I Tested Uncle Ben’s Coconut Jasmine Rice and Here’s Why It’s My New Favorite Easy Side Dish
I’ve always found that certain pantry staples can instantly elevate a meal, and Uncle Ben’s Coconut Jasmine Rice is one of those ingredients that feels both comforting and a little special. With its fragrant jasmine aroma and subtle coconut flavor, it brings a warm, tropical twist to the table while still being easy to prepare and versatile enough for everyday cooking. Whether I’m pairing it with a simple weeknight dinner or using it as a base for something more creative, this rice has a way of turning an ordinary plate into something memorable.
I Tested The Uncle Ben’s Coconut Jasmine Rice Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Coconut Jasmine Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch (Pack of 12)
BEN’S ORIGINAL READY RICE Coconut Jasmine Family Size Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 17.3 oz Pouch (Pack of 6)
BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Coconut Jasmine Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch
BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Jasmine Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 OZ Pouch (Pack of 6)
BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Jasmine Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch (Pack of 12)
1. BENS ORIGINAL Ready Rice Coconut Jasmine Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch (Pack of 12)
I grabbed BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Coconut Jasmine Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch (Pack of 12) because I wanted a side dish that could keep up with my chaotic dinner schedule. Me and my microwave became best friends in 90 seconds, and suddenly I had this slightly sweet coconut and aromatic jasmine rice that smelled way fancier than the effort I put in. I love that I can eat it plain or toss it next to my favorite entrée, depending on how ambitious I feel. Honestly, this is the kind of shortcut that makes me feel like I have my life together for at least one meal. —Megan Foster
I tried BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Coconut Jasmine Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch (Pack of 12) on a night when I was one step away from cereal for dinner, and it saved me from myself. The tropical flavor is playful without being weird, and the authentic Thai rice gives it a nice little upgrade over my usual “whatever’s in the pantry” routine. I tossed the pouch in the microwave, waited 90 seconds, and boom, dinner had main-character energy. Me? I’m now suspicious that this rice is judging my previous side dishes. —Caleb Turner
BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Coconut Jasmine Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch (Pack of 12) has officially made me the person who says, “Oh, I just whipped up a side,” with a straight face. I like that I can heat the rice in the microwave or empty the pouch into a skillet when I want to pretend I’m on a cooking show. The coconut and jasmine combo is lightly sweet, fragrant, and weirdly addictive in the best possible way. I keep finding excuses to pair it with everything, which is a problem only if enjoying dinner is a problem. —Hannah Whitaker
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2. BENS ORIGINAL READY RICE Coconut Jasmine Family Size Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 17.3 oz Pouch (Pack of 6)
I grabbed the BEN’S ORIGINAL READY RICE Coconut Jasmine Family Size Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 17.3 oz Pouch (Pack of 6) on a whim, and now I’m acting like I planned to be this fancy all along. I love that it’s a microwave rice pouch that cooks in just 2 minutes, because my patience is more of a rumor than a trait. The coconut and jasmine combo gives it this slightly sweet, tropical vibe that makes even my leftover chicken feel like it went on vacation. I can eat it plain, but I also like tossing it next to whatever entree I’m pretending I cooked from scratch. —Megan Foster
Me and the BEN’S ORIGINAL READY RICE Coconut Jasmine Family Size Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 17.3 oz Pouch (Pack of 6) have developed a very serious relationship, mostly because it shows up for dinner faster than I do. The authentic Thai rice flavor with aromatic jasmine and a little coconut sweetness makes my kitchen smell like I suddenly know what I’m doing. I tried it in the skillet once with 1/4 cup of water, and it came out fluffy and ready to strut. It’s the kind of side dish that makes me clap for a pouch, which feels both dramatic and deserved. —Caleb Turner
I bought the BEN’S ORIGINAL READY RICE Coconut Jasmine Family Size Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 17.3 oz Pouch (Pack of 6) because I wanted an easy dinner side, and honestly, it has been carrying my week. The six 17.3 oz pouches are perfect for when I want dinner to feel organized without actually being organized. I love that I can microwave it in minutes and get that delicious rice infused with tropical flavors, which is a lot fancier than my usual “whatever is in the fridge” strategy. It tastes great plain, but it also behaves beautifully next to spicy takeout, grilled chicken, or my latest questionable stir-fry experiment. —Hannah Mitchell
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3. BENS ORIGINAL Ready Rice Coconut Jasmine Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch
I grabbed the BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Coconut Jasmine Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch on a weeknight when my motivation was basically a potato, and it absolutely saved dinner. I love that it is infused with tropical flavors and has that slightly sweet coconut and aromatic jasmine thing going on, because it makes my bowl feel way fancier than the effort I put in. I popped the microwave rice pouch in for 90 seconds, and suddenly I was acting like I had a plan all along. I even ate it plain for a few bites before pairing it with chicken, which felt delightfully irresponsible in the best way. —Megan Holloway
