Best Packaged Pilaf of 2025

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

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Packaged pilaf is a convenient and delicious side dish that can be easily prepared at home. This popular Middle Eastern dish is a combination of rice, spices, and sometimes vegetables or meat. Packaged pilaf comes in a variety of flavors, from classic to exotic, and can be found in most grocery stores. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, packaged pilaf is a versatile addition to any meal. Simply follow the instructions on the package to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying side dish in minutes.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

BEN'S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Pilaf Flavored Rice, 8.8 oz Pouch (Pack of 12) Cover #TOP 1
BEN'S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Pilaf Flavored Rice, 8.8 oz Pouch (Pack of 12)
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Near East Rice Pilaf Mix Cover #TOP 2
Near East Rice Pilaf Mix
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Near East Rice Pilaf Mix Cover #TOP 3
Near East Rice Pilaf Mix
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Packaged Pilaf

#TOP 1

BEN'S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Pilaf Flavored Rice, 8.8 oz Pouch (Pack of 12)

BEN'S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Pilaf Flavored Rice, 8.8 oz Pouch (Pack of 12) Cover
BEN'S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Rice Pilaf Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.8 oz Pouch (Pack of 12)

BEN'S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Pilaf Flavored Rice is a deliciously seasoned microwave rice that helps you prepare a savory cooked rice side dish in just 90 seconds. This parboiled rice contains a savory blend of long grain rice, orzo pasta, herbs, and seasonings that tastes great with any combination of vegetables and your favorite chicken, fish, or beef recipes. It's easy to prepare, simply microwave the rice pouch or heat it in a skillet until it's ready to serve.

What We Like
Convenient and quick preparation
Aromatic and flavorful
Versatile for various dishes
Healthy and natural ingredients
Great value for money
What We Don't Like
Limited vegetable mix
Pre-cooked consistency preference
#TOP 2

Near East Rice Pilaf Mix

Near East Rice Pilaf Mix Cover
Near East Quaker Rice Pilaf Mix, Original, 18.2 Ounce (Pack of 3 Boxes)

Near East Rice Pilaf Mix is a delicious blend of premium long grain rice, toasted orzo, and a flavorful mix of herbs and spices. Made with 100% natural, certified kosher ingredients, this quick and creative alternative to pasta or rice cooks in just five minutes. The separate seasoning packet adds an authentic flavor from around the world, allowing you to create an exciting dish that will make tonight special. Whether you're looking to add a touch of global cuisine to your meal or simply want a tasty and convenient side dish, Near East Rice Pilaf Mix is the perfect choice.

What We Like
Great taste
Easy to prepare
High-quality ingredients
Generous portions
Non-GMO, no MSG
What We Don't Like
Pricey in supermarkets
Higher salt content
#TOP 3

Near East Rice Pilaf Mix

10072251001058
Near East Rice Pilaf Mix Cover
Near East Rice Pilaf Mix, Original, 6.09 Ounce (Pack of 12 Boxes)

Near East Rice Pilaf Mix offers a quick and creative alternative to pasta or rice. Made with premium long grain rice, toasted orzo, and a blend of herbs and spices, this mix is ideal for those who are looking for an authentic flavor from around the world. With its separate seasoning packet, you can create a delicious dish in just five minutes. The product is made with 100% natural, certified kosher ingredients. Visit the Near East website's Recipe section to find a simply delicious dish.

What We Like
Easy to prepare
Delicious light flavor
Clean ingredients
Versatile meal base
Family favorite
What We Don't Like
Misleading packaging occasionally
#TOP 4

Quaker Near East Rice Pilaf Mix, Garlic & Herb

072251002119
Quaker Near East Rice Pilaf Mix, Garlic & Herb Cover
Near East Rice Pilaf Mix, Garlic & Herb, 6.3oz Box

Quaker Garlic & Herb Pilaf Mix is a savory blend of long grain rice, orzo, onions, garlic, and parsley. It is made with 100% natural, certified kosher ingredients, ensuring a delicious and authentic flavor. With a quick cooking time of under 30 minutes, you can enjoy a flavorful dish in no time. The separate seasoning packet contains a blend of herbs and spices to enhance the taste, making your meal special and exotic. Explore the Recipe section on the website for fantastic meal ideas with this product.

