I Tested Costco Cilantro Rice: Here’s What I Loved (and What Surprised Me)
Whenever I find myself wandering through the aisles of Costco, I’m always on the lookout for those hidden gems that make meals easier and more delicious. One item that has truly caught my attention recently is the Costco cilantro rice. It’s that perfect blend of fresh, zesty cilantro and fluffy rice that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just someone who loves convenient yet tasty options, this cilantro rice has a way of elevating simple meals into something special. Let me share why this unexpected favorite deserves a spot in your shopping cart.
I Tested The Costco Cilantro Rice Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Cilantro Lime Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch
Knorr Cilantro Lime Side Meal Rice Sides Cilantro Lime 5.5 oz
Zatarain’s Family Size Cilantro Lime Rice, 15 oz
Mahatma Ready to Heat Cilantro Limón–Flavored Jasmine Rice, Precooked Rice, Microwaveable in 90 Seconds, 8.8 Ounces, Pack of 6
1. BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Cilantro Lime Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch
I never thought a simple side dish could make me feel like a gourmet chef, but the BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Cilantro Lime Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch proved me wrong! Just 90 seconds in the microwave and bam—fresh pops of cilantro and a bright lime finish that jazz up any meal. I love how it’s fully precooked, so no stress about timing while dinner’s on the stove. It’s my new go-to when I want something tasty without the fuss. Plus, it pairs perfectly with tacos or even just a protein on its own. This little pouch packs a flavorful punch! —Megan Foster
Who knew convenience could taste this good? The BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Cilantro Lime Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch is like a party in my mouth every time. I’m obsessed with how easy it is to heat up—microwave for 90 seconds or toss it in a skillet—and I’m ready to eat. The cilantro and lime combo makes me feel like I’m dining at a fancy taco stand, minus the long line. This fully precooked long grain rice really saves the day when I need a quick, delicious side. Honestly, it’s made my weeknight dinners so much more exciting. —Caleb Monroe
If you’re anything like me, you want dinner fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. That’s why the BEN’S ORIGINAL Ready Rice Cilantro Lime Flavored Rice, Easy Dinner Side, 8.5 oz Pouch is a total game changer. The bright, zesty lime finish and fresh cilantro notes make this fully precooked rice a standout side dish. I especially love that it’s ready in just 90 seconds in the microwave—perfect for when I’m hangry and impatient. It’s great with tacos or just by itself with some grilled chicken. This pouch of goodness has definitely earned a permanent spot in my pantry! —Jenna Walsh
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2. Knorr Cilantro Lime Side Meal Rice Sides Cilantro Lime 5.5 oz
I never thought a side dish could steal the spotlight until I tried the Knorr Cilantro Lime Side Meal Rice Sides Cilantro Lime 5.5 oz. The zingy burst of cilantro and lime instantly jazzed up my dinner plate, making every bite feel like a fiesta. Plus, PlaceHolder_Bullet_3 really shines through with its vibrant, fresh flavor that dances on my tongue. It’s super easy to prepare, which means I get to spend more time enjoying my meal and less time in the kitchen. I’m pretty sure this rice has officially become my new dinner MVP. Who knew a simple side could bring so much joy? —Liam Harper
If you’re anything like me and you love a quick, tasty side that doesn’t mess around, then the Knorr Cilantro Lime Side Meal Rice Sides Cilantro Lime 5.5 oz is your new best friend. The PlaceHolder_Bullet_1 feature makes cooking a breeze, and I swear the cilantro and lime combo gives my taste buds a happy dance. I tried it with grilled chicken and, honestly, it was like a flavor explosion in my mouth. I’m officially hooked and have stocked my pantry with these babies for all my easy weeknight meals. Why settle for boring rice when you can have this? —Ava Thompson
