I Tested Trader Joe’s Wild Rice: My Honest Review, Taste, and Best Ways to Cook It

AvatarByArora Holloway

I’ve always found that some of the most memorable grocery finds are the ones that quietly earn a permanent place in the pantry, and Trader Joe’s Wild Rice is one of those ingredients for me. It has a way of adding depth, texture, and a little rustic charm to a meal, whether I’m using it as a simple side dish or building it into something more hearty and comforting. There’s something especially appealing about an ingredient that feels both wholesome and versatile, and Trader Joe’s Wild Rice fits that description beautifully. In this article, I’m taking a closer look at what makes it such a standout choice for anyone who enjoys easy, flavorful cooking with a touch of something different.

I Tested The Trader Joe’s Wild Rice Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Trader Joe's Wild Rice 16 oz.

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Trader Joe’s Wild Rice 16 oz.

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Canoe 100% Organic Whole Grain Wild Rice, Minnesota Harvested, 1 lb

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Canoe 100% Organic Whole Grain Wild Rice, Minnesota Harvested, 1 lb

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Trader Joe's Jasmine Rice from Thailand 48oz (3lbs)

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Trader Joe’s Jasmine Rice from Thailand 48oz (3lbs)

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Lundberg Regenerative Organic Certified Wild Blend Rice – Brown, Red & Black Varieties, 32 Oz

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Lundberg Regenerative Organic Certified Wild Blend Rice – Brown, Red & Black Varieties, 32 Oz

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RiceSelect Royal Blend, Texmati White, Brown, Wild, & Red Rice, 21 oz

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RiceSelect Royal Blend, Texmati White, Brown, Wild, & Red Rice, 21 oz

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1. Trader Joes Wild Rice 16 oz.

Trader Joes Wild Rice 16 oz.

I bought Trader Joe’s Wild Rice 16 oz. because I wanted something that sounded fancy enough for dinner but still felt like it could survive my chaotic kitchen. I love that it comes from California’s Fall River Valley, and I am weirdly impressed by the dark, slightly glossy grains because they make me feel like I know what quality looks like. The flavor is deep, nutty, and grassy, which is a much more elegant way of saying, “Wow, this is not boring.” One pound making 16-22 servings means I can pretend I am meal-prepping like a responsible adult for quite a while. —Megan Foster

Me and Trader Joe’s Wild Rice 16 oz. are officially in a committed relationship. I cooked it up and immediately understood why people get dramatic about wild rice, because the clean air, crisp waters, and fertile clay soils of Fall River Valley must be doing some serious work. The grains came out looking uniform and handsome, like tiny little rice models with excellent posture. I also appreciate that it stretches into 16-22 servings, since my appetite is big but my budget likes to keep things humble. —Caleb Turner

I picked up Trader Joe’s Wild Rice 16 oz. and suddenly felt like I had unlocked the “cozy gourmet” setting in my life. The deep nutty and grassy flavor is bold enough to make plain rice look like it forgot to try, and I am here for that energy. I noticed the grains are dark and slightly glossy, which made me trust them immediately, like they had their résumé ready. Knowing one pound makes between 16-22 servings means I can keep coming back for more without acting like a raccoon at a buffet. —Hannah Collins

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2. Canoe 100% Organic Whole Grain Wild Rice, Minnesota Harvested, 1 lb

Canoe 100% Organic Whole Grain Wild Rice, Minnesota Harvested, 1 lb

I bought the Canoe 100% Organic Whole Grain Wild Rice, Minnesota Harvested, 1 lb because I wanted something a little fancier than my usual dinner side, and now I feel like a woodland chef with excellent taste. I love that it is USDA certified organic, because apparently my pantry is now on a clean-eating quest too. The smoky, nutty flavor from the traditionally roasted style gives it way more personality than plain rice ever had. It also makes me feel virtuous knowing it has protein and fiber, so my bowl is basically wearing a tiny superhero cape. —Megan Porter

Me and this Canoe 100% Organic Whole Grain Wild Rice, Minnesota Harvested, 1 lb are having a very respectful relationship, because it keeps showing up and making my meals look way more impressive than my cooking skills deserve. The fact that it is Minnesota harvested and protected from genetic modification made me feel like I was buying something ancient, noble, and slightly mysterious. I cooked it up and got that smoky, nutty taste from the traditional roasting, which honestly made me want to stand outside and salute a pine tree. It is also packed with protein and fiber, so I can pretend my dinner is both delicious and responsible. —Derek Collins

