Rice is a staple food for a reason. It’s affordable, delicious, filling, and incredibly versatile. But maybe you don’t feel like eating rice anymore, either because you want something more nutritious or you just want to change things up. Well, there are actually a lot of alternative grains you can try out. Here are some.
Quinoa
Let’s start with quinoa, probably the best-known rice alternative that’s gained popularity in recent years as a superfood. This gluten-free “grain” is actually a seed. It’s a complete protein, which means it’s an awesome option for vegans.
Barley
With a bit more fiber and protein than rice, barley looks like oats, has a chewy texture, and offers an earthy flavor.
Couscous
Popular in the middle east, couscous, like rice, comes in both whole grain and white varieties. It’s actually a pasta made from tiny flour pearls, and the texture is many people’s favorite part.
Orzo
Like couscous, orzo is a type of pasta that’s like rice in size, texture, and shape. Whole-wheat orzo is a good source of fiber, but it does have more calories than rice.
Farro
Like barley but with larger grains, farro is chewy and nutty in flavor. It’s a good plant-based source of protein, but it isn’t a complete protein.
