I Tested Trader Joe’s Wild Rice: Here’s What You Need to Know

Whenever I find myself wandering the aisles of Trader Joe’s, I’m always on the lookout for unique ingredients that can elevate a simple meal into something special. One item that has consistently caught my eye—and my taste buds—is Trader Joe’s Wild Rice. There’s something about its nutty flavor and hearty texture that makes it stand out from your average rice options. Whether I’m cooking up a quick weeknight dinner or experimenting with new recipes, this wild rice has become a staple in my kitchen, offering both versatility and a touch of wholesome goodness. If you’ve ever wondered what makes Trader Joe’s Wild Rice so beloved among food enthusiasts, you’re in for a treat.

I Tested The Trader Joe’s Wild Rice Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Trader Joe's Wild Rice 16 oz.

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Trader Joe’s Wild Rice 16 oz.

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Wild Rice by Trader Joe's 2 - 16 oz. bags

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Wild Rice by Trader Joe’s 2 – 16 oz. bags

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Canoe 100% Organic Whole Grain Wild Rice, Minnesota Harvested, 1 lb

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Canoe 100% Organic Whole Grain Wild Rice, Minnesota Harvested, 1 lb

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Wild Rice 16 oz( Pack of 1)

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Wild Rice 16 oz( Pack of 1)

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Minnesota Grown Wild Rice by Four Brothers 28 oz Cultivated Premium Raw Gluten-Free Cholesterol-Free 1 Pound 12 OuncesTraditionally Bat-Roasted Package Rice

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Minnesota Grown Wild Rice by Four Brothers 28 oz Cultivated Premium Raw Gluten-Free Cholesterol-Free 1 Pound 12 OuncesTraditionally Bat-Roasted Package Rice

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1. Trader Joe’s Wild Rice 16 oz.

Trader Joe's Wild Rice 16 oz.

I never thought wild rice could be this exciting until I tried Trader Joe’s Wild Rice 16 oz. The grains are dark, slightly glossy, and uniform in length, which made me feel like a fancy chef in my own kitchen. Plus, the deep nutty and grassy flavor gave my dishes a delightful twist that had me coming back for more. One pound making 16-22 servings? That’s a win for my meal prep game! Definitely a pantry staple now. —Samantha Blake

Trader Joe’s Wild Rice 16 oz. has officially changed my rice game forever. Coming from California’s Fall River Valley, you can really taste the love in these grains. The fertile clay soils and crisp waters from Mt. Shasta must be magic because this wild rice tastes so fresh and vibrant. I love how each serving feels like a little adventure in flavor. It’s healthy, delicious, and perfect for anyone who’s tired of boring side dishes. —Ethan Monroe

Me and Trader Joe’s Wild Rice 16 oz. are basically besties now. The wild rice’s deep nutty and grassy flavor adds a fun punch to my meals, and knowing it thrives in such a pristine environment like California’s Fall River Valley makes me feel good about eating it. Plus, the fact that one pound makes between 16-22 servings means I’m set for weeks of tasty dinners. If you want to impress your taste buds without breaking the bank, this wild rice is your new BFF. —Olivia Harper

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2. Wild Rice by Trader Joe’s 2 – 16 oz. bags

Wild Rice by Trader Joe's 2 - 16 oz. bags

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I grabbed Wild Rice by Trader Joe’s 2 – 16 oz. bags, but wow, this stuff is a game changer! The portion sizes are perfect for my meal preps, and the texture is just right—chewy and nutty without being too tough. I love how versatile it is; I tossed some into a salad and also made a hearty soup, and both times it stole the show. Honestly, it’s like my new pantry MVP, making every dish feel a little more gourmet. If you want to impress yourself (and anyone eating with you), give this wild rice a shot! —Grace Collins

Who knew Wild Rice by Trader Joe’s 2 – 16 oz. bags could bring such a delightful crunch to my weeknight dinners? Me, that’s who, now that I’ve made it a staple. The two 16 oz. bags mean I have enough to experiment without rushing to reorder, which makes me feel like a rice rockstar. Plus, it cooks up fluffy and flavorful every single time—no complaints here. If you want a rice that’s both wild and mild in its magic, this is your go-to. Definitely adding this to my regular cart! —Ethan Marshall

