Groups sharing a snack stash
If you’re planning several coffee breaks, you can tailor the number of plain rolls to the size of your group. Store opened rice cakes in a dry, sealed container; PLUS recommends keeping its plain roll in an airtight tin.
Who might find this choice useful?
Families looking for a neutral base
Plain rice cakes leave room for a variety of toppings. Check the label for each variety: Jumbo states that its plain rice cakes may contain sesame and soya. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving children rice products every day.
Coffee drinkers looking for a thicker rice cake
Multigrain rice cakes are worth considering if texture and fibre matter to you. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and check the ingredients for the specific variety.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, choose between a plain base, a thicker multigrain rice cake and a ready-to-eat flavoured variety. Then work out how many packs you’ll need for your group.
Plain rice cakes
Choose these if: you want everyone to be able to vary their toppings and flavours.
Bear in mind: opened rolls need to be kept dry and sealed; plain doesn’t automatically mean allergen-free.
Thick multigrain rice cakes
Choose these if: a thicker rice cake and its stated fibre content are important to you.
Bear in mind: the ingredients and allergens may differ from those in plain rice cakes.
Flavoured or coated rice cakes
Choose these if: your group wants a ready-to-eat sweet or savoury snack.
Bear in mind: check the sugar, salt and allergen information on the label for each variety.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and storage | Compare the net weight and number of portions; check how to seal an opened pack. | When sharing coffee with a group, I want enough rice cakes for everyone without opening too many rolls at once. For around 40% of consumers, quantity and storage are the top priorities. |
| Ingredients and children | Read the allergen information on every pack and vary the rice products you give children. | If children or people with food allergies are eating with me, I want to know what’s in each variety. Around 30% of consumers put these checks first. |
| Flavour and texture | Compare the type of rice cake and the nutritional information per 100 g, including fibre, sugar and salt. | For coffee, I’m mainly looking for a flavour or texture that suits the group. Flavour and texture are the deciding factors for around 30% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming one standard roll will be enough
The size of your group and the number of coffee breaks will determine how much you need. Jumbo states that its 130 g plain roll contains around 20 portions, but that doesn’t tell you how much your group will eat.
Check the pack size and number of portions before deciding how many rolls to buy. Take an airtight container with you if you’re opening several rolls.
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Assuming plain rice cakes are suitable for every allergy
Jumbo states that its plain rice cakes may contain sesame and soya. So a simple product name doesn’t tell you enough about possible cross-contamination.
For every variety you buy, check both the ingredients and the allergen information on the pack.
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Giving children rice cakes as a snack every day
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises, as a precaution, against giving children rice products every day, including rice cakes, because rice products can contain arsenic.
For children, vary their snacks with options made from other grains or other suitable products.
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Comparing flavoured varieties on taste alone
Jumbo’s listed Snack A Jacks cheese rice cakes contain milk, may contain soya and have 1.3 g of salt per 100 g. These details don’t necessarily apply to other flavours.
For each variety, compare the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information with those of a plain rice cake.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo offers a 130 g plain rice cake and several other types of rice cakes.
- Jumbo states that its plain roll contains around 20 portions.
- According to the label, this plain variety may contain sesame and soya; check other varieties separately.
PLUS
PLUS lists a 130 g plain roll and 120 g thick multigrain rice cakes.
- For the multigrain variety reviewed, PLUS states 5.3 g of fibre per 100 g, compared with 3.4 g per 100 g for its plain roll.
- Ingredients and nutritional information may change; check the label on the pack you buy.
Sondey (Lidl)
Sondey is a Lidl snack brand. Lidl lists rice cakes in flavours including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, yoghurt and sea salt.
- These flavours offer a range of ready-to-eat options to enjoy with coffee.
- Lidl marks the item in question as available in store only; check the pack for your chosen flavour’s ingredients and nutritional information.
Rice crackers and rice toast on Joybuy
These products are rice crackers and rice toast for sharing over coffee, not rice cakes. Flavour and pack size may help you choose, but they aren’t directly comparable with plain rolls or thick multigrain rice cakes.
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Wo Long Rice Crackers Sichuan Peppercorn, 228 g
A good choice for a group that would like Sichuan peppercorn flavour rather than plain rice cakes. The pack contains 228 g; check the number of portions and the allergens before buying for several people.
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Bin Bin Rice Crackers Coconut Flavour, 150 g
For anyone looking for a coconut flavour to enjoy with coffee. The pack contains 150 g; if you’re buying for a group, check the portions, sugar and allergen information on the label.
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Want Want Senbei Rice Crackers, 112 g
A rice cracker to consider if your group isn’t looking for plain rice cakes. The pack contains 112 g; work out how many packs you need and check the nutritional and allergen information.
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Wumingxiaozu Crispy Rice Crackers Nori Seaweed, 210 g
For a coffee break when you fancy a seaweed flavour. The pack contains 210 g; check the portions and, especially if sharing, read the allergen information.
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Van Der Meulen Rice Toast Natural, 65 g
Plain rice toast for anyone looking for something other than a rice cake. The pack contains 65 g; decide whether that’s enough for your group, and read the allergen information on the physical pack before eating.
Frequently asked questions
Is one roll of rice cakes enough for a group in a hotel room?
Not necessarily. Choose the number of rolls based on the size of your group, the length of your stay and what other snacks you have. Jumbo states that its 130 g plain roll contains around 20 portions, but that won’t be the right amount for every group.
How should I store opened rice cakes in a hotel room?
Keep them dry and sealed. PLUS recommends storing its plain roll in an airtight tin after opening, so a container with a tight-fitting lid is handy if you open any rolls during your stay.
Can children eat rice cakes every day?
As a precaution, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving children rice or rice products every day, including rice cakes, because rice products can contain arsenic. Vary their snacks with other grains and options.
Should I check for allergens in plain rice cakes?
Yes, check the label on plain rice cakes too. Jumbo states that its plain variety may contain sesame and soya; information for one variety won’t necessarily apply to another.
Are rice crackers the same as rice cakes?
No. The rice crackers and rice toast in this product selection are different products from the rice cakes covered in this guide. Choose them if you’re looking for those particular snacks or flavours, and check the ingredients, nutritional information and pack size for each product.