The best means of speeding the preparation phase of rice dishes has been to eliminate at least one step. For example, Patak's Food's (Austin, Minn.) Garlic & Cilantro Flavored Rice and Fall River Wild Rice's (Fall River Mills, Calif.) 100% Natural Rice no longer need to be boiled. These quick options offer the rice pre-cooked in a bag that also serves as a microwaveable package. The shelf-stable, stand-up pouches have gusseted bases and stand upright in the microwave. All the consumer has to do is tear open a notch for the product to vent.
For consumers who do not find boiling water such a chore but hate trying to find the right seasoning balance, Masterfoods USA (Hackettstown, N.J.) presented Uncle Ben's Flavorful Rice sub-brand. According to the company, each grain of rice in the seven varieties is infused with 100% natural flavors, eliminating the need for consumers to add a seasoning packet. The infused varieties include Parmesan & Butter, Garlic & Butter, Roasted Chicken, Spanish Rice, Chicken & Herb, Lemon & Herb, and Tomato & Herb.