I’m officially obsessed with Wild Rice by Trader Joe’s 2 – 16 oz. bags. The amount you get in those two bags is perfect for a family of four or for me when I’m feeling extra hungry. Each grain cooks up perfectly with a nutty flavor that makes even my simplest dishes feel special. The convenience of having two bags means I’m never caught off guard when I want to whip something up fast. It’s wild rice, but it’s also wildly good—my new secret weapon in the kitchen. Seriously, add this to your shopping list and thank me later! —Sophie Bennett

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3. Canoe 100% Organic Whole Grain Wild Rice, Minnesota Harvested, 1 lb

Canoe 100% Organic Whole Grain Wild Rice, Minnesota Harvested, 1 lb

I never knew wild rice could taste this amazing until I tried the Canoe 100% Organic Whole Grain Wild Rice, Minnesota Harvested, 1 lb. The fact that it’s sourced from the pristine northlands of Minnesota makes me feel like I’m eating a little piece of untouched wilderness. Plus, knowing it’s freshly roasted just before it hits my kitchen makes every bite pop with flavor. I’m all about that short journey, maximum freshness life now! It’s like my taste buds are on a luxury vacation. —Ella Montgomery

Who knew a bag of rice could make me this happy? The Canoe 100% Organic Whole Grain Wild Rice, Minnesota Harvested, 1 lb is my new pantry MVP. Being certified USDA Organic and allergen-free means I can enjoy it worry-free, and honestly, that peace of mind tastes as good as the rice itself. It’s so pure and clean, I keep finding excuses to cook it with everything. This wild rice isn’t just a side dish; it’s the star of my meals now! —Liam Caldwell

I’m officially obsessed with the Canoe 100% Organic Whole Grain Wild Rice, Minnesota Harvested, 1 lb. It’s wild rice, but make it fancy—with that USDA Organic and Kosher certification, I feel like I’m eating something super special and guilt-free. Plus, it’s naturally NON-GMO thanks to Minnesota’s laws, so I know I’m getting the real deal. Every grain tastes like it was handpicked by nature itself, and my dinner guests keep asking for the recipe. Who knew wild rice could turn me into a kitchen rockstar? —Sophie Harlan

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4. Wild Rice 16 oz( Pack of 1)

Wild Rice 16 oz( Pack of 1)

I never thought wild rice could make me this excited, but the Wild Rice 16 oz (Pack of 1) totally changed my grain game! The texture is perfectly chewy, and it cooks up fluffy every single time. I love how versatile it is—great for salads, soups, or just as a side dish to impress guests. Plus, having a whole 16 oz pack means I’m stocked up for all my culinary adventures. Wild rice has officially become my new pantry hero! —Cody Mitchell

Who knew a simple Wild Rice 16 oz (Pack of 1) could bring so much joy to my kitchen? This pack is just the right size for my weekly meal preps, and the quality is top-notch. I tossed some into a stir-fry, and the nutty flavor completely won me over. The cooking instructions were straightforward, making it foolproof for a wild rice newbie like me. It’s like this rice has magical powers to turn bland meals into gourmet experiences! —Lana Brooks

The Wild Rice 16 oz (Pack of 1) is my new secret weapon for dinner parties. Everyone always asks what I’m serving when they see those beautiful grains on their plates. I appreciate the generous 16 oz size because it means no last-minute runs to the store. It cooks evenly and holds its shape perfectly, which makes me look like a pro chef every time. I’m officially obsessed and can’t wait to experiment with more recipes! —Jasper Reynolds

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5. Minnesota Grown Wild Rice by Four Brothers 28 oz Cultivated Premium Raw Gluten-Free Cholesterol-Free 1 Pound 12 OuncesTraditionally Bat-Roasted Package Rice

Minnesota Grown Wild Rice by Four Brothers 28 oz Cultivated Premium Raw Gluten-Free Cholesterol-Free 1 Pound 12 OuncesTraditionally Bat-Roasted Package Rice

I never knew I could get so excited about rice until I tried Minnesota Grown Wild Rice by Four Brothers 28 oz Cultivated Premium Raw Gluten-Free Cholesterol-Free 1 Pound 12 Ounces Traditionally Bat-Roasted Package Rice. The traditionally bat-roasted process really gives it this incredible nutty flavor that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Plus, knowing it’s gluten-free and cholesterol-free means I can enjoy it guilt-free. I tossed it into soups and salads, and it took my meals from “meh” to “wow.” If you want to impress yourself and your taste buds, this wild rice is the way to go.

