Grains & pasta

Rice, brown, long-grain, raw

FDC 169703cup (185 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 49 · -15 vs Grains & pasta median

Raw long-grain brown rice scores 49 of 100, Fair band, ranking 49 of 60 in Grains & pasta, below the category median of 64. It's excellent in magnesium at 28% DV, with good showings of protein (15% DV) and dietary fiber (13% DV) intact from the bran layer that white rice loses in milling.

This is a raw grain meant for boiling or steaming before eating, not a ready-to-eat food, with a cup (185 grams) of dry rice expanding to several servings once cooked. At 367 calories per 100 grams raw, portioning before cooking matters more than after; rye flour is a higher-scoring whole-grain option in the same category for those comparing on density score alone.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around rice, brown, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 7.5 g · 8%Carb 76.2 g · 84%Fat 3.2 g · 8%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories367 kcal18%
Total fat3.2 g4%
Saturated fat0.59 g3%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium5 mg0%
Carbohydrate76 g28%
Dietary fiber3.6 g13%
Sugars0.66 g
Protein7.5 g15%
Potassium250 mg5%
Calcium9 mg1%
Iron1.3 mg7%
Magnesium116 mg28%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E0.6 mg4%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 169703

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Magnesium28% DV
Protein15% DV
Dietary fiber13% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the grains & pasta median

Nutrient density49 vs 64 median
Protein / 100 g7.5 vs 11 median
Fiber / 100 g3.6 vs 6.7 median
Sodium / 100 g5 vs 5 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Rye flour, lightDensity 50 vs 49Rice flour, brownDensity 51 vs 49Semolina, enrichedDensity 52 vs 49

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Long-grain brown rice keeps its bran and germ layer intact, giving it a chewier bite, nuttier flavor and light tan color compared to white rice, and it takes noticeably longer to cook, typically 40 to 45 minutes simmered in water. It is a staple side for stir-fries, curries, grain bowls, pilafs and stuffed peppers, and its firmer grains hold their shape well in salads and fried rice made a day ahead. Rinsing before cooking removes surface starch for fluffier, more separate grains once cooked.

Raw brown rice should be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dark place, and because its bran layer contains natural oils, it has a shorter shelf life than white rice and keeps best refrigerated or frozen for longer storage. A dry cup weighs 185 g and provides 367 calories per 100 g uncooked, expanding roughly threefold in volume once cooked. Per 100 g raw it supplies 7.54 g protein, 3.6 g fiber and 28% DV magnesium, its top nutrient, making it a solid whole-grain base to build a meal around alongside a protein and vegetables.

Frequently asked questions about rice, brown

How many calories are in raw brown rice?

About 367 calories per 100 g uncooked, though this figure drops per 100 g once cooked as the rice absorbs water.

Is brown rice a good source of magnesium?

Yes, it provides about 28% of the Daily Value for magnesium per 100 g raw, its standout nutrient.

Why does brown rice take longer to cook than white rice?

Its intact bran layer slows water absorption, so it typically needs 40 to 45 minutes of simmering compared to white rice's shorter cook time.

View the USDA source record