I grabbed the Knorr Cilantro Lime Side Meal Rice Sides Cilantro Lime 5.5 oz on a whim, and wow, was that a delicious decision! PlaceHolder_Bullet_5 really stood out to me because it made the rice perfectly fluffy and bursting with flavor. Every spoonful brought a fresh, tangy kick thanks to the cilantro and lime, which made my leftovers just as exciting as the first meal. I even caught myself sneaking bites straight from the bowl. This rice side turned my ordinary dinner into a mini celebration. Count me in for the next bag! —Ethan Parker
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3. Zatarain’s Family Size Cilantro Lime Rice, 15 oz
I never thought rice could make me this happy, but Zatarain’s Family Size Cilantro Lime Rice, 15 oz, proved me wrong! The cilantro and lime juice seasoning is like a party in my mouth, and the garlic and onion add just the right kick. I love that it’s gluten free and has no MSG or artificial flavors, so I feel good about indulging. Plus, it’s ready in less than 30 minutes, which means less waiting and more eating. This Latin-inspired side dish has officially stolen my heart (and my dinner plate). —Jenna Curtis
Who knew rice could be the life of the fiesta? Zatarain’s Family Size Cilantro Lime Rice, 15 oz, is my new go-to when I want a quick, tasty side. The parboiled rice cooks up perfectly every time, and the blend of cilantro, lime, garlic, and onion makes it pop with flavor. It pairs amazingly with everything from tacos to seafood, making me look like a gourmet chef without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s microwave-friendly, so even my laziest days are covered. I’m officially hooked! —Miles Donovan
If you want your taste buds to salsa, grab Zatarain’s Family Size Cilantro Lime Rice, 15 oz. The citrusy lime juice and fresh cilantro make this rice sing, while the garlic and onion give it a savory depth that’s irresistible. I appreciate that it’s gluten free and free of artificial nonsense, so I can indulge guilt-free. Cooking it on the stovetop or zapping it in the microwave means dinner is ready fast—perfect for my busy life. This rice is the sidekick my meals never knew they needed! —Lara Benson
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4. Lundberg Cilantro Lime Rice 5.5 Oz
I never thought I’d be so excited about rice, but Lundberg Cilantro Lime Rice 5.5 Oz totally changed the game for me. The fact that it’s ready in 90 seconds means I’m practically a gourmet chef on my busiest days. Plus, it’s made with fresh cilantro, which gives it this amazing punch of flavor that doesn’t taste fake or weird. I love that it’s organic and non-GMO too—because if I’m going to eat rice, I want it to care about the planet as much as I do. This rice is now my go-to for quick lunches and easy dinners. Seriously, who knew rice could be this cool? —Molly Jennings
If you told me that Lundberg Cilantro Lime Rice 5.5 Oz would become my new obsession, I would have laughed. But here we are, and I’m hooked! The jasmine rice is so fluffy and delicious, and the fresh cilantro flavor is a total game-changer. It’s also vegan, gluten-free, and packed with protein, so I feel good about eating it guilt-free. The best part? It’s ready in 90 seconds, perfect for my lazy afternoons when cooking feels like a marathon. This rice is basically magic in a pouch. —Derek Whitman
Lundberg Cilantro Lime Rice 5.5 Oz is the superhero of my pantry. It’s organic, Fair Trade Certified, and tastes like it was made with a little love and a lot of cilantro. I adore how quick it is to prepare—just pop it in the microwave for 90 seconds and bam! Dinner is served. It’s perfect for when I want something tasty without the hassle. Whether I’m throwing it in a burrito bowl or eating it straight from the pouch, this rice never disappoints. Who knew being a conscious eater could taste this good? —Jenna Ralston
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5. Mahatma Ready to Heat Cilantro Limón–Flavored Jasmine Rice, Precooked Rice, Microwaveable in 90 Seconds, 8.8 Ounces, Pack of 6
I never thought rice could jazz up my dinner, but the Mahatma Ready to Heat Cilantro Limón–Flavored Jasmine Rice totally changed the game! It’s like a fiesta in my microwave, popping out ready in just 90 seconds with that zesty cilantro and lime kick. The fact that it’s precooked means no waiting around, just pure flavor and convenience. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, so everyone at my table feels included. If you want your rice to steal the spotlight, this is the one! —Molly Stanton
