Consumer Reports Picks This Store Brand Rice Over Ben’s and Taureau Ailé!

While everyone around you might be obsessed with pasta—think macaroni with ham, spaghetti bolognese, or smoked salmon tagliatelle—you have a strong preference for a simple bowl of white rice. You’re enchanted by the countless ways to prepare it, from pilaf to Cantonese style, not to mention Japanese vinegared rice. At the supermarket, you usually reach for the basmati rice from Taureau Ailé, believing it somehow tastes better than the rest. In its February 2024 issue, 60 Millions de Consommateurs reviewed various supermarket rice brands. Surprisingly, their top recommendation wasn’t Lustucru, Ben’s, or even Taureau Ailé…

Previously analyzing olive oil compositions, the editorial team now turned its focus to rice. To compile its rankings, 60 Millions de Consommateurs evaluated 14 different basmati rice brands available in large retail stores and organic grocery shops. Hidden behind the pristine appearance of this staple grain are some startling facts… The magazine criticized four brands for their high levels of pesticide residues. Earning below-average ratings, the basmati rice from Saint Eloi (Intermarché), Ben’s, Vivien Paille, and U were not recommended by 60 Millions de Consommateurs. Taureau Ailé, on the other hand, placed third in the rankings with its organic basmati rice, scoring 17/20. However, its Penjab basmati rice only scored 12/20 due to pesticide residues.

So, what is the top rice according to 60 Millions de Consommateurs? With an impressive score of 18/20, Carrefour Extra basmati rice takes the top spot. This budget-friendly option, priced around 2.79 euros for a one-kilo bag, stands out for its very low levels of pesticides, inorganic arsenic, and aflatoxin, which are carcinogenic substances that should be minimized in our diets.

This ranking reveals that the best rice is also one of the most affordable options. In an era where purchasing quality food often seems prohibitively expensive, this comparison offers some welcome news.