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Home » Recipes » Health & Fitness

Cauliflower Rice vs. White Rice The Lowdown

Published: Jul 22, 2022 · Updated: Jul 31, 2023 by Laura Fuentes · This post may contain affiliate links

This simple seasoned cauliflower rice pairs great with everything and is made in a jiffy and it's a step up from the traditionally plain side dish!
 
5 from 5 votes
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The cauliflower rice vs. white rice debate continues to flood the internet with opinions. If you’ve wondered whether one is healthier than the other, you’re in the right place.

Ultimately, both offer benefits, and the better-for-you option will depend on your personal nutritional needs. Read on to determine. 

top photo shows bowl of cauliflower rice, bottom photo shows bowl of white rice

Does Cauliflower Rice Taste Like White Rice?

Whether you’re trying to cut down on carbs or add more vegetables to your meals, cauliflower rice is a great substitute for traditional white rice.

Cauliflower rice can taste like white rice in most recipes and take on the recipe’s flavor and seasoning, making it a great option.

Cauliflower Rice vs. White Rice Texture

Cauliflower rice has a similar texture to white rice and performs well in recipes, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out on food volume.

Store-bought cauliflower rice is nearly identical in texture. That said, you can make cauliflower rice at home just as well with one of these methods:

Blender | Food processor | By hand

Is White Rice or Cauliflower Rice Healthier?

Cauliflower rice is considered healthier than rice because it’s lower in calories and carbohydrates, is a good source of fiber, higher in B vitamins, higher in vitamin C, higher in vitamin K1, and some minerals.

For these reasons, cauliflower rice can be a healthier option than rice when served by itself or with minimal added ingredients; otherwise, it’s easy to load up the calories with things like cheese.

If calories aren’t the reason for wanting to eat cauliflower rice and lower carbs are your target, check out these cauliflower rice recipes.

Nutrition Information Cauliflower vs White Rice

Nutritionally, cauliflower rice is often considered superior to white rice in macros and some nutrition.

Here is the side-by-side nutritional comparison:

Per 1 cupCauliflower RiceWhite Rice
Calories29205
Fat1g1g
Total Carbs5g44g
Fiber3g1g
Net Carbs2g43g
Protein2g4g
Sugars2.6g0g
Calcium19.8mg / 2%13.2mg / 1%
Iron0.4mg / 2%2.9mg / 16%
Magnesium11.2mg / 3%8.3mg / 3%
Phosphorus39.7mg / 6%61.1mg / 9%
Zinc0.2mg / 3%0.8mg / 10%
Selenium0.7mcg / 1%7.9mcg / 14%
Folate54.6mcg / 14%115.5mcg / 29%
Vitamin C54.9mg / 73%0
Vitamin K17.1mcg / 19%0
Choline48.5mg / 11%3.5mg / 1%

By looking at this chart, it’s clear that there are nutritional advantages to both cauliflower rice and white rice, and the better-for-you option is the one that fits your eating style and nutritional needs.

a bowl of Seasoned Cauliflower Rice

Simple Seasoned Cauliflower Rice

Laura Fuentes
This simple seasoned cauliflower rice pairs great with everything and is made in a jiffy and it’s a step up from the traditionally plain side dish!
 
5 from 5 votes
Servings 4
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients
 

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups riced cauliflower or
  • 16 ounces store-bought cauliflower rice
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ lemon, optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil to the pan and sauté the garlic for a minute. Add the riced cauliflower to the pan, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. 
  • Continue to cook the cauliflower for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s softened and cooked through. 
  • Right before serving, squeeze half a lemon and stir to combine. 

Notes

If using frozen cauliflower rice, make sure to fully thaw it out and ring out any excess water. 

Equipment

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Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 104kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 194mgPotassium: 485mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 0.1IUVitamin C: 78mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 1mg
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