Last updated: July 16, 2026
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The short version
After researching the sourcing, variety, and certifications of the most popular organic rices, our top pick is Lundberg Organic White Basmati Rice. It is USDA organic and regeneratively grown in California, with the fluffy, aromatic, non-clumping grain that makes it a versatile everyday staple, which is why it earned our highest Organic Integrity Score of 91 out of 100. For the best everyday brown rice, Lundberg Organic Long-Grain Brown is our pick, and for a sustainable, buttery jasmine, Lotus Foods Organic Brown Jasmine is the best choice.
The main decisions with rice are variety (basmati, jasmine, brown, arborio) and, importantly, sourcing, because rice can take up arsenic from soil and water. We favor USDA-organic rice from growers known for clean, tested, often California-grown or regeneratively farmed supply. We flag each pick’s variety and certification. Scores below run from our 91-point top pick to the 71-point risotto option.
Key things to look for in organic rice
Good organic rice is about clean sourcing as much as variety. Here is what matters.
1. USDA organic sourcing
Organic certification confirms the rice was grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, and the best brands add third-party testing and regenerative farming.
2. The right variety
Basmati and jasmine are fragrant long grains for everyday meals, brown rice keeps the bran for fiber, and arborio is the short, starchy grain for risotto.
3. Cleaner growing regions
Because rice can absorb arsenic from soil, growers with clean, tested supply, such as California or dedicated organic farms, are a plus.
4. Whole grain vs white
Brown rice keeps the fiber-rich bran and germ; white rice is lighter and quicker to cook. Both have a place depending on the dish.
Does organic rice matter, and what about arsenic?
Organic certification for rice means no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers were used, which is a genuine benefit for a staple you may eat several times a week. It is worth being clear, though, that organic does not by itself lower arsenic, because arsenic comes from the soil and water a plant grows in, not from sprays. That is why sourcing matters: rice from cleaner, tested growing regions, and simple home steps like rinsing and cooking in extra water, are what actually reduce arsenic exposure.
Our scoring rewards genuine organic certification, clean and transparent sourcing (including regenerative and California-grown supply), variety quality, and value, so you get rice that is both certified organic and thoughtfully grown, not just an organic label on an unknown supply.
How to choose an organic rice
- Look for USDA organic and clean sourcing. Bonus points for regenerative farming or tested, California-grown supply.
- Pick the variety for the dish. Basmati and jasmine for everyday and aromatic meals, brown for fiber, arborio for risotto.
- Rinse and cook in extra water. This reduces arsenic and, for white rice, gives cleaner, fluffier grains.
- Consider whole grain. Brown rice keeps more fiber and nutrients, though it takes longer to cook.
- Buy a size you will use. Rice keeps well sealed and cool, but freshness and aroma are best within a reasonable window.
Who this guide is for
The best rice depends on your cooking. If you want the best all-around organic white basmati, our top pick fits. If you want an everyday brown rice, a sustainable jasmine, a fragrant white jasmine, or a creamy arborio for risotto, we have a pick for each.
Our top organic rices at a glance
| Best Choice | Best Value | ||||
| Product | Lundberg Basmati | Lundberg Brown | Lotus Foods Jasmine | Lundberg White Jasmine | RiceSelect Arborio |
| Organic Integrity Score | 91/ 100 | 86/ 100 | 81/ 100 | 76/ 100 | 71/ 100 |
| Best for | Best overall | Everyday brown | Sustainable jasmine | Fragrant white | Risotto |
| Variety | White basmati | Long-grain brown | Brown jasmine | White jasmine | Arborio (short grain) |
| Certification | USDA Organic (ROC) | USDA Organic | USDA Organic | USDA Organic (ROC) | USDA Organic |
| Price | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price |
Scores are ours, based on independent research of certification, sourcing, variety, and value, using the same 10-criteria method we apply to every product. See how we research and rate.
Best overall: Lundberg Organic White Basmati Rice
| Organic Integrity Score | 91 / 100 |
| Variety | White basmati, long grain |
| Certification | USDA Organic, Regenerative Organic Certified |
| Best for | An all-around versatile organic rice |
Lundberg Basmati is our top pick because it pairs clean sourcing with everyday versatility. It is USDA organic and often Regenerative Organic Certified, grown in California by a family farm that has specialized in rice since 1937, with a nutty aroma and light, fluffy grains that stay separate, perfect for curry, pilaf, stir-fry, and rice bowls.
The trade-off is that it costs more than a generic bulk rice. For a genuinely organic, regeneratively grown, versatile everyday rice from a trusted grower, it is our first choice.
What we liked: USDA organic and often regenerative-certified, California-grown by a specialist family farm, fluffy non-clumping grains, and very versatile.
Keep in mind: It is priced above generic rice, and as with all rice, rinsing and cooking in extra water is still good practice.
What buyers say: Buyers praise the aroma, texture, and trust in the brand’s clean California sourcing. Some buy the bulk bag for the best value.
Best everyday brown: Lundberg Organic Long-Grain Brown Rice
| Organic Integrity Score | 86 / 100 |
| Variety | Long-grain brown, whole grain |
| Certification | USDA Organic, Non-GMO |
| Best for | An everyday whole-grain staple |
Lundberg Brown is our pick for whole-grain everyday rice. It is USDA organic, non-GMO, 100% whole grain long-grain brown rice from the same trusted California family farm, with a firm, nutty texture that stays separate when cooked and a rich source of fiber, ideal for bowls, soups, sides, and meal prep.
It scores just below our top pick because brown rice takes longer to cook and, like all brown rice, can carry a bit more arsenic than white (the bran holds more), which the rinse-and-extra-water method helps with. For a clean, organic, everyday brown rice, it is excellent.