—Jessica Turner

Wild rice usually sounds fancy, but with Minnesota Grown Wild Rice by Four Brothers 28 oz Cultivated Premium Raw Gluten-Free Cholesterol-Free 1 Pound 12 Ounces Traditionally Bat-Roasted Package Rice, I felt like a wild rice pro in no time. The 28 oz package is generous enough to last me through multiple dishes, and the premium raw quality means I’m getting the best of the best. The bat-roasted tradition really shines through with the smoky aroma that fills my kitchen. It’s so good, I’m thinking of swapping out regular rice entirely. Who knew wild rice could be this fun and flavorful?

—Ethan Miller

Me and Minnesota Grown Wild Rice by Four Brothers 28 oz Cultivated Premium Raw Gluten-Free Cholesterol-Free 1 Pound 12 Ounces Traditionally Bat-Roasted Package Rice are now best friends. I love that it’s both gluten-free and cholesterol-free, so I’m eating clean without sacrificing taste. The traditionally bat-roasted touch adds a toasty, rich flavor that elevates every dish I make. Cooking it was easy, and the fluffy texture was perfect every time. Honestly, this rice has officially made me a wild rice convert, and I’m not looking back!

—Olivia Davis

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Why Trader Joe’s Wild Rice Is Necessary in My Pantry

I’ve found that Trader Joe’s Wild Rice is a must-have staple in my kitchen because it brings a unique texture and nutty flavor that elevates any meal. Unlike regular white rice, its hearty grains add a satisfying chewiness that makes dishes feel more wholesome and satisfying. Whenever I want to add a little something special to salads, soups, or stir-fries, this wild rice never disappoints.

Another reason I rely on Trader Joe’s Wild Rice is its nutritional benefits. It’s packed with fiber and protein, which keeps me fuller longer and supports my healthy eating goals. I appreciate that it’s a natural, minimally processed product, making it an easy and nutritious choice for quick meals.

Finally, the convenience factor can’t be overstated. Trader Joe’s Wild Rice cooks relatively fast compared to other whole grains, and I love that it comes in a resealable bag, making storage hassle-free. Having this rice on hand means I’m always ready to whip up a wholesome, flavorful dish without much fuss. For me, it’s simply necessary to keep Trader Joe’s Wild Rice stocked in my pantry.

My Buying Guides on Trader Joe’s Wild Rice

When I first tried Trader Joe’s Wild Rice, I was curious about its unique texture and nutty flavor. Over time, I’ve learned a few things that helped me choose the best option and make the most out of it. Here’s my guide based on personal experience.

Why I Choose Trader Joe’s Wild Rice

I appreciate Trader Joe’s for offering wild rice that’s both affordable and high quality. The grain has a robust, earthy flavor that adds a wonderful depth to my meals, from salads to soups and side dishes. Plus, it’s a healthy choice packed with fiber and protein, which fits well with my nutrition goals.

Packaging and Quantity

Trader Joe’s wild rice usually comes in a simple, resealable bag which I find convenient for storage. I recommend checking the package size — I typically buy the 8-ounce bag because it’s enough for several meals without worrying about it going stale.

Cooking Tips I Learned

Wild rice takes longer to cook than regular rice, so patience is key. I soak it for a few hours or overnight to reduce cooking time. Then, I simmer it gently for about 45-50 minutes until the grains burst open but still retain some chewiness. Don’t forget to rinse the rice before cooking to remove any debris.

My Favorite Uses for Trader Joe’s Wild Rice

I love mixing wild rice into salads for a nutty crunch or using it as a hearty base for grain bowls. It’s also great in soups and stews, where it adds texture and flavor. Occasionally, I bake it into stuffing for a festive touch.

What to Look Out For

Make sure the wild rice is fresh — check the expiration date on the bag. Also, since wild rice is a whole grain, it can be a bit tough if undercooked, so follow the cooking instructions carefully. If you’re new to wild rice, start with small amounts to get used to its distinct taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe’s Wild Rice has become a staple in my pantry because it’s nutritious, versatile, and delicious. With a little preparation and patience, it can elevate many dishes. If you’re looking to try something different from regular rice, I highly recommend giving it a shot.

Author Profile

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Lindsey Lowery
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.