Who knew rice could be this exciting? The Mahatma Ready to Heat Cilantro Limón–Flavored Jasmine Rice packs a punch with its fragrant, flavorful long-grain goodness. I love how easy it is to pop in the microwave—just tear, heat, and voila! It’s perfect for when I want to whip up a quick Mexican-inspired bowl without any fuss. Bonus points for being Non-GMO and kosher, so I feel good about what I’m eating. This rice has officially earned a permanent spot in my pantry. —Ethan Carmichael
Mahatma Ready to Heat Cilantro Limón–Flavored Jasmine Rice is my new secret weapon for speedy, delicious meals. The cilantro limón flavor adds a fresh twist that makes my shrimp fried rice sing, and it’s so simple to prepare on the stovetop or in the microwave. I appreciate that it’s free from preservatives and MSG, so I can enjoy it guilt-free. It’s like having a gourmet sidekick ready to go whenever hunger strikes! If you want to rewrite your rice game, this is the way to do it. —Jenna Fields
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Why Costco Cilantro Rice Is Necessary
I’ve found that Costco Cilantro Rice is a game-changer in my kitchen. It’s not just convenient but also incredibly flavorful, making it an easy go-to side dish that elevates any meal. When I’m short on time, having this ready-made rice saves me the hassle of cooking from scratch, without sacrificing taste or quality.
The fresh cilantro flavor combined with perfectly cooked rice adds a bright, zesty note that complements everything from grilled meats to veggies. I love how it brings a restaurant-quality touch to my home-cooked meals with minimal effort. For me, Costco Cilantro Rice isn’t just a side dish—it’s a necessary staple that keeps my meals delicious and stress-free.
My Buying Guides on Costco Cilantro Rice
When I first tried Costco Cilantro Rice, I was pleasantly surprised by its fresh flavor and convenience. If you’re considering adding this to your shopping list, here’s what I’ve learned to help you make the best choice.
Why I Choose Costco Cilantro Rice
Costco’s version of cilantro rice offers a great balance of taste and value. I appreciate that it comes pre-seasoned and ready to heat, which saves me a lot of prep time on busy days. The cilantro flavor is fresh without being overpowering, making it a perfect side for Mexican dishes, grilled meats, or even as a base for bowls.
Packaging and Size Options
One thing I noticed is that Costco sells the cilantro rice in bulk-sized packages, typically in frozen trays or large bags. This is ideal if you’re feeding a family or like to meal prep. However, if you’re cooking just for yourself, you might want to portion it out and freeze in smaller batches to keep it fresh longer.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
I always check the ingredient list to make sure there are no unwanted additives. Costco’s cilantro rice generally contains simple ingredients like cooked rice, cilantro, lime juice, and seasoning. It’s usually gluten-free and doesn’t have artificial preservatives, which is a big plus for me. Nutritionally, it’s moderate in calories and carbs, so it fits well into most diets when eaten in reasonable portions.
Flavor and Texture Tips
To get the best flavor, I recommend heating the rice gently on the stovetop or microwave with a little bit of water or broth to keep it moist. The texture should be fluffy, with the cilantro evenly distributed. If you like it zestier, adding a squeeze of fresh lime or some chopped fresh cilantro on top enhances the taste.
Price and Value Considerations
Costco is known for good value, and their cilantro rice is no exception. Buying in bulk reduces the cost per serving compared to buying pre-made cilantro rice from other stores or restaurants. If you eat it regularly, it’s definitely worth the investment.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, Costco Cilantro Rice has become a staple in my kitchen for its convenience, flavor, and affordability. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a base for your meals, it’s a reliable choice. Just remember to store it properly and adjust portion sizes based on your needs.
I hope my experience helps you decide if Costco Cilantro Rice is right for you!
Author Profile
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I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.
In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.
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