Buying rice cakes might seem straightforward, but the range on offer stretches from plain rice cakes to sweet rice crackers, Asian rice snacks and varieties with cheese or barbecue flavour. A light-looking packet doesn't tell you much about the ingredients, portion size or whether it's right for your needs.
When you compare online, these are the main pitfalls to watch out for:
Plain rice cakes are often made from rice, possibly water and salt. Other products also contain maize, brown rice, oil, sugar, chocolate, seaweed or spices.
When comparing, look at:
For example: g'woon Rice Cakes with Salt contains rice, water and 0.3% sea salt according to the product information. The packaging also mentions possible traces of sesame. Snack a Jacks Barbecue Pepper Rice Wafers are made from brown rice and maize, with a barbecue-pepper mix. Milk, sesame and soya are listed as allergens.
The nutritional value per cake is handy for a single snack, but to compare brands you need the table per 100 grams. Pay particular attention to:
A chocolate product will generally have different amounts of sugar and fat than plain rice cakes. Snack a Jacks Rice Wafers Choc Chip, for instance, lists 23g of sugar and 13g of fibre per 100g. With the barbecue variety, the sugar content is lower according to the product information, while the salt content is 0.73g per 100g.
Don't take a brand's nutritional claims as a verdict on the overall product. "Source of fibre" or a low calorie count per piece doesn't mean a product is the right choice for everyone. Consider your own portion and when you'll be eating it.
For on-the-go snacking, individually wrapped or smaller portions are practical. For a film night, the office or a get-together, a larger pack might suit you better. The choice depends on how quickly you'll eat the rice snacks.
Also look at:
Store rice cakes and rice crackers in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture. Seal the pack properly after use. Don't use a pack if it's damaged, and always check the current information on the label before you buy.
The selection below matches different products to recognisable buying profiles. The comparison is based on the available product information, such as ingredients, weight, flavour, portion packaging and allergens.
Why it fits the profile: A straightforward choice for anyone buying rice cakes for the first time who wants a neutral base for toppings or a light snack.
The ingredients list is short. That means you can see exactly what you're buying and you're not paying for a complex flavour mix you don't need.
130g per pack; made with rice, water and 0.3% sea salt according to the product information.
Why it fits the profile: Ideal for anyone looking for a sweet rice cake with chocolate rather than a plain variety.
The product information clearly states 13 wafers per roll and a total weight of 166g. That makes it easier to compare portions and price.
166g; chocolate variety with milk and soya; 13 pieces per pack.
Why it fits the profile: Handy for the cupboard, the desk or on the go thanks to two separate containers inside a 65g pack.
The split packaging helps you avoid exposing the whole supply to air and moisture at once. Do check the current allergen information on the pack.
According to the product information, 100% gluten-free; rice toast in two packs totalling 65g.
Why it fits the profile: A large format for fans of Asian rice snacks who want to share or plan several snack sessions.
The weight of 320g is clearly stated. That makes the product sensible mainly when you're after a bulk or sharing pack, not for a single small snack.
We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
A product based on rice isn't automatically suitable for a gluten-free diet. Look for a clear gluten-free claim and read the allergen information. Van Der Meulen Rice Toast Natural is described in the product description as 100% gluten-free, but also mentions possible traces of sesame and soya.
If in doubt, the packaging is the final authority. Recipes and labels can change. Also pay attention to flavour varieties: soya sauce, for example, often contains soya and wheat, as with the Richy Jinju Rice Cracker Honey Flavour. This rice cracker also contains palm oil, honey and sugar.
Yes, rice cakes are practical to take with you because they're ready to eat straight away. Choose a small pack or individual portions if you want to limit breakage and moisture. A resealable bag is handy when you're not eating everything at once.
Store them in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight. Seal the pack immediately after use. Moisture makes crispy rice cakes and rice crackers go soft. If the pack is damaged or there's an unusual smell, it's best not to use the product.
That varies by recipe. Plain rice cakes often contain fewer flavour ingredients than varieties with chocolate, caramel, honey or barbecue flavour, but always compare the nutritional information table per 100g. Even with plain products, the salt content can vary. The current packaging gives you the correct information for your purchase.