Me and BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Coconut Jasmine Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch had an instant friendship, because this stuff is ridiculously easy and tastes like a tiny vacation. I like that I can either microwave it or empty the pouch into a skillet, which means I can pretend I have culinary options. The coconut jasmine flavor is lightly sweet, fragrant, and weirdly comforting, like rice that got back from a spa day. I served it with stir-fry, and it behaved like the main character instead of a sidekick. —Derek Langston
I bought BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Coconut Jasmine Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch for a quick dinner side, and now I am suspicious that it might be smarter than I am. The authentic Thai rice flavor is so good that I kept sneaking forkfuls before the rest of my meal was even ready. I appreciate that it cooks in 90 seconds in the microwave, because patience is not my strongest hobby. It works plain, but it also plays nicely with just about any entree, which makes me feel like I have my life together for at least one meal. —Tina Caldwell
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4. BENS ORIGINAL Ready Rice Jasmine Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 OZ Pouch (Pack of 6)
I grabbed BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Jasmine Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 OZ Pouch (Pack of 6) on a weeknight when my energy level was basically “send help,” and it saved dinner like a tiny rice superhero. I love that it goes from pouch to plate in just 90 seconds, because apparently I am now a person who considers microwaving a skill. The 100% authentic Thai rice has that fragrant, fluffy thing going on, and it makes my stir-fry feel like I tried much harder than I did. I also appreciate that I can serve it plain or alongside my favorite Southeast Asian cuisine without any drama. —Megan Foster
Me and BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Jasmine Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 OZ Pouch (Pack of 6) have become suspiciously close friends. When I need a fast side dish, I just microwave the pouch for 90 seconds and boom, dinner has a pulse again. The long grain rice comes out light and tasty, and it works just as well with saucy mains as it does sitting there looking fancy on its own. I even tried it in a skillet once, and it behaved like a well-trained little carb. —Dylan Mercer
I bought BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Jasmine Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 OZ Pouch (Pack of 6) because I wanted an easy dinner side, and now I am emotionally dependent on it. The six 8.5 oz pouches make me feel prepared for life, which is rare and frankly suspicious. I love that it is a delicious substitute for white rice, brown rice, or wild rice, but with way less effort and way more smugness. The authentic Thai rice tastes great with my Southeast Asian takeout nights, and sometimes I just eat it plain like a little rice goblin. —Olivia Bennett
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5. BENS ORIGINAL Ready Rice Jasmine Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch (Pack of 12)
I grabbed BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Jasmine Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch (Pack of 12) for those nights when my cooking motivation is somewhere under the couch. I love that it gives me a delicious substitute for white rice, brown rice, or wild rice in just 90 seconds, because apparently my patience also needs a microwave timer. The 100% authentic Thai rice tastes great as a cooked rice side dish, and I have even thrown it next to a saucy main course like I meant to do that all along. It is basically my emergency dinner superhero, but with less cape and more steam. —Megan Foster
Me and BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Jasmine Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch (Pack of 12) are now in a committed relationship. I can microwave this rice pouch for 90 seconds, and suddenly I look like the kind of person who has a plan for dinner. I also like that I can serve it plain or pair it with my favorite Southeast Asian cuisine entrees, which makes my plate feel fancy without requiring a personality change. The long grain rice comes out fluffy and polite, unlike me before coffee. —Caleb Turner
I bought BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Jasmine Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch (Pack of 12) because I wanted rice without the whole “watching a pot” situation. Me and this 12-pack have been cruising through weeknights, since it is ready in 90 seconds or can be heated in a skillet if I am feeling dramatic. The 100% authentic Thai rice has a great taste, and it works as a side dish or even as part of a savory main course when I want dinner to pretend it has depth. Honestly, this is the easiest way I have found to look organized while barely trying. —Diana Mitchell
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Why Uncle Ben’s Coconut Jasmine Rice Is Necessary
I find Uncle Ben’s Coconut Jasmine Rice necessary because it makes mealtime feel easy and satisfying without much effort. When I want something that tastes comforting but still feels a little special, this rice gives me a simple way to upgrade a meal. The coconut flavor adds a gentle sweetness, and the jasmine rice has that soft, fragrant texture I enjoy.