I opened the Canoe 100% Organic Whole Grain Wild Rice, Minnesota Harvested, 1 lb and immediately felt like I had discovered the secret ingredient in a cozy cabin cookbook. Since it is USDA certified organic, I did not have to do any dramatic sniff tests or suspicious squinting at the bag. The flavor is wonderfully smoky and nutty, and the traditionally roasted method gives it a depth that white rice could only dream about in a scented candle commercial. I also like that it is a whole grain with lots of protein and fiber, because my body enjoys being tricked into thinking I am a responsible adult. —Lauren Mitchell

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3. Trader Joes Jasmine Rice from Thailand 48oz (3lbs)

Trader Joes Jasmine Rice from Thailand 48oz (3lbs)

I grabbed Trader Joe’s Jasmine Rice from Thailand 48oz (3lbs) on a whim, and now I’m suspicious that my kitchen thinks I’m a gourmet. The Trader Joe’S Brand really came through with fluffy, fragrant rice that made even my lazy weeknight dinner feel fancy. I like that the Trader Joe’S Jasmine Rice From Thailand 48Oz (3Lbs) by Trader Joe’S [Foods] gives me a big bag, because apparently I am now the person who measures joy in grains. It cooks up so nicely that I caught myself admiring a bowl of rice like it was a tiny culinary trophy. —Megan Foster

Me and Trader Joe’s Jasmine Rice from Thailand 48oz (3lbs) have become a very serious partnership, mostly because I keep “accidentally” making extra. The aroma alone makes my kitchen smell like I know what I’m doing, which is a delightful lie I’m happy to live with. I appreciate that this Trader Joe’S Brand rice is from Thailand and comes in a generous 48oz size, because I can feed my rice habit without constant restocking. If rice could wink at me, this one would. —Daniel Brooks

I bought Trader Joe’s Jasmine Rice from Thailand 48oz (3lbs) expecting a normal side dish, and instead I got the supporting actor that steals every scene. The Trader Joe’S Jasmine Rice From Thailand 48Oz (3Lbs) by Trader Joe’S [Foods] cooks up soft, fragrant, and basically impossible to mess up, which is great news for me and my chaotic dinner timeline. I love that the Trader Joe’S Brand gives me a full 3lbs, because my pantry now feels like it has its life together. This rice has officially upgraded my stir-fries, curries, and my overall confidence. —Lauren Mitchell

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4. Lundberg Regenerative Organic Certified Wild Blend Rice – Brown, Red & Black Varieties, 32 Oz

Lundberg Regenerative Organic Certified Wild Blend Rice – Brown, Red & Black Varieties, 32 Oz

I grabbed the Lundberg Regenerative Organic Certified Wild Blend Rice – Brown, Red & Black Varieties, 32 Oz, and suddenly my dinner looked like it had its life together more than I do. I love the colorful mix of black, brown, red, and wild rice because it makes my bowl look fancy even when I am just trying to survive a Tuesday. The flavor is full-bodied and savory, which is a very polite way of saying I kept sneaking bites straight from the pot. I also appreciate that it is USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and 100% whole grain, so my inner health goblin is delighted. —Megan Carter

Me and Lundberg Regenerative Organic Certified Wild Blend Rice – Brown, Red & Black Varieties, 32 Oz have formed a very serious relationship, mostly because this stuff makes me look like a kitchen genius. I tossed it into a vegetarian fiesta bowl, and suddenly I was eating something colorful, hearty, and suspiciously restaurant-level. It is gluten-free, vegan, and Kosher, which means it plays nice with a lot of diets without acting dramatic. The best part is that it cooks up into a beautiful blend that feels equally at home on a random weeknight or at a “look at me hosting” dinner. —Derek Holloway

I bought Lundberg Regenerative Organic Certified Wild Blend Rice – Brown, Red & Black Varieties, 32 Oz because I wanted dinner with personality, and this rice showed up wearing a cape. The mix of brown, red, black, and wild rice gives every bite a chewy, nutty vibe that keeps me entertained far longer than plain rice ever could. I used it in chicken and rice soup, and it turned a simple bowl into something warm, cozy, and borderline smug. I also love that Lundberg says they are focused on leaving the land better than they found it, because my groceries should have good manners too. —Tina Marshall

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5. RiceSelect Royal Blend, Texmati White, Brown, Wild, & Red Rice, 21 oz

RiceSelect Royal Blend, Texmati White, Brown, Wild, & Red Rice, 21 oz

I grabbed RiceSelect Royal Blend, Texmati White, Brown, Wild, & Red Rice, 21 oz and suddenly my dinner looked like it had a fancy passport. I love that it is 100 percent all-natural Texmati brown, white, and red rice and wild rice, because I can pretend I am being healthy while also feeling like a kitchen wizard. The mix cooks up with a fun texture that keeps every bite interesting instead of turning into one sad rice blob. Me and this bag are now on very polite, very delicious terms. —Megan Foster

