I looked closely at the Lundberg Regenerative Organic Certified Wild Blend Rice – Brown, Red & Black Varieties, 32 Oz to see if it is worth adding to a US pantry. I like the mix of rice types, whole grains, and simple ingredients. I also like that it is organic, gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO. My main concern is the long cook time. Overall, this rice blend is a good pick for people who want chewy rice with more taste and color than plain white rice.
Product Review
The Lundberg Wild Blend Rice is a mix of five rice types. It has long grain brown rice, sweet brown rice, wild rice, Wehani red rice, and black rice.
The mix gives the rice a deep look after cooking. I like this for meals where plain white rice feels a bit dull.
The taste is also more bold. The rice has a nutty and earthy taste. The wild rice adds a firm bite. The brown, red, and black rice add more texture.
The bag is 32 oz, or 2 pounds. The product has 20 servings. One dry serving is 1/4 cup, or 45 grams.
Each serving has 160 calories. It also has 3 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein. There is no added sugar and no sodium.
I also like the short ingredient list. It only lists rice types. There are no sauces, salt, or added flavor in the blend.
This rice is USDA organic and Regenerative Organic Certified. It is also Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, vegan, kosher, and made with whole grains.
For cooking, Lundberg lists about 45 minutes on the stove. It also calls for about 10 more minutes of rest time after cooking. That is much longer than most white rice.
The blend can work in many meals. I would use it with grilled meat, roasted vegetables, beans, soups, or salads.
Pros
- Rich mix of brown, red, black, and wild rice
- Nutty taste with a firm bite
- 3 grams of fiber per serving
- USDA organic and non-GMO
- Gluten-free and vegan
- Simple rice-only ingredient list
- Works well in soups, salads, and side dishes
Cons
- Takes about 45 minutes to cook
- Needs more water than some white rice
- The firm bite may not suit people who like soft rice
- The 2-pound bag may cost more than basic white rice
What I Like
- The mix feels more fun. I get several rice types in one bag. That gives each bowl a mix of color and bite.
- The taste has more depth. I prefer this blend when I want a side dish that has its own taste.
- The ingredient list is easy to read. I can see the rice types right away. There are no long names or extra flavor items.
- It fits many diets. The rice is listed as organic, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and non-GMO.
- The bag size is useful. Two pounds gives me enough rice for many meals without buying a huge bulk bag.
What Could Be Better
- The cook time is not quick. At about 45 minutes, this is not my first choice for a fast meal.
- The texture is quite firm. That can be great for some meals, but it may feel too chewy if you want soft rice.
- The price may be higher. Basic rice can cost less, so this blend makes more sense when the extra taste and rice mix matter to you.
My Personal Experience With Lundberg Wild Blend Rice
When I plan a meal with this rice, I treat it more like a main side than a quick filler. The mix has enough taste to stand next to grilled food without getting lost.
I also like the look of the cooked rice. The dark and red grains make a simple plate look more rich without adding a sauce.
For a home office lunch, I would pair it with roasted vegetables and beans. The firm texture works well in a bowl and does not feel as plain as white rice.
For dinner, I would use it with chicken or fish. The nutty taste gives the meal a nice base without needing much seasoning.
I would also use it in a cold rice salad. The firmer grains can hold their shape well with vegetables and a light dressing.
For soup, the blend can add more bite than soft white rice. I like that it can make a simple soup feel more filling.
One thing I would plan for is time. I would not start this rice when I have only a few minutes before dinner.
I would also keep the lid on while it cooks. After cooking, the rice needs time to rest before I fluff it.
The rice cooker option is useful for people who make rice often. Lundberg says the same liquid-to-rice ratio can be used in a rice cooker.
The texture may also change based on how much liquid you use and how long you cook it. If the rice stays too firm, more liquid and cooking time may help.
For meal prep, I think the blend makes sense. I can cook a larger batch and use it in bowls, salads, or as a side during the week.
My main takeaway is simple: this is a rice blend for people who care about taste and texture more than speed.
Comparing With Other Brands
I’ve also looked at other rice blends and basic brown rice options. The main difference I see with Lundberg is the mix of grains. A basic brown rice gives you one main type, while this blend gives you several textures in one bowl.
Lundberg vs Other Rice Blends
Taste: Lundberg has a nutty and earthy taste. The wild rice helps give it a more distinct bite.
Texture: The grains stay firm and chewy. This can be a plus for bowls and salads, but soft-rice fans may want something else.
Ingredients: The list is very simple. It is made from several rice types with no added sauce or seasoning.
Cooking: This is where I see the biggest trade-off. The blend needs more time than many quick rice products.
Food choices: The organic, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and non-GMO labels make it easy to fit into many meal plans.
For me, the choice comes down to the type of meal. If I want fast and soft rice, I would look elsewhere. If I want more color, bite, and taste, Lundberg makes more sense.
Recommendation
I would recommend Lundberg Wild Blend Rice to people who want a rice side with more taste and texture. It is a good fit for home cooks who enjoy grain bowls, soups, salads, and meal prep.
I also think it is a good choice for people who want organic rice and a short ingredient list. The many food labels may also help shoppers with set food needs.
I would not pick it for someone who wants rice on the table in 15 minutes. The longer cook time needs some planning.
For US shoppers, the 32 oz size is also easy to fit into a normal pantry. If you often cook at home, two pounds can give you many meals without taking up much space.
My advice is to buy it for the texture first. The organic and food labels are nice extras, but the firm, nutty rice is what makes this blend stand out.
FAQs for Lundberg Regenerative Organic Certified Wild Blend Rice – Brown, Red & Black Varieties, 32 Oz Reviews
Is Lundberg Wild Blend Rice healthy?
It can be a good part of a balanced meal. One dry serving has 160 calories, 3 grams of fiber, and 4 grams of protein. It is also made with whole grains.
What is in Lundberg Wild Blend Rice?
The blend contains long grain brown rice, sweet brown rice, wild rice, Wehani red rice, and black rice. The mix gives it a range of colors and textures.
Is Lundberg Wild Blend Rice organic?
Yes. The product is USDA organic. Lundberg also lists it as Regenerative Organic Certified.
Is Lundberg Wild Blend Rice gluten-free?
Yes. Lundberg lists the rice as Certified Gluten-Free. It is also vegan and Non-GMO Project Verified.
How long does Lundberg Wild Blend Rice take to cook?
The stovetop method takes about 45 minutes. Lundberg also recommends letting the cooked rice sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
Does Lundberg Wild Blend Rice work in a rice cooker?
Yes. Lundberg provides rice cooker directions for the blend. If the rice is still too firm, the brand says you may need a little more liquid and more cooking time.
Is the 32 oz Lundberg rice bag worth it?
I think it is worth a look if you want mixed rice with a firm bite and rich taste. If low price and fast cooking are your main goals, plain rice may be a better fit.
Conclusion
The Lundberg Regenerative Organic Certified Wild Blend Rice is a nice choice for people who want more than plain rice. I like its mix of brown, red, black, and wild rice, plus its simple ingredient list. The main trade-off is the longer cook time and firm texture. For me, it makes the most sense for home meals, bowls, salads, and meal prep where taste and texture matter more than speed.