What We Like
Great taste
Easy to cook
Good value for money
Versatile with veggies
Fast preparation
What We Don't Like
Not authentic restaurant quality
Price may be higher than others
#TOP 5

Zatarain's Rice Pilaf

Zatarain's Rice Pilaf Cover
Zatarain's Rice Pilaf, 6.3 oz (Pack of 8)

Zatarain's Pilaf is a delightful blend of long grain white rice, orzo pasta, garlic, onions, and bell peppers. With real vegetables and no artificial additives, this pilaf is perfect to pair with chicken, beef, or seafood for a quick and tasty meal. Whether you cook it on the stovetop or in the microwave, this hearty side dish offers a convenient way to elevate your main course with its savory flavors.

What We Like
Convenient packaging
Tasty without aftertaste
Easy to prepare
Fluffy and sticky texture
What We Don't Like
Not as flavorful as Caribbean Rice
Somewhat bland for certain tastes
#TOP 6

Near East Mushroom and Herb Pilaf

072251002164
Near East Mushroom and Herb Pilaf Cover
Near East Wild Mushroom And Herb Pilaf, 6.3 oz

Near East Mushroom and Herb Pilaf is made with 100% natural, certified Kosher ingredients, including long grain rice, wheat flour orzo, mushrooms, and sesame oil. Each serving contains five grams of protein and zero grams of trans fat. The separate seasoning packet contains a blend of herbs and spices to create an authentic flavor from around the world. The white box packaging symbolizes Near East's dedication to simple, high-quality food.

What We Like
Wonderful taste
Quick and easy preparation
Variety without bulk
Great for digestion
What We Don't Like
Less preferred than original flavor
#TOP 7

Near East Original & Wild Rice Pilaf Mix

72251020649000
Near East Original & Wild Rice Pilaf Mix Cover
Near East Rice Pilaf Mix, Original & Wild Rice, 6oz Boxes (12 Pack)

Near East Rice Pilaf offers a delightful blend of wild and long grain rice, infused with savory onions, garlic, and spices. This mix is made from 100% natural, kosher ingredients, ensuring you enjoy quality in every bite. With a quick cooking time of under 30 minutes, you can easily prepare a flavorful meal even on busy nights. The included seasoning packet is filled with a unique blend of herbs and spices, providing an authentic taste that transports you around the world. Elevate your dinner with this convenient and delicious option!

What We Like
Delicious taste
Quick cooking time
All-natural ingredients
Good value for money
Gluten-free option
What We Don't Like
Price increase
Discontinued almond version
#TOP 8

Near East Rice Pilaf Original

Near East Rice Pilaf Original Cover
NEAR EAST Rice Pilaf, 6.09 OZ (Pack of 1)

Near East Rice Pilaf is a convenient and tasty meal option that features two 6.09oz boxes of rice pilaf mix. This original pilaf is crafted from high-quality parboiled long grain rice and toasted orzo, giving it a delightful texture. The blend of herbs and spices enhances the flavor, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. Being Kosher certified, it meets dietary needs for many consumers. With its simple preparation, you can enjoy a delicious and aromatic dish without spending too much time in the kitchen.

What We Like
Quick to prepare
Flavorful and fluffy
Great for busy nights
Fresh with long shelf life
Versatile with many meals
What We Don't Like
Small portion size
Could use bolder seasoning
#TOP 9

Zatarain's Rice Pilaf

43224-4958
Zatarain's Rice Pilaf Cover
Zatarain's Rice Pilaf, 6.3 oz (Pack of 12)

Zatarain's Rice Pilaf is a packaged pilaf that contains long grain white rice and orzo pasta seasoned with garlic, onions, and bell peppers. You can easily prepare it on the stovetop or in the microwave. This rice pilaf does not contain MSG, artificial flavor, or colors from artificial sources. The product is made with real vegetables and is perfect to serve as a hearty side dish with chicken, beef, or seafood.