What we liked: USDA organic and non-GMO, whole-grain fiber, firm nutty texture, and reliable California sourcing.
Keep in mind: Brown rice cooks slower and can hold slightly more arsenic than white, so rinse and cook in extra water.
What buyers say: Meal-preppers love the texture and fiber for bowls and sides. Some keep white rice on hand for faster weeknight cooking.
Best sustainable jasmine: Lotus Foods Organic Brown Jasmine Rice
| Organic Integrity Score | 81 / 100 |
| Variety | Brown jasmine, whole grain |
| Certification | USDA Organic, Non-GMO |
| Best for | Aromatic whole-grain rice with a mission |
Lotus Foods is our pick for a sustainable jasmine. Its USDA organic, non-GMO brown jasmine rice is buttery, rich, and aromatic, grown on family farms using water-saving methods, part of a company mission that has saved billions of gallons of water and supports smallholder farmer welfare.
It scores in the middle mainly on price versus bulk options, not quality or ethics, which are strong. For a fragrant, whole-grain organic jasmine with a genuine sustainability story, it is a standout.
What we liked: USDA organic and non-GMO, buttery aromatic jasmine, whole grain, and a real water-saving, farmer-welfare mission.
Keep in mind: It costs more than plain bulk rice, reflecting the sustainable sourcing.
What buyers say: Buyers love the aroma and feel good about the mission. Some choose the white jasmine when they want a lighter, faster-cooking grain.
Best fragrant white: Lundberg Organic White Jasmine Rice
| Organic Integrity Score | 76 / 100 |
| Variety | White jasmine, long grain |
| Certification | USDA Organic, Regenerative Organic Certified |
| Best for | A fast, fragrant everyday white rice |
Lundberg White Jasmine is our pick for a fragrant white. It is USDA organic and regeneratively grown in California, with a delicate floral aroma and a soft, slightly clingy texture that pairs beautifully with stir-fries, curries, and Asian-inspired meals, and cooks faster than brown rice.
It scores in the value range only because it overlaps with our brown and jasmine picks; on quality and sourcing it is excellent. For a light, aromatic, quick-cooking organic white rice from a trusted grower, it is a great choice.
What we liked: USDA organic and regenerative, California-grown, delicate floral aroma, and a quick-cooking soft texture.
Keep in mind: As a white rice it has less fiber than brown, though it cooks faster and is lower in arsenic than brown varieties.
What buyers say: Buyers love the aroma and texture with Asian dishes. Those wanting more fiber choose a brown variety.
Best for risotto: RiceSelect Organic Arborio Rice
| Organic Integrity Score | 71 / 100 |
| Variety | Arborio, short grain |
| Certification | USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free |
| Best for | Creamy risotto and rice pudding |
RiceSelect Arborio is our pick for risotto. It is USDA organic, Non-GMO Verified, and certified gluten-free and kosher, a short, high-starch grain that releases its starch as it cooks to give risotto its signature creamy, silky texture with an al dente bite, in a reusable jar.
It scores at the value end here only because arborio is a specialty grain for specific dishes rather than an everyday rice, but for risotto, rice pudding, and creamy rice dishes, it is exactly what you want.
What we liked: USDA organic and Non-GMO Verified, classic creamy arborio texture, gluten-free and kosher, in a reusable jar.
Keep in mind: Arborio is a specialty grain for risotto and puddings, not a general-purpose everyday rice.
What buyers say: Home cooks get creamy, restaurant-style risotto and love the jar. For plain sides they reach for a long-grain variety.
How to cook organic rice well
Rinse rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove surface starch and some arsenic. For the lowest arsenic, cook it like pasta: boil in a large pot of water (about six parts water to one part rice), then drain, which research shows removes a good share of inorganic arsenic. Otherwise, use roughly two parts water to one part white rice, or a bit more and longer for brown, then let it rest covered for a few minutes and fluff with a fork. Store rice sealed in a cool, dry place.
How we researched this guide
We are a research-based review site. We compared each rice against its certification, sourcing and growing region, variety and quality, and the weight of aggregated customer feedback, then scored each with our 10-criteria Organic Integrity Score. No brand paid to be included or ranked. Read the full method on our How We Research and Rate page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best organic rice?
Our overall pick is Lundberg Organic White Basmati, because it is USDA organic, regeneratively grown in California, and a fluffy, aromatic, versatile everyday grain. For everyday brown rice, Lundberg Long-Grain Brown is our pick, and for a sustainable jasmine, Lotus Foods.
Does organic rice have less arsenic?
Not automatically. Arsenic comes from the soil and water rice grows in, not from pesticides, so organic certification alone does not lower it. Choosing rice from cleaner growing regions and rinsing and cooking rice in extra water are what reduce arsenic.
Is brown or white rice better?
Brown rice keeps the bran and germ, so it has more fiber and nutrients, while white rice is lighter, cooks faster, and tends to be lower in arsenic. Both can be part of a healthy diet; the best choice depends on the dish and your preference.
How do I reduce arsenic in rice?
Rinse the rice, then cook it in a large excess of water (about six to one) and drain it like pasta, which removes a significant share of inorganic arsenic. Varying the grains you eat also helps.
Which rice is best for risotto?
Arborio, a short, high-starch grain, is the classic choice because it releases starch as it cooks for a creamy, silky texture. Our organic pick is RiceSelect Organic Arborio.
Related reading
- Organic Food and Pantry hub
- Best Organic Oatmeal
- Best Organic Olive Oil
- How we research and rate products
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