# Goya Rice and Red Bean > 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-rice-and-red-bean-7-oz - **Slug:** `goya-rice-and-red-bean-7-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods The mix contains industrial ingredients and additives (maltodextrin, hydrolyzed proteins, anticaking agents, flavor blends, emulsifiers) and is a ready-to-heat multi-ingredient product, consistent with NOVA group 4 ultra-processed foods. ## Review Goya Rice and Red Bean is a small, microwaveable seasoned rice-and-bean mix sold in a 7-ounce pouch and usually stocked in the international foods aisle or near other rice mixes, canned and dried beans, and Goya branded Latin pantry staples. The label pitches a quick, home-style Latin dish — “classic” rice and red beans — that promises convenience for busy families: microwaveable instructions are printed on the inner pouch and the box copy emphasizes a 30-minute finish. It positions itself as an accessible piece of Latino culinary culture, aimed at shoppers seeking familiar Caribbean/Latin flavors or an easy accompaniment to meats, chicken or fish; marketing leans on tradition and family meals rather than gourmet claims. On-pack claims are modest — “cholesterol free,” “trans fat 0 g,” and “fat free” — but there is no organic certification and no strong “all natural” seal; the ingredients list includes “natural flavor” but also several processed additives and anticaking agents. Sensory expectations: rehydrated long-grain parboiled rice that cooks fluffy, soft red beans with a slightly pasty mouthfeel from dehydrated components, and a savory, slightly smoky ham-like umami from a powdered ham flavor and yeast extracts; dried bell peppers, onion granules and oregano add familiar aromatic notes. The product reads as a convenience food: pre-measured, shelf-stable, quick to prepare, often used on weeknights, for potlucks or as a pantry standby during storm prep. Processing context: a highly processed, multi-ingredient convenience mix that combines real pulses with dehydrated vegetables, flavorings and functional additives to ensure shelf stability and consistent taste. ## 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:** 570mg (25% DV) - **Total carbs:** 34g (12% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 2g (7% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Protein:** 4g ## Ingredients Long Grain Enriched Parboiled White Rice (Rice Enriched with Iron [Ferric Orthophosphate], Niacin, Thiamin [Thiamine Mononitrate] and Folic Acid), Dehydrated Red Beans (Small Red Beans, Sugar, Calcium Chloride), Red Bean Powder (Red Beans, Corn Starch, Sunflower Lecithin), Salt, Granulated Garlic, Dehydrated Green Bell Pepper, Toasted Minced Onion, Ham Flavor (Salt, Yeast Extract, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Sunflower Oil, Palm Oil, Natural Flavor, Silicon Dioxide as Anti-Caking Agent), Dehydrated Onion Granules, Dehydrated Red Bell Peppers, Tomato Powder, Ground Oregano, Ground Bay Leaves, Ground Cumin, Silicon Dioxide as Anticaking Agent. ## Flagged ingredients - **Sunflower Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Palm Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Sunflower Lecithin** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier ## Context tags - **Occasions:** weeknight-dinner, game-day-prep, storm-prep - **Vibes:** convenient, comforting, nostalgic ## FAQ ### Is Goya Rice and Red Bean healthy? Well, 'healthy' can mean different things to different people! This dish has a decent amount of protein and fiber for a side, but it's also higher in sodium (570 mg per serving) than some folks might prefer. If you're looking for a quick meal or side that satisfies without a ton of fuss, it can definitely fit into a balanced diet. ### Is Goya Rice and Red Bean vegan? Nope, it’s not vegan! The ham flavoring in the mix gives it that savory kick, but it does come from animal sources. So if you're on a plant-based journey, you might want to skip this one or find a creative substitute. ### Is Goya Rice and Red Bean gluten-free? Yes, you’re in the clear here! This product is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just be sure to check the rest of your meal for any hidden gluten! ### Does Goya Rice and Red Bean contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain some seed oils, specifically sunflower and palm oil. These oils are often used for flavor and texture, and while they're not the most nutrient-dense options, they’re commonly found in processed foods. Moderation is key, as part of a varied diet! ### Does Goya Rice and Red Bean contain artificial sweeteners? No artificial sweeteners here! This product keeps it real without any sneaky sugar substitutes. The sweetness you might taste comes from the natural ingredients, like the dehydrated red beans. ### Is Goya Rice and Red Bean high in sugar? Not at all! In fact, it’s low in sugar, with only 1 gram per serving. If you’re watching your sugar intake, this dish won’t throw you off track. ### What are healthier alternatives to Goya Rice and Red Bean? If you're looking for something with more fiber or protein, consider making your own rice and bean dish with brown rice and black beans. You could also try quinoa for a protein boost or even lentils for added nutrients. The homemade route gives you full control over the ingredients! ### Can kids eat Goya Rice and Red Bean? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy this as a side or a quick meal option. Just keep an eye on the sodium content if you're serving it regularly, and pair it with some veggies for a well-rounded plate. ### Is Goya Rice and Red Bean good for weight loss? It can fit into a weight loss plan, especially if you're looking for something filling without a ton of calories. Just be mindful of the portion size and pair it with plenty of veggies or lean proteins to keep it balanced! ### Is Goya Rice and Red Bean ultra-processed? While it's not the most 'whole food' option out there, I'd say it's more on the processed than ultra-processed side. It contains a variety of ingredients, but many are common in packaged foods. Just remember, a little convenience now and then is totally okay! ## Related products - [Goya Vegan Yellow Rice Mix with Chick Peas](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-vegan-yellow-rice-mix-with-chick-peas-7-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-vegan-yellow-rice-mix-with-chick-peas-7-oz - [Goya Sazon Culantro Achiote Econo