If you’ve ever heard about glutinous rice before, you’ve probably had a similar reaction to me and most other people with Celiac Disease or a gluten intolerance. Is it gluten free? Does glutinous rice contain gluten?
It’s a confusing name!
What is Glutinous Rice?
Glutinous rice (also called sticky rice, sweet rice or waxy rice) is a type of rice grown mainly in Southeast and East Asia, and the northeastern regions of South Asia, which has opaque grains, very low amylose content, and is especially sticky when cooked. (source: Wikipedia)
It’s known as glutinous rice because of how sticky and glue-like it is. Basically it’s really sticky rice with more of an opaque look. There are a bunch of types of rice used for glutinous rice, but it’s mainly the japonica and tropical japonica rice strains.
Let’s find out if this popular Asian rice product contains any wheat or gluten ingredients/derivatives . . .
Is Glutinous Rice Gluten Free?
YES
Yes, glutinous rice is 100% gluten free and is made up of just rice! This is confirmed by Wikipedia along with a number of other sources such as this poster on Quora.
While it may be a bit confusing, it’s reassuring to know that glutinous rice is indeed gluten free and safe for anyone with a gluten intolerance or Celiac Disease.
Related: Is Wheatgrass Gluten Free?
Photo: Mgg Vitchakorn
Glutinous Rice Ingredients
There are numerous cultivars of glutinous rice, which include japonica, indica and tropical japonica strains. (source)
Glutinous Nutrition Facts
Serv. Size: 1 cup (174 g), Amount Per Serving: Calories 169, Total Fat 0.3 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 9 mg, Total Carb. 37 g, Sugar 0.1 g, Protein 3.5 g. (source)
Additional Information about Glutinous Rice
Glutinous rice is widely used all across Asia! It is especially popular in China, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. Along with a lot of other parts of Asia.
It is commonly used in food, but glutinous rice is also fermented to be used in beverages. Did you know there is also glutinous rice flour too? Another great gluten free flour to use!
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