LUNDBERG FAMILY FARMS RED BEANS & RICE ORGANIC WHOLE GRAIN RICE & SEASONING MIX, RED BEANS & RICE
LUNDBERG FAMILY FARMS RED BEANS & RICE ORGANIC WHOLE GRAIN RICE & SEASONING MIX scores 62/100, indicating a good nutritional profile primarily due to its whole grain content and fiber, despite a notable sodium level.
This product earns a FoodScore of 62/100, placing it in the 'Good' category.
A significant strength is its fiber content at 7.11g per 100g, contributing positively to the score.
The primary nutritional concern is the high sodium content, at 839.29mg per 100g.
Compared to generic whole-grain rice, this product is more processed (NOVA 3) and higher in sodium.
It provides a convenient base for a meal, especially when paired with fresh vegetables or lean protein.
Scores +15 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
7.11g
25% of Daily Value
Protein
10.7g
21% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
839.29mg
36% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (7.1g)+9
Protein (10.7g)+6
Micronutrients (Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C)+6
−
What holds it back
Sodium (839.3mg)-4
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 62
LUNDBERG FAMILY FARMS RED BEANS & RICE ORGANIC WHOLE GRAIN RICE & SEASONING MIX achieves a FoodScore of 62 out of 100, reflecting a balanced nutritional profile with both notable strengths and areas for consideration. The product receives significant bonuses for its fiber content, providing 7.11g per 100g, which is a positive contribution to daily intake. Its protein content of 10.7g per 100g also adds to its nutritional value. Furthermore, the presence of micronutrients like iron (11% DV), Vitamin A (149% DV), and Vitamin C (24% DV) contributes positively. The product is penalized for its sodium content, which is 839.29mg per 100g, a relatively high amount that consumers should be mindful of. Additionally, its classification as NOVA class 3 indicates it is a processed food, which incurs a minor penalty. The inclusion of organic parboiled brown rice and organic dehydrated red beans as primary ingredients ensures a base of whole grains and legumes. While the product highlights 'whole grain rice,' the processing and added seasonings differentiate it from plain whole grain rice, which would typically have a lower sodium content and a higher FoodScore.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in lundberg family farms red beans & rice organic whole grain rice & seasoning mix, red beans & rice actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Digestive Health
This LUNDBERG FAMILY FARMS product is a source of dietary fiber, providing 7.11g per 100g. Dietary fiber is important for maintaining regular bowel movements and can contribute to overall digestive wellness. The fiber comes from the organic parboiled brown rice and organic dehydrated red beans. Including fiber-rich foods in the diet can help promote satiety and support a healthy gut microbiome.
Contributes to Micronutrient Intake
LUNDBERG FAMILY FARMS RED BEANS & RICE provides several important micronutrients. It is a good source of Vitamin A, offering 149% of the Daily Value per 100g, primarily from the dehydrated vegetables like carrots and red bell peppers. It also supplies 24% DV of Vitamin C and 11% DV of iron. These nutrients play various roles in the body, including supporting immune function and oxygen transport.
Provides Plant-Based Protein
With 10.7g of protein per 100g, this product offers a meaningful amount of plant-based protein. The protein primarily comes from the organic parboiled brown rice and organic dehydrated red beans. Plant-based protein sources are valuable for muscle maintenance and repair, and can be a beneficial component of a vegetarian or vegan diet, or for those looking to reduce animal product consumption.
LUNDBERG FAMILY FARMS RED BEANS & RICE ORGANIC WHOLE GRAIN RICE & SEASONING MIX scores 62/100, indicating a good nutritional profile primarily due to its whole grain content and fiber, despite a notable sodium level.
How to eat it
This LUNDBERG FAMILY FARMS RED BEANS & RICE mix is designed for convenience, typically prepared by adding water and simmering. It serves as a hearty side dish or a base for a main meal. A common portion is around 1/4 cup of the dry mix, which expands significantly upon cooking.
To balance the meal, consider pairing this dish with a lean protein source like grilled chicken or tofu.
Increase the vegetable content by stirring in fresh or frozen non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers after cooking.
Be mindful of the sodium content; avoid adding extra salt during preparation or when pairing with other salty foods.
For a complete meal, serve with a side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add fresh greens and healthy fats.
Things to keep in mind
The primary caution for this LUNDBERG FAMILY FARMS product is its sodium content, which is 839.29mg per 100g. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension or at risk for cardiovascular disease, should be aware of this and adjust other meals accordingly. The ingredient list includes natural smoke flavor, which is generally recognized as safe but can be a concern for some individuals sensitive to flavor additives. While the product is organic, it is still a processed food (NOVA class 3), meaning it has undergone several processing steps and contains added ingredients beyond the whole food components. There are no common allergens explicitly declared on the label, but consumers with severe allergies should always review the packaging for 'may contain' statements.
Is LUNDBERG FAMILY FARMS RED BEANS & RICE ORGANIC WHOLE GRAIN RICE & SEASONING MIX healthy?
This product scores 62/100, placing it in the 'Good' category. It offers whole grains, fiber, and plant-based protein, along with some key micronutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and iron. However, its sodium content is relatively high, which is a factor to consider for overall dietary health.
How does LUNDBERG FAMILY FARMS RED BEANS & RICE compare to plain brown rice?
Compared to plain, unseasoned brown rice, this LUNDBERG FAMILY FARMS product is more processed (NOVA 3) and significantly higher in sodium due to the added seasonings, including sea salt. While it offers convenience and flavor, plain brown rice would typically have a higher FoodScore due to its minimal processing and absence of added sodium.
What is 'organic parboiled brown rice'?
Organic parboiled brown rice is brown rice that has been partially boiled in its husk before milling. This process helps to retain more nutrients from the bran layer within the grain, making it quicker to cook and firmer in texture compared to regular brown rice, while still being a whole grain.
What is a reasonable portion size for this product?
The declared serving size is about 1/4 cup dry mix, which yields a larger cooked portion. Given the sodium content, it's advisable to adhere to the recommended serving size or use it as part of a larger meal with lower-sodium components to manage overall intake.
Can this be a complete meal on its own?
While it provides whole grains, fiber, and protein, to make it a more nutritionally complete meal, it's recommended to add fresh vegetables and potentially another lean protein source. This helps to increase nutrient diversity and reduce the relative impact of the sodium from the mix.