Cream of Rice

Cream of rice is finely ground rice that cooks in a couple of minutes into a smooth, porridge-like bowl. Sports nutrition brands sell it in dessert-style flavours and in plain versions, as an easy carbohydrate source for breakfast or a meal before training. Because it is made from rice, it is often chosen by people who want a lighter alternative to oats.

You will find cream of rice from OstroVit, Trained by JP, Olimp Nutrition, Per4m, NXT Nutrition, Naughty Boy, Raw Nutrition, Conteh Sports and others, in tubs and single-serve sachets. Most are made by mixing with hot water or milk and stirring; many people add a scoop of protein powder to turn it into a higher-protein meal. Flavoured versions use sweeteners and flavourings, so check the ingredients if you avoid them. Rice is naturally gluten-free, but only rely on a gluten-free statement where the label makes one, as some products are made in facilities that also handle cereals.

How to choose cream of rice

  • Flavour: unflavoured is the most flexible; dessert flavours are ready to eat.
  • Size: sachets are handy for trying flavours; larger tubs cost less per serving.
  • Carbohydrate per serving: compare the nutrition panel if you track macros.

Related: Carbohydrates · Foods & Flavourings · Cream of rice vs oats

FAQs

What is cream of rice?

It is finely ground rice that cooks quickly with hot water or milk into a smooth, porridge-like bowl. It is mainly a carbohydrate food.

Is cream of rice gluten-free?

Rice itself does not contain gluten, but products can be made where cereals are handled. Only rely on a gluten-free claim where the product label states it.

How do you make cream of rice?

Most products are stirred into hot water or milk and left for a minute or two to thicken. The exact amounts are on each product's directions.

Cream of rice or oats: which is better?

Both are carbohydrate sources. Cream of rice is smoother and quicker to cook; oats contain more fibre. Our cream of rice vs oats guide compares them.