# Goya Pilaf Rice Mix > 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-pilaf-rice-mix-7-oz - **Slug:** `goya-pilaf-rice-mix-7-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains multiple industrial ingredients and additives (maltodextrin, modified starch, monosodium glutamate, anticaking agents, enzyme-modified butter, natural flavors) and is a formulated convenience product, consistent with NOVA group 4 (ultra-processed). ## Review Goya Pilaf Rice Mix is a compact boxed side-dish mix you’d find in the ethnic/international aisle or near rice, boxed side dishes, and packeted grains. Its shelf presence complements other convenience mixes—stuffing, flavored rice, and ready pilafs—often shelved near Latin American sauces and canned beans. This 7 oz mix is positioned as a quick, flavorful accompaniment for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and buffet-style gatherings: a go-to for busy families wanting a savory rice side without much prep. Brand-wise, Goya leans into Latino culinary heritage and pantry staples, marketed toward shoppers seeking familiar regional flavors and convenient, household-ready products. The label highlights enriched rice and traditional seasonings; there are implied taste and authenticity cues rather than organic or “all-natural” claims, and no USDA organic seal. Visuals and copy emphasize family meals and tradition rather than kid-targeted mascots. In plain processing terms, the product is a processed convenience mix combining enriched grains, flavorings, and texture-stabilizing ingredients. Sensory notes: the pilaf yields fluffy parboiled long grain rice punctuated by small toasted-orzo pearls for a slightly chewy contrast, with savory chicken-flavored seasoning, bright turmeric color, and a garlicky-oniony aroma; butter flavorings and MSG/yeast extract deepen umami. Packaging is a small cardboard box with inner seasoning packet(s), intended for stovetop simmering where the ritual includes toasting, boiling, and fluffing before serving. It’s often used as a quick side for roasted meats, a base for mixed bowls, or an easy favorite for weeknight family dinners and potluck-style gatherings. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.25 - **Servings per container:** 4.5 - **Calories:** 160 - **Total fat:** 0.5g (1% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 580mg (25% DV) - **Total carbs:** 34g (12% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 2g - **Protein:** 4g ## Ingredients Long Grain Enriched Parboiled White Rice (Rice Enriched with Iron [Ferric Orthophosphate], Niacin, Thiamine [Thiamine Mononitrate] and Folic Acid), Enriched Toasted Orzo (Wheat, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin and Folic Acid), Chicken Flavor (Salt, Monosodium Glutamate, Sugar, Yeast Extract, Maltodextrin, Granulated Onion, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavor, Silicon Dioxide as Anticaking Agent, Granulated Garlic, Spices and Parsley), Granulated Onion, Granulated Garlic, Butter Flavor (Whey Solids, Enzyme Modified Butter, Maltodextrin, Salt, Dehydrated Butter, Guar Gum, Annatto and Turmeric for Color), Salt, Modified Tapioca Starch and Turmeric. ## Flagged ingredients - **Monosodium Glutamate** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Annatto** (additive): Artificial coloring - **Turmeric** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** meal-prep-sunday, back-to-school, game-day-prep - **Vibes:** convenient, comforting, nostalgic ## FAQ ### Is Goya Pilaf Rice Mix healthy? Well, 'healthy' can mean different things to different people! This mix has some beneficial nutrients like iron and folic acid, but it also has a good amount of sodium at 580mg per serving. If you're looking for a quick side dish that’s tasty and easy, it fits the bill, but moderation is key, especially if you're watching your salt intake. ### Is Goya Pilaf Rice Mix vegan? Nope, it's not vegan! The mix contains enriched toasted orzo, which is made from wheat and contains dairy-derived ingredients like whey solids. So if you’re sticking to a plant-based diet, you’ll want to skip this one. ### Is Goya Pilaf Rice Mix gluten-free? Unfortunately, this mix is not gluten-free. The toasted orzo contains wheat, so if you have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, it's best to steer clear. There are plenty of gluten-free rice mixes available if that’s a concern for you! ### Does Goya Pilaf Rice Mix contain seed oils? Nope, you won’t find any seed oils in this mix! Instead, it gets its flavor from chicken fat and a blend of spices. So if you’re avoiding seed oils, you can rest easy with this one. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? No artificial sweeteners here! The mix does have a bit of sugar, but it’s not from any synthetic sources. So, it’s a straightforward flavor enhancer without the fake stuff. ### Is Goya Pilaf Rice Mix high in sugar? Not at all! With only 2 grams of total sugars per serving, it’s pretty low on the sugar scale. So if you're looking for a savory dish without the sweet stuff, this mix has got you covered. ### What are healthier alternatives to Goya Pilaf Rice Mix? If you're looking for something a bit more wholesome, consider making your own pilaf with brown rice or quinoa, adding your favorite veggies and spices. Or, you could try a whole grain rice mix that’s free from additives. There are lots of options out there that give you more control over the ingredients! ### Can kids eat Goya Pilaf Rice Mix? Absolutely! Kids usually love the savory flavors, and it can be a fun side dish. Just keep an eye on the sodium content if you’re serving it regularly, and balance it out with some fresh veggies or a protein. ### Is Goya Pilaf Rice Mix good for weight loss? It can be part of a balanced diet, but it’s not a magic weight loss food. With 160 calories per serving, it’s not too heavy, but the sodium content might be a consideration if you're watching your intake. Pairing it with lean proteins and veggies can help keep your meals satisfying. ### Is Goya Pilaf Rice Mix ultra-processed? Yes, it’s considered ultra-processed due to the use of ingredients like chicken flavoring and modified starch. While it's not the most 'natural' option, many of us enjoy the convenience of such mixes. 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