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 9.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 30.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 37.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 255 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.35 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.05 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 8.3 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.12 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.02 mg |
| Niacin | 1.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.04 mg |
| Folate, total | 5.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 1.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 4.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 5.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 2.9 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 33.0 ug |
| Retinol | 31.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 31.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 25.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.40 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.20 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 3.9 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.70 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.42 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.26 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.6 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.6 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.1 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.09 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Rice mix, white and wild, flavored, unprepared — USDA does not publish this profile for Flavored rice and pasta mixture.
| Hydroxyproline | 0.00 g |
FAQ
Is flavored rice and pasta mixture gluten-free?
Not typically, as it contains pasta (wheat). Always check the label for gluten-free certification if needed.
How can I reduce the sodium in this dish?
Use low-sodium broth or water, and add your own herbs and spices instead of relying on the pre-packaged seasoning.
Can I use this mixture in a casserole?
Yes, it works well as a base for baked casseroles, especially when combined with vegetables, cheese, and a protein source.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 1.18 kcal/g · 9% calories from protein · 0.3 g fiber · 0.2 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 6.89 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.