According to a report by research company, Mintel, 71 per cent Canadians claim that they are “sustainable consumers.” What that indicates is that seven out of 10 Canadians are seeking sustainable and environmentally friendly ingredients or food products. With ever-changing consumer preferences, chefs and restaurateurs are on the look-out for ingredients that deliver dependable, sustainable, and high-quality outcomes that customers expect.

Elia Herrera, chef, and co-owner of Colibri and Tecolote in Toronto, Ont., and the newly opened Milpa in Calgary, Alta., is an advocate of U.S.-grown rice and depends on its consistent taste and quality to deliver the best dining experience for her customers.
“Rice is an essential ingredient in Mexican cuisine, and I rely on sourcing rice of U.S. origin to assist in creating exceptional dishes for my restaurant menus,” says Herrera. “It aligns with our commitment to cooking with the highest quality of ingredients and delivers the superior flavour our customers have grown to expect.”
Additional reason to believe U.S.-grown rice is the ideal choice for foodservice operations include:
- Sustainability: In the past 36 years, American rice farmers have increased rice yields by 53 per cent while decreasing land use by 39 per cent, energy use by 34 per cent, and water use by 52 per cent – and all achieved without the use of GMOs.
- Affordability: Rice is a low-cost ingredient that provides great plate coverage, reducing your need for expensive centre-of-the-plate proteins. Think burritos and wraps, vegan bowls, paella, risotto, fried rice— all potentially low-cost, high margin dishes. The cost of a cup of uncooked long grain white rice ranges from 0.18 cents to 0.22 cents, yielding almost three cups of cooked rice.
- Versatility: Appealing to Canada’s diverse population and culinary curiosity, rice is an essential component of the global flavours today’s patrons love. Rice is the vehicle to carry a variety of flavours, spices, and techniques, providing more opportunity for menu variety and seasonal dishes
- Nutritious: Rice is a good source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals, and it’s naturally free of sodium (based on ½ cup serving) and gluten. It is also virtually fat free and, more specifically, it contains no cholesterol-raising trans-fat or saturated fat, making it ideal for a variety of dietary needs and good nutrition.
As restaurants strive to meet consumer demands for ethically sourced ingredients and maintain cost-efficiency, US grown rice emerges as the ideal choice. By making a conscious decision to opt for US grown rice, restaurants can promote sustainability, create affordable menu options and deliver flavourful dishes while contributing to a brighter and more sustainable future.

To learn more about the benefits that U.S. rice can bring to your foodservice operation, visit: https://riceinfo.com/trade/resource-kit/