# Goya Mexican Rice, Chicken Flavor > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Goya - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** International & World Foods - **Size:** 7 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-mexican-rice-chicken-flavor-7-oz - **Slug:** `goya-mexican-rice-chicken-flavor-7-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrial formulations and additives (monosodium glutamate, maltodextrin, anticaking agents, artificial color) and is a ready-to-cook seasoned mix, which fits the NOVA ultraprocessed category. ## Review Goya Mexican Rice, Chicken Flavor is a shelf-stable boxed rice mix that sits on the grocery aisle alongside other flavored rice sides, Hispanic pantry staples and quick-cook grains — think near beans, canned tomatoes, tortillas and one-pan meal helpers. Shoppers grab it for quick weeknight dinners, potluck side dishes, or when they want an easy Latin-flavored accompaniment to grilled chicken, pork chops or tacos. The Goya brand carries strong cultural associations with Latin American and Caribbean cooking; this product is positioned as an accessible, budget-friendly pantry staple for families and home cooks seeking familiar regional flavors without lengthy prep. The front label leans on convenience and taste — callouts such as 0 g trans fat, gluten free, cholesterol free and fat free create health halos, while there are no organic or non-GMO certifications and the ingredient list includes artificial color (Yellow No. 5) and flavor additives. In plain terms, this is a seasoned, processed rice mix made to be rehydrated on the stovetop or in a covered pan; it contains flavor enhancers (MSG), maltodextrin and anticaking agents to preserve texture. Sensory cues: when cooked it yields fluffy, slightly glossy long-grain rice studded with soft whole kernel corn, rehydrated bell pepper and tomato flakes, and a savory, salty chicken-seasoning aroma with a mild kick from jalapeño. Packaging is a compact 7 oz box or inner pouch meant for quick shelf storage; the ritual is simple — open, add rice and water, simmer and fluff, making it a familiar, convenient side that evokes midweek comfort and no-fuss Latin-inspired meals. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.25 - **Servings per container:** 4.5 - **Calories:** 160 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 540mg (23% DV) - **Total carbs:** 35g (13% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Protein:** 3g ## Ingredients Long Grain Enriched Parboiled White Rice (Rice Enriched with Iron [Ferric Orthophosphate], Niacin, Thiamine [Thiamine Mononitrate] and Folic Acid), Chicken Flavor (Salt, Monosodium Glutamate, Sugar, Yeast Extract, Maltodextrin, Granulated Onion, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavor, Silicon Dioxide, Garlic, Spices, Parsley), Whole Kernel Corn, Dehydrated Tomato Flakes, Dehydrated Green Bell Peppers, Tomato Powder, Monosodium Glutamate, Dehydrated Cumin, Sugar, Dehydrated Jalapeno Pepper, Dehydrated Granulated Garlic, Dehydrated Granulated Garlic, Dehydrated Parsley, Yellow No. 5, Silicon Dioxide as Anticaking Agent, Chili Pepper, Annatoo. ## Flagged ingredients - **Yellow No. 5** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, back-to-school, meal-prep-sunday - **Vibes:** convenient, comforting, nostalgic, practical ## FAQ ### Is Goya Mexican Rice healthy? The healthiness of Goya Mexican Rice really depends on your dietary goals. It’s low in sugar and offers a decent amount of carbs, making it a good option for a quick side dish. However, with 540mg of sodium per serving, it may not be the best choice if you're watching your salt intake. ### Is Goya Mexican Rice vegan? Nope, Goya Mexican Rice is not vegan. It contains chicken flavor, which includes chicken fat, so if you’re avoiding animal products, you might want to pass on this one. ### Is Goya Mexican Rice gluten-free? Yes! Goya Mexican Rice is gluten-free, making it a great option for those who are sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease. You can enjoy it without worrying about any hidden gluten ingredients. ### Does Goya Mexican Rice contain seed oils? Not at all! Goya Mexican Rice doesn’t contain any seed oils, which is a plus if you’re trying to avoid those. Instead, it gets its flavor from chicken fat and other seasonings, which can be a more traditional choice. ### Does Goya Mexican Rice contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, no artificial sweeteners here! The only sweeteners in Goya Mexican Rice are natural sugars from the ingredients, like the dehydrated vegetables, so you can enjoy it without any guilt about hidden sweeteners. ### Is Goya Mexican Rice high in sugar? Not at all! Goya Mexican Rice is low in sugar, with only 1g of total sugars per serving. This makes it a suitable option if you're trying to keep your sugar intake in check. ### What are healthier alternatives to Goya Mexican Rice? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider making your own Mexican rice with brown rice, fresh tomatoes, and spices. This way, you can control the ingredients and sodium levels. Quinoa or cauliflower rice can also be great substitutes for a nutritious twist! ### Can kids eat Goya Mexican Rice? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy Goya Mexican Rice as a tasty side dish. Just keep an eye on the sodium content if you're serving it to little ones, and consider balancing it with some fresh veggies or a lean protein for a well-rounded meal. ### Is Goya Mexican Rice good for weight loss? It can fit into a weight-loss plan, especially if you're looking for a filling side that won't break the calorie bank. Just be mindful of the sodium content, and pair it with lean proteins and veggies to create a balanced meal. ### Is Goya Mexican Rice ultra-processed? While Goya Mexican Rice is processed, it doesn’t quite reach the level of ultra-processed foods like sugary snacks or fast food. It contains a mix of enriched rice and seasonings, so while it’s not the most whole-food option, it’s not the worst either. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation! ## Related products - [Ortega Fajita Seasoning Packet 12 ct](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ortega-fajita-seasoning-packet-12-ct-1-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ortega-fajita-seasoning-packet-12-ct-1-oz - [Old El Paso Dinner Kit, Crunchy Taco](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/old-el-paso-dinner-kit-crunchy-taco-880-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/old-el-paso-dinner-kit-crunchy-taco-880-oz - [Goya Spanish Capers](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-spanish-capers-225-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-spanish-capers-225-oz - [Ortega Original Mild Salsa](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ortega-original-mild-salsa-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ortega-original-mild-salsa-16-oz - [Goya Cut Leaf Spinach](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-cut-leaf-spinach-16-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-cut-leaf-spinach-16-oz - [Goya Bouillon, Powdered Chicken](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-bouillon-powdered-chicken-282-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-bouillon-powdered-chicken-282-oz - [Old El Paso Stand n Stuff Taco Shells](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/old-el-paso-stand-n-stuff-taco-shells-940-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/old-el-paso-stand-n-stuff-taco-shells-940-oz - [Goya Salad Olives](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-salad-olives-7-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-salad-olives-7-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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