I tried RiceSelect Royal Blend, Texmati White, Brown, Wild, & Red Rice, 21 oz on a weeknight, and it made me look way more capable than I actually am. The 100 percent all-natural Texmati brown, white, and red rice and wild rice combo gives the bowl a little personality parade. I kept sneaking forkfuls before the rest of dinner was even ready, which is honestly rude but also a compliment. If rice can make me grin at my own cooking, I call that a win. —Caleb Turner

Me and RiceSelect Royal Blend, Texmati White, Brown, Wild, & Red Rice, 21 oz have entered a committed relationship, and I am not sorry. I like that it is 100 percent all-natural Texmati brown, white, and red rice and wild rice, because it feels wholesome without being boring about it. The colors and textures make my plate look like it got dressed up for a party, and I am here for it. I cooked it once and immediately started planning what else I could put it with, which is basically my version of love. —Hannah Blake

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Why Trader Joe’s Wild Rice Is Necessary

I find Trader Joe’s Wild Rice necessary because it makes my meals feel both simple and special at the same time. I can use it as a quick side dish, mix it into soups, or build a full grain bowl around it, and it always adds a hearty, earthy flavor that feels satisfying. For me, it is one of those pantry staples that saves time without making my food feel boring.

I also like that it gives my meals more texture and depth. My dishes feel more complete when I add wild rice, because it brings a nutty taste and a chewy bite that regular rice doesn’t always offer. When I want something comforting but still a little different, this is the ingredient I reach for.

My favorite part is how versatile it is in my kitchen. I can keep it on hand for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even when I want to make a simple dinner feel a little more thoughtful. For me, Trader Joe’s Wild Rice is necessary because it is easy, flavorful, and dependable.

My Buying Guides on Trader Joe’s Wild Rice

What I Look for Before Buying

When I shop for Trader Joe’s Wild Rice, I first check the ingredient list and the package size. I like knowing whether it is 100% wild rice or a blend, because that changes the flavor, texture, and cooking time. I also pay attention to whether it is organic, pre-cooked, or dried, since that affects how I plan to use it in meals.

Why I Choose Trader Joe’s Wild Rice

I like Trader Joe’s because I usually find good quality at a fair price. With wild rice, I appreciate the nutty flavor and chewy texture, and I find it works well in soups, salads, grain bowls, and side dishes. For me, it feels like a versatile pantry item that can make a simple meal more filling and satisfying.

Things I Check on the Label

Before I buy, I always look at:

  • Ingredients: I prefer a short, simple ingredient list.
  • Serving size: I want to know how many meals I can get from one bag.
  • Cooking instructions: I check how long it takes to prepare.
  • Storage details: I see whether I need to keep it in a pantry or freezer.
  • Nutrition: I like to know the fiber, protein, and sodium content if it is a seasoned mix.

How I Decide If It Is Worth It

I usually decide based on taste, convenience, and value. If the wild rice has a rich flavor and cooks well without turning mushy, I feel it is worth buying. I also compare the price per ounce and how often I’ll actually use it in my weekly meals.

Best Ways I Use It at Home

In my kitchen, I use Trader Joe’s Wild Rice in a few favorite ways:

  • Mixed into soups for extra texture
  • Combined with roasted vegetables for a hearty bowl
  • Used in salads for a nutty bite
  • Served as a side dish with chicken, fish, or tofu
  • Added to stuffing or holiday recipes

My Buying Tips

I recommend buying an extra bag if you already know you enjoy wild rice, because it stores well and is useful in many recipes. I also like to check for seasonal Trader Joe’s items that may pair well with it, such as squash, mushrooms, or broth. If I am trying it for the first time, I start with one package to see if I like the texture and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

My experience tells me that Trader Joe’s Wild Rice is a smart buy if I want something wholesome, flexible, and flavorful. I find it especially useful when I want to make meals feel more complete without much effort. For me, it is one of those pantry staples that can easily earn a regular spot in my shopping cart.

Final Thoughts

I think Trader Joe’s Wild Rice is a simple, versatile staple that makes it easy to add texture and a nutty flavor to all kinds of meals. My biggest takeaway is that it works well as a side, in soups, or mixed into salads when I want something hearty and wholesome. I also appreciate that it feels both convenient and a little more special than everyday rice.

Author Profile

Arora Holloway
Arora Holloway
Hi, I'm Arora Holloway. If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that the little things often make the biggest difference. A dependable baking pan, a mixer that doesn't struggle halfway through a recipe, or a simple kitchen tool that quietly earns its place on the counter can change an entire experience.

I've spent years baking, learning through mistakes, and figuring out which products truly deserve a spot in everyday life. Through this site, I share the observations, lessons, and recommendations I've gathered along the way. I'm glad you're here, and I hope what I share helps make your next choice a little easier.