National Rice Month: Celebrating the World’s Most Versatile Grain

September is National Rice Month! The food industry is ever evolving, and Riceland is here to help give you a snapshot of the current trends. We are highlighting twelve current foodservice trends and how Riceland rice helps fit them into your menu.

1. Global Flavors and Fusion Cuisine

The demand for globally inspired dishes and fusion cuisine continues growing, with consumers seeking diverse and authentic dining experiences. Rice is a staple ingredient in many international cuisines, making it a perfect base for dishes that highlight flavors from around the world. FromKorean Bibimbap to Indian Biryani and Mexican Arroz con Pollo, Riceland rice can help restaurants tap into this trend by offering versatile and globally appealing menu items.

2. Plant-Based and Flexitarian Diets

Plant-based dining is not just a trend but a shift in consumer eating habits. As more diners adopt vegetarian, vegan, or flexitarian diets, rice serves as an ideal base for plant-based bowls, stir-fries, and salads. It pairs well with vegetables, legumes, and plant-based proteins, allowing chefs to create satisfying and hearty meals that cater to this growing market.

3. Health and Wellness Focus

Consumers are increasingly mindful of what they eat, prioritizing health and wellness. Whole grain options like Riceland brown rice provide added nutritional benefits, including fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. These rice varieties can be used in grain bowls, side dishes, or as a nutritious alternative to refined grains, appealing to health-conscious diners.

4. Bowl Meals and Customizable Menus

Bowl meals, which allow diners to customize their orders with various bases, proteins, and toppings, remain popular across all dining segments, from fast casual to fine dining. Rice is the perfect base for these bowl concepts, offering versatility, texture, and the ability to absorb a wide range of flavors. Riceland offers a variety of rice options including white, brown, jasmine, and parboiled rice varieties to create unique and appealing bowl combinations.

5. Comfort Foods with a Twist

With many consumers seeking comfort foods, especially during uncertain times, rice plays a key role in classic comfort dishes like risotto, rice pudding, and casseroles. By adding modern twists—such as using unique rice varieties or integrating bold global flavors—chefs can elevate these comforting classics to meet contemporary tastes.

6. Sustainability and Local Sourcing

Sustainability is a major focus in the foodservice industry, with diners increasingly favoring restaurants that prioritize eco-friendly practices and locally sourced ingredients. Riceland’s sustainability initiatives, such as its Carbon Ready Program, align well with this trend, allowing restaurants to promote their use of good land stewardship and American-grown rice. 

7. Gluten-Free and Allergen-Friendly Menus

The demand for gluten-free and allergen-friendly options continues to rise, with many diners actively seeking out safe and inclusive dining experiences. Rice is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for accommodating these dietary needs without compromising on taste or texture.

8. Food Transparency

Consumers are more interested in knowing where their food comes from, and they expect transparency in sourcing. Riceland’s cooperative model and emphasis on farmer connections allow restaurants to appeal to customers who value farm-to-table dining and American grown products.

9. Quick Service and Convenience

In today’s fast-paced environment, the need for quick, convenient meal options is more critical than ever. Riceland’s parboil rice and rice mixes offer the speed and consistency required in quick-service and high-volume settings, allowing chefs to deliver quality dishes.

10. Elevated Side Dishes

Rice is no longer just a side dish; it’s becoming the star of the plate. With diners looking for unique and upgraded sides, rice-based dishes like cilantro-lime rice, truffle risotto, or spiced coconut rice provide flavorful, elevated options that stand out on menus.

11. Low-Waste and Zero-Waste Cooking

Reducing food waste is an important focus for restaurants, and rice fits well into this ethos due to its long shelf life and versatility. Leftover rice can be transformed into new dishes like fried rice, arancini, or rice cakes, helping restaurants minimize waste and maximize profitability.

12. Regional American Cuisine Revival

There’s a growing trend towards rediscovering regional American cuisines, and rice plays a vital role in many traditional Southern and Cajun dishes like jambalaya and gumbo. Highlighting these regional classics on the menu can offer a sense of nostalgia and comfort to diners while celebrating local heritage.

By tapping into these trends, restaurants can leverage Riceland rice’s versatility, nutritional benefits, and global appeal to create innovative and exciting dishes that resonate with today’s consumers.

For more information, reach out to your Riceland sales representative.