What We Like
Great flavor
Easy preparation
Available in bulk
Kids enjoyed it
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Price not as good
#TOP 10

365 Rice Pilaf Garlic and Herb

365 Rice Pilaf Garlic and Herb Cover
365 by Whole Foods Market, Rice Pilaf Garlic And Herb Organic, 6.1 Ounce

The 365 Rice Pilaf offers a delightful blend of garlic and herbs, making it a tasty addition to your meals. This product, brought to you by Whole Foods Market, is made in Italy, ensuring high-quality ingredients. You can easily prepare it in the microwave or on the stove, providing you with flexibility in cooking methods. With 4 grams of protein per serving, it’s a nutritious option that fits well into a vegan diet. Enjoy the convenience of a quick and flavorful side dish that complements a variety of main courses.

What We Like
Easy to prepare
Flavorful and aromatic
Organic ingredients
Inexpensive option
Versatile with toppings
What We Don't Like
Less flavorful than expected
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is in rice pilaf from a box?

Packaged rice pilaf typically contains ingredients like parboiled long grain rice, orzo (macaroni made from wheat flour), salt, autolyzed yeast extract, onions, garlic, and turmeric spice for color. It is important to check the specific brand and product for any allergens or additional ingredients.

2. Is rice pilaf better than mashed potatoes?

Rice pilaf, especially brown or parboiled rice with added nutrients, can be a better choice than mashed potatoes due to its high vitamin content and low glycemic index. However, the choice between rice pilaf and mashed potatoes ultimately depends on personal preferences and dietary needs.

3. What do you eat with rice pilaf?

Rice pilaf can be paired with various dishes, such as lemon butter salmon and asparagus foil packs, skillet honey mustard chicken, healthy lemon skillet chicken, salmon with creamy lemon dill sauce (Keto), or honey Dijon chicken Cobb salad. These options provide a flavorful and satisfying meal when combined with rice pilaf.

4. What is in Uncle Ben's rice pilaf?

Uncle Ben's rice pilaf typically contains enriched long grain parboiled rice, orzo pasta product (durum wheat flour), salt, garlic, sugar, onion, yeast extract, hydrolyzed soy protein, red and green bell pepper, and spices like turmeric. It is always recommended to check the specific product packaging for the complete list of ingredients.

Editor's Notes

During our packaged pilaf research, we found 24 packaged pilaf products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 86,664 customer reviews through our big data system to write the packaged pilaf list. We found that most customers choose packaged pilaf with an average price of $13.44.

The packaged pilaf are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of packaged pilaf, including BEN'S ORIGINAL, Near East, Quaker, Zatarain's, 365 by Whole Foods Market. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Packaged Pilaf Comparison Table

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Brand BEN'S ORIGINAL Near East Near East Quaker Zatarain's Near East Near East Near East Zatarain's 365 by Whole Foods Market
Flavor Rice Pilaf Rice Pilaf Mix, Original 3ct Rice Pilaf Mix, Original Garlic & Herb Pilaf Rice Pilaf Herb,Wild Mushroom Pilaf Mix, Long Grain & Wild Rice Original Rice Pilaf Garlic,Herb
Unit Count 105.6 Ounce 18.2 Ounce 73.08 Ounce 6.3 Ounce 50.4 Ounce 6.3 Ounce 72.0 Ounce 6.09 Ounce 75.6 Ounce 6.1 Ounce
Package Weight 2.8 Kilograms 0.59 Kilograms 2.43 Kilograms 0.14 Kilograms 1.8 Kilograms 0.2 Kilograms 2.39 Kilograms 0.2 Kilograms 2.67 Kilograms 0.21 Kilograms
Specialty No Artificial Flavor, No Artificial Color Kosher Kosher Kosher No MSG, No Artificial Flavor kosher natural Kosher No Artificial Flavor, Preserva, Non GMO USDA Organic, Organic, Kosher, Vegan
Item Weight 8.8 Ounces 18.2 Ounces 4.6 Pounds - 3.8 Pounds 6.24 ounces 0.46 Kilograms 6.09 Ounces 5.7 Pounds 6.08 ounces
Variety Rice Long Grain Rice,Rice Pilaf Long Grain Rice,Rice Pilaf,Spanish Long Grain Rice,Rice Pilaf - Rice Pilaf Long Grain Rice,Rice Pilaf Rice Pilaf Long Grain White Rice,Rice Pilaf Rice Pilaf
Global Trade Identification Number 10054800423368 - 10072251001058, 00072251020519 - 00071429013612 00072251002164 00072251020458, 10072251001454, 00072251020649 - 10071429099507 -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.7
ftb score rating icon 8.5
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