What's New in Rice Archive

Rice Bowls: Endless Possibilities for Your Patrons

Endless varieties of toppings and flavors pair perfectly with rice to make a hot menu item - Rice Bowls. In fact, Rice Bowls are becoming one of the fastest foodservice trends and appearing on menus everywhere, from national chains like Applebee's, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Au Bon Pain to K-12 schools, colleges and supermarket delis. In fact, it's hard to find foodservice venues that don't leverage the versatility, nutrition and great taste of Rice Bowls.

To create delicious Rice Bowls start with a base of any type of U.S. enriched white or whole grain brown rice and then layer with your choice of healthy vegetables, lean protein and flavorful sauce. Rice Bowls fit all global cuisines, whether Indian, Thai or regional American. And not only are Rice Bowls popular with patrons, they are also a profitable menu solution.

Rice Bowls are so hot, they were featured in the School Nutrition Association's annual "Vote for School Lunch" for K-12 students. Five candidates representing different healthy lunch options competed, with Yumi Rice Bowl among the top contestants. SNA describes Yumi Rice Bowl as "bursting with color, flair and flavor" and notes that "rice-based recipes have soared in popularity [so] the time is now, and the rice is right!"

USA Rice Federation supports school foodservice operators’ efforts to expand their menu offerings by holding an annual Healthy Rice Bowls Contest, which ended on November 15. Open to all K-12 personnel, contest participants were entered to win two Aroma rice cookers, one commercial cooker for their school and one consumer size for themselves. This year’s winner is Abby Kassman-Harned, Foodservice Director at Tolland High School in Tolland, Connecticut. She submitted a creative idea for a “Lunch Your Way” Rice Bowls station, where students choose white or whole grain brown rice, a variety of steamed fresh vegetables, beef or chicken, and toppings including bean sprouts, mandarin oranges and Asian sauces. In addition to winning the rice cookers, Abby’s photos and details about her Healthy Rice Bowls station will be featured in the K-12 section of the website.

Looking for Rice Bowl ideas for your operation? Download our Rice Bowl brochures:

"Rice Bowls: Quick & Easy One-Bowl Meals"

"Kids Love … Rice Bowls"