White Rice Swaps
White rice is a cheap and easy starch many people choose to meal prep with, but there are healthier alternatives to white rice out there, and they could really transform your meals!
We’re not saying you should never eat white rice; rather we are giving you options, to try to make a healthier choice. Some of those options include; brown rice, quinoa, and cauliflower rice. And sweet potato rice...Have you heard of that?! Wow!
If you want to eat white rice, make sure to add plenty of veggies and herbs to increase the nutritional value of the meal prep. Keep your portion sizes in check by sticking to ¾-1 cup (cooked) per meal. You can also round out the white rice with the addition of beans to make the meal a complete source of protein, which is especially important for vegans.
Here are our favorite 10 Healthy Alternatives to White Rice, why they are healthy, and some recipe ideas on how to start using them in meal prep!
1. Red Or White Quinoa
Quinoa contains the second most protein of any grain and has all of the essential amino acids. It is also naturally gluten-free and high in fiber.

2. Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is a great, low carb alternative to rice. One serving contains a day worth of Vitamin C.

3. Broccoli Rice
Broccoli rice is another great low carb alternative full of fiber, plant-based protein and iron.
4. Brown Rice
Brown rice is full of fiber to help your digestive system stay on track and keep you feeling full. This is the most common alternative that you can find in takeout restaurants.

5. Barley
Although not as popular as some of the other grains, barley provides a good serving of fiber and many other important minerals such as selenium.

6. Couscous
Couscous is a type of pasta that is rich in calcium plus provides essential B vitamins

7. Farro
Farro is an easy to digest grain that is full of protein and iron.

8. Freekeh
Known as a super grain, Freekeh contains more protein and fiber than quinoa.

9. Sweet Potato Rice
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and dietary fiber
10. Bulgur Wheat
Also, know as cracked wheat, bulgur wheat is an excellent source of plant-based protein and provides over 25% of your daily fiber needs.


Now that we know what the alternatives to white rice are and why they are good for us, let's check out how to use them!
21 White Rice Free Meal Prep Recipes
Recipes with Quinoa
One Pan Garlic Shrimp With Quinoa
Add some chicken to this for a well-rounded meal!
Recipes with Cauliflower Rice
Whole30 Baked Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Recipes with Broccoli Rice
Stir Fry Pork and Broccoli Rice
Recipes using Brown Rice
One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice
Recipes containing Barley
Skillet Barley With Kale & Eggs
Recipes with Couscous
Southwestern Black Bean Couscous Salad
Shawarma-Spiced Beef and Couscous

Recipes Using Farro
Butternut Squash & Farro Chili
Recipes with Freekeh
Sweet Potato, Freekeh, and Pomegranate Salad
Recipes with Sweet Potato Rice
Vegetarian Sweet Potato Fried Rice
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls With Sweet Potato Rice
Recipes with Bulgur Wheat
Cinnamon Banana Bulgur Breakfast
Powerhouse Bulgur Salad With Orange Vinaigrette
And because we always like to give you a little something extra...Here is a 13th grain we love!
sheetal soni says
What about Brown Basmati Rice, do you think it can be consumed by a diabetic ?
Sarah Kesseli says
Hi Sheetal - brown basmati rice is a low glycemic food so this should be OK for a diabetic. However, please consult your physician if you are unsure if this food is right for your health.
Michel Smith says
Thank you for sharing this information. The information was very helpful and saved a lot of my time.
d olson says
Couscous is not technically a whole grain- it is pasta.
Asbah says
Very excellent blog, I read this have fruitful content and helpful for me. Thanks for publishing this blog.
Kasha says
Great page!
I would add roasted buckwheat too 🙂