The #1 Underrated Frozen Side to Buy at Trader Joe’s, According to a Food Editor

When you’re shopping at Trader Joe’s, odds are high that you’ll overlook some quality items. It may not be intentional, but with jam-packed shelves and aisles teeming with shoppers, it’s often unavoidable. Luckily, I’m here to shine a light on the freezer aisle and tell you all about the underrated side you may not be buying: Trader Joe’s Brown Rice.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, “How is rice underrated? Cultures have been eating rice for centuries,” and you’re absolutely right. Rice is not a new food, but brown rice is an ingredient that isn’t as valued as it could be—and I know because I underappreciated the whole grain until I started buying it frozen from Trader Joe’s. Here are three reasons why I always keep this staple well-stocked in my freezer.

1. It’s Healthy

I’ve been looking for ways to add more fiber to my diet, and brown rice is an easy option. It’s a whole grain, meaning it contains all three parts of the grain—the germ, bran and endosperm—that offer important nutrients like B vitamins, antioxidants, protein and fiber. A 1-cup serving of Trader Joe’s Brown Rice contains 3 grams of fiber. Eating more fiber comes with benefits like reducing risk of heart disease and increasing healthy gut bacteria. Brown rice also offers protein, with one serving containing 4 grams. Protein is another essential nutrient that supports bone health, digestion and more. Since I’ve been trying to eat more plant-based meals, brown rice has been one way to ensure I’m getting enough protein. 

2. It’s Versatile

Brown rice is essentially a blank canvas to which I can add any seasonings I desire. My go-to way to use brown rice is as the base for a taco bowl. Whether you opt for a recipe like our Fish Taco Bowls with Green Cabbage Slaw or Bean & Veggie Taco Bowl, brown rice works well, as its mild flavor doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. Another way I use brown rice is by adding it to salads. For me, a great salad is all about different textures, and the addition of the slightly chewy brown rice is a win. I love to combine it with grilled chicken, spring mix, cucumbers, carrots, bell pepper and tzatziki for an easy lunch or dinner. And since it’s always in my freezer,  brown rice is at my fingertips when I’m making meals.

3. It’s Convenient

Last, but certainly not least, Trader Joe’s Brown Rice is convenient. Normally, brown rice takes about an hour to prepare, so I didn’t cook it very often. But now, with this frozen shortcut on hand, I can have brown rice ready in just three and a half minutes. All I have to do is push two buttons on my microwave and I’m rewarded with a bag of steaming brown rice—it truly does not get easier than that! It also requires zero cleanup, which is always a win in my book. Plus, I like that each bag contains two servings, so I have enough for dinner with leftovers for the next day. And since the product is frozen, it takes up space in my freezer instead of the pantry where space is more precious. 

With all of these reasons in mind, I highly recommend picking up a box of Trader Joe’s Brown Rice the next time you’re wandering the freezer aisles of the popular grocer—you won’t regret it!