How to Buy Rice in Spain – for Vegetarian & Vegan Visitors

As a vegetarian or vegan self-catering in Spain, a pack or two of rice will provide you with the base for a whole range of different meal options.

Rice (arroz) is a staple food in Spanish cuisine – it’s at the very heart of Spain’s much loved national dish, paella. Whether you are planning to prepare some authentic Spanish cuisine or looking for an accompaniment to a favourite dish from home, you will find rice widely available throughout Spain with many different variations. In this post we’ll help you understand the wide range of options of rice available in Spanish supermarkets and shops, as well as choose the type of rice that best suits your cooking needs plus tips for vegetarians and vegans for things to watch out for.

Types of Rice in Spain

In Spanish supermarkets, you will find a wide variety of rice. There is likely to be a large section dedicated to rice. Look for “Arroz” in the dried food section.

Many types of rice will be familiar to you – some perhaps less so. While a bag of long grain or semi long-grain rice will see you through a few meals, don’t forget to take a look and see what other options are available to create some authentic Spanish rice dishes.

Here are the most common types of rice sold in Spain:

Arroz de grano semilargo (semi long-grain rice): Often this will just be labelled “arroz” (rice), and is a good all-purpose staple. This is likely to be among the lowest cost options and will be the supermarket’s own ‘budget’ items.

Arroz redondo (Round rice): This is the most commonly used rice in traditional dishes like paella. It absorbs the flavors of broths and spices very well but can be a bit lumpy in salads as its stickyness means it tends to clump together. It can also be used as a lower cost alternative to bomba rice (read more about the difference between arroz redonda and bomba HERE)

Arroz largo (Long-grain rice): Light and fluffy, perfect for side dishes or salads. It is less common in typical Spanish dishes but is a versatile option.

Arroz integral (Brown rice): A healthy option with more fibre. It usually takes longer to cook but is ideal for nutritious and balanced dishes. Ideal for hot and cold meals and also can be used as an ingredient for things like salads, home made burgers etc.

Arroz bomba (Bomba rice): This premium short grain rice is famous for its ability to absorb liquids without breaking. It is essential for authentic paella dishes. If you are looking for authentic Spanish rice – this is it 🙂

Arroz vaporizado (Parboiled rice): This is a quick-cook rice which has been parboiled as part of the process. You may also know this as ‘easy cook’ rice.

Arroz basmati (Basmati rice): A fragrant long grained rice often paired with curry.

Arroz para sushi (Sushi rice): Increasingly popular, this sticky rice is sold in packages specifically labeled for Asian preparations. This may be alternatively stocked in the international section.

Arroz especial para postres (Dessert rice): Some supermarkets sell rice labeled as “arroz para postres” or “arroz para leche” (dessert rice or rice for milk), which is short-grain and perfect for making rice pudding.

How Rice is Sold in Supermarkets

You are likely to be familiar with how rice is sold in supermarkets in Spain as it’s pretty universal – however here’s what to look for:

Arroz seco (Dry rice): This is the most common form. It is sold in packages of 500 g, 1 kg, or even larger sacks in hypermarkets. Be sure to check the labeling, especially if you are looking for brown or organic rice.

Tarrinas aptas para microondas (Microwaveable rice cups): These cups contain pre-cooked rice ready to heat in just a few minutes. They are convenient for saving time and reducing waste, as they typically contain single servicings.

Platos de arroz preparados (Prepared rice dishes): In the rice section as well as the frozen or canned food section, you can find ready-made rice dishes. However, it is important to read the ingredient list carefully, as some “vegetable rice” products may contain lard or animal derived ingredients.

Buying Rice in Markets and Specialist Shops

Depending on where you are visiting, you may find rice sold loose in some food markets and specialist stores. This can be a great way to try different types of rice and often you will find premium and locally grown rice in markets.

Uses for Different Types of Rice

Of course, there’s no rice police who are going to come round and check you are using the ‘correct’ rice for a dish and one bag of standard long grain rice will go a long way towards a range of meals. However, if you want to try different rice types, here’s some ideas for the best rice for the dish.

• Paellas and traditional rice dishes: Round rice or bomba rice.
• Salads and light dishes: Long-grain or brown rice.
• Soups and stews: Round or brown rice for added texture.
• Desserts: Dessert rice or round rice.
• International cuisine: Sushi rice or long-grain rice, depending on the dish.

Key Brands of Rice in Spain

Most supermarkets in Spain have their own private-label rice, which is often of good quality and competitively priced. Here are some notable options:

• Hacendado: This is the own brand of the supermarket chain Mercadona, a popular supermarket chain. Hacendado offers a wide range of rice types, including bomba, round, and brown rice.
• La Cigala: A well-known national brand available in most supermarkets, offering high-quality options for paella and other traditional dishes.
• SOS: A premium brand recognized for its bomba rice and other specialty rice types. Often considered a top choice for paella enthusiasts.
• Brillante: This brand specializes in convenience products, including microwaveable rice cups and pre-cooked options.

Rice Production in Spain

Spain is one of the largest rice producers in Europe. When you are shopping, keep a look out for locally produced rice for a real authentic experience. The main rice-producing regions include:

• Valencia: Known for its high-quality rice, such as bomba rice, which is grown in the Albufera.
• Delta del Ebro (Catalonia): This region produces rice in a unique environment surrounded by protected wetlands.
• Andalusia: Especially in the Guadalquivir marshlands, where rice is produced for both domestic and international consumption.

These rice fields not only contribute to the local economy but also play a role in ecosystem conservation.

Useful Tips For Buying Rice in Spain

• Consider ready cooked microwaveable rice – if you have a microwave in your accommodation this can be a great choice. While it’s more expensive than packet rice, it will save you in precious time and effort.
• No need to stock up – rice can be bought everywhere! This is something you will find in even the smallest of supermarkets. This will save space as well as reduce waste.
• Always read labels to ensure the products are suitable for your diet – this is particularly important with prepared dishes.
• Explore local markets if you want to try authentic rice from the region.

Enjoy discovering rice in Spain – and creating many wonderful vegetarian and vegan meals to enjoy 🙂 What are your favourite rice dishes to cook? Do you have any tips to share about cooking rice dishes in Spain?