Does Ready rice cheddar broccoli contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains dairy (whey, buttermilk, cheese powder) and gluten (durum wheat semolina in the vermicelli pasta).

Is Ready rice cheddar broccoli good for weight loss?

It is high in calories and refined carbohydrates but low in protein and fiber. This combination can lead to hunger spikes and is not ideal for weight loss compared to whole foods.

Where can I buy Ready rice cheddar broccoli?

This product is typically available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and grocery chains, as well as online through Amazon.

Is Ready rice cheddar broccoli safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for children. It does not contain caffeine or major allergens (other than milk and wheat), though it is high in sodium.

Is Ready rice cheddar broccoli Keto?

No, Ready rice cheddar broccoli is not keto-friendly. While the combination of cheese and broccoli sounds promising, the base of this meal consists of high-carb rice and wheat pasta. A single serving contains far too many carbohydrates to fit within the strict limits of a ketogenic diet.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, looking at the ingredient list for Ready rice cheddar broccoli reveals why this product is incompatible with a low-carb lifestyle. The primary issue isn't the flavor profile, but the carbohydrate sources used to create the texture and bulk.

The very first ingredients listed are water and parboiled long grain rice. Rice is a grain that is naturally very high in starch. Even in smaller portions, the carbohydrate count adds up quickly, making it difficult to stay under the 20-30g daily net carb limit of a keto diet.

Perhaps even more concerning for keto dieters is the inclusion of vermicelli pasta. The pasta is made from durum wheat semolina, which is pure wheat flour. Wheat is essentially pure starch and gluten. While the serving size might look small, wheat pasta is dense in carbohydrates and will significantly impact blood glucose levels.

We also see several forms of added sugars and starches further down the list. Corn maltodextrin and corn syrup solids are highly processed carbohydrates derived from corn. Maltodextrin has a glycemic index even higher than table sugar (often 85-105+), meaning it causes a rapid insulin spike—the exact opposite of what you want on keto.

Finally, the modified tapioca starch and guar gum are used as thickening agents. While tapioca is a root vegetable, it is almost pure starch. In a processed food like this, these starches contribute to the total carbohydrate count without offering nutritional fiber to offset the impact.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

corn syrupricestarchmaltodextrinwheatcorn

Nutritional Value

When evaluating a product for ketosis, we look at the macronutrient ratio. For a standard serving of this Ready rice cheddar broccoli, the carbohydrate count is the dealbreaker. You are likely looking at roughly 25-30g of total carbohydrates per serving.

On a standard keto diet, you aim for 20g of net carbs per day. Eating this single meal would consume your entire daily allowance, leaving no room for vegetables, nuts, or sauces. Furthermore, the sugar content (derived from the corn syrup solids and the natural sugars in dairy) adds to the glycemic load.

While the product does contain some fat from the cheddar cheese powder, palm oil, and canola oil, the ratio is wrong. Keto is a high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carb diet. This product is high-carb, moderate-fat, and low-protein. It does not provide the sustained energy source that ketosis relies on (ketones derived from fat).