Rice pilaf

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Rice pilaf healthy?

Rice pilaf scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This rice pilaf contains several beneficial ingredients like sparboiled long grain rice, onions, carrots, garlic, and turmeric, which contribute to its nutritional value.

How processed is Rice pilaf?

Rice pilaf is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Rice pilaf's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Sparboiled Long Grain Rice, Onions, Carrots count in its favor; Broth Concentrate, Yeast Extract, Nisin Preparation Blend are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

You might also like

See more

Rice pilaf

Park Street Deli
65 Fair

Analysis updated June 2026 · How Scout scores

View on Amazon

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 7
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by Aldi
Category Rice
Summary

This rice pilaf contains several beneficial ingredients like sparboiled long grain rice, onions, carrots, garlic, and turmeric, which contribute to its nutritional value. However, the presence of broth concentrate and nisin preparation blend, both processed ingredients, along with the overall ultra-processed nature of the product, limit its healthiness. The use of xanthan gum as a thickener also indicates a higher level of processing, which impacts the score.

Key ingredients 14

Sparboiled Long Grain Rice
Good

Sparboiled long grain rice is a staple carbohydrate source that provides energy. The parboiling process retains more nutrients compared to regular white rice. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals like B vitamins and iron.

Benefits

Provides essential carbohydrates for energy and contains more nutrients than regular white rice due to the parboiling process.

Onions
Good

Onions are a flavorful vegetable that adds depth to dishes. They contain antioxidants and compounds that may support heart health. Onions are also a source of vitamin C and dietary fiber.

Benefits

Rich in antioxidants and compounds that may support heart health. Provides vitamin C and dietary fiber.

See more about Onions →
Carrots
Good

Carrots are a nutritious vegetable rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. They support eye health and provide dietary fiber. Carrots also contain antioxidants that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Benefits

Rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants, supporting eye health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

See more about Carrots →
Garlic
Good

Garlic is a flavorful herb known for its potential health benefits, including immune support. It contains sulfur compounds that may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Garlic is also linked to heart health benefits.

Benefits

Contains sulfur compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Supports immune and heart health.

See more about Garlic →
Sea Salt
Good

Unrefined sea salt — a minimally processed, natural source of sodium and essential trace minerals, and a legitimate whole-food seasoning. Treated as a positive ingredient.

Risks

High sodium intake can lead to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Contains trace minerals and enhances the flavor of food.

See more about Sea Salt →
Turmeric
Good

Turmeric is a spice known for its anti-inflammatory properties due to curcumin. It is used for flavor and color in dishes. Turmeric may support joint health and reduce inflammation.

Benefits

Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and may support joint health.

See more about Turmeric →
Black Pepper
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption.

See more about Black Pepper →
Water
Neutral

Water is a neutral ingredient used as a base or solvent in many food products. It does not contribute any calories or nutrients. Its primary role is to hydrate and facilitate the cooking process.

See more about Water →
Celery
Neutral

Celery is a low-calorie vegetable often used for flavor and texture. It contains some vitamins and minerals but is primarily composed of water. Its nutritional impact is minimal in small quantities.

Benefits

Provides some vitamins and minerals, though its nutritional impact is minimal.

See more about Celery →
Unsalted Butter
Neutral

Unsalted butter is a source of saturated fats and adds flavor to dishes. It is made from pasteurized cream and contains natural flavors. While it provides fat-soluble vitamins, its high saturated fat content should be consumed in moderation.

Risks

High in saturated fats, which may contribute to heart disease if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Provides fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A and adds rich flavor to dishes.

See more about Unsalted Butter →
Bay Leaves
Neutral

Bay leaves are used for flavoring and are typically removed before consumption. They contain aromatic compounds but have minimal nutritional impact. Their primary role is to enhance the aroma of dishes.

Benefits

Enhances the aroma of dishes, though nutritional impact is minimal.

See more about Bay Leaves →
Broth Concentrate
Bad

Broth concentrate often contains added salt and vegetable oils, which can be unhealthy in large amounts. The presence of xanthan gum as a thickener indicates processing. It may contribute to excessive sodium intake.

Risks

High sodium content and presence of processed vegetable oils may pose health risks.

Benefits

Adds flavor to dishes, though benefits are limited due to processing.

Yeast Extract
Bad

Concentrated glutamate source — MSG-adjacent flavor enhancer.

Risks

High sodium content may contribute to hypertension if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Provides B vitamins and enhances umami flavor in foods.

See more about Yeast Extract →
Nisin Preparation Blend
Bad

Nisin preparation blend is used as a preservative to inhibit bacterial growth. It is a processed ingredient that may affect gut microbiota. Its use is common in processed foods to extend shelf life.

Risks

May affect gut microbiota and contribute to processed food intake.

Benefits

Extends shelf life by inhibiting bacterial growth, though benefits are limited.

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

More in Rice