Basmati Rice

Common questions

Is Basmati Rice healthy?

Basmati Rice scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This product contains vegetable oils, specifically sunflower and rapeseed, which are high in omega-6 fatty acids and can contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess.

How processed is Basmati Rice?

Basmati Rice is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Basmati Rice's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Vegetable Oil is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Basmati Rice

Sainsbury's
60 Fair

Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 0
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by J Sainsbury plc
Category Rice
Summary

This product contains vegetable oils, specifically sunflower and rapeseed, which are high in omega-6 fatty acids and can contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess. The presence of these oils, along with the processing level, limits the healthiness of the product despite its base of cooked basmati rice. The processing level and inclusion of processed oils prevent it from scoring higher.

Key ingredients 3

Cooked Basmati Rice
Neutral

Cooked basmati rice is a staple carbohydrate source with a neutral impact on health. It provides energy primarily through carbohydrates and has a low fat content. The processing involved in cooking does not significantly alter its nutritional profile.

Benefits

Provides a source of energy and is low in fat, making it a suitable base for various meals.

Salt
Neutral

Salt is a common seasoning used to enhance flavor, with a neutral impact on health when used in moderation. It is a refined product that provides sodium, an essential mineral for bodily functions. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

Excessive salt intake can lead to high blood pressure and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Benefits

Provides essential sodium necessary for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

See more about Salt →
Vegetable Oil
Very Bad

Vegetable oil, including sunflower and rapeseed oil, is classified as very bad due to its high omega-6 fatty acid content. These oils are often highly processed and can contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess. The extraction and refining processes can also introduce harmful compounds.

Risks

High omega-6 content may promote inflammation and imbalance in the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio when consumed in excess.

See more about Vegetable Oil →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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