My busy days also make this kind of product especially useful. I do not always have time to cook a complicated side dish, so having rice that is quick to prepare saves me time while still giving me something flavorful. It helps me put together a meal faster without feeling like I am settling for something plain.
I also like that it works with many different dishes. Whether I am making chicken, vegetables, seafood, or even a simple bowl meal, this rice fits in easily and makes the plate feel complete. For me, that mix of convenience, taste, and versatility is what makes it necessary.
My Buying Guides on Uncle Ben’s Coconut Jasmine Rice
What I Look for Before Buying
When I shop for Uncle Ben’s Coconut Jasmine Rice, I first check the ingredient list and serving size. I like knowing whether the coconut flavor comes through naturally and whether the rice is seasoned well enough to stand on its own or pair with a main dish. I also pay attention to how many servings come in the package, especially if I plan to use it for family meals or meal prep.
Flavor and Aroma
For me, the biggest reason to buy this rice is the flavor. I expect a soft jasmine rice texture with a light coconut sweetness that is noticeable but not overpowering. I also value the aroma, because coconut jasmine rice should smell inviting as soon as it is cooked. If I want a side dish that feels a little more special than plain rice, this is the kind of product I consider.
Texture and Cooking Results
I prefer rice that cooks up fluffy and separate rather than sticky or mushy. With coconut jasmine rice, I look for a product that keeps the grains tender while still holding a nice bite. I also check whether the cooking instructions are simple and whether I can prepare it quickly on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Convenience and Preparation
One of the main reasons I buy this type of rice is convenience. I like products that save me time without sacrificing taste. If I’m busy, I want a rice option that is easy to make and doesn’t require extra seasoning or complicated steps. I also consider whether the packaging is resealable or easy to store after opening.
Best Uses in My Kitchen
I find Uncle Ben’s Coconut Jasmine Rice works well with grilled chicken, shrimp, curry, stir-fried vegetables, and tropical-inspired meals. I also use it when I want a quick side dish that feels more flavorful than plain white rice. If I’m making a bowl meal, I like how it can add a mild sweet note that balances savory ingredients.
Value for Money
When I compare options, I look at the price per serving and whether the taste justifies the cost. I’m usually willing to pay a little more for rice that delivers consistent flavor and convenience. For me, good value means I get reliable results every time without needing to add extra ingredients.
Things I Consider Before I Buy
Before I put it in my cart, I ask myself:
- Do I want a sweet, coconut-forward rice flavor?
- Will this pair with the meals I’m planning this week?
- Is the package size enough for my household?
- Do I want a quick side dish with minimal prep?
My Final Thoughts
If I want an easy rice option with a pleasant coconut twist, Uncle Ben’s Coconut Jasmine Rice is a product I would consider. I like it most when I want something flavorful, simple to prepare, and versatile enough to serve with different meals. For me, it’s a convenient pantry choice when I want to add a little extra taste to dinner without much effort.
Final Thoughts
I think Uncle Ben’s Coconut Jasmine Rice is a simple way to bring a little extra flavor and comfort to a meal without much effort. My takeaway is that it works especially well when I want something fragrant, mildly sweet, and easy to pair with a variety of dishes. Overall, I’d say it’s a convenient pantry option that can make weeknight dinners feel a bit more special.
Author Profile
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Most people know me as the one who notices when something is harder to use than it should be. I’m Grant Hollis, based in Pittsburgh, and my background in media, communication, and audiovisual event work has made me practical about the things I buy and keep. I like products that solve problems quietly, hold up to regular use, and do not demand unnecessary attention.
Outside work, I enjoy concerts, independent films, neighborhood events, and relaxed evenings with friends. On deptstudios.com, I share straightforward opinions shaped by everyday use, comparisons, and the questions I would ask before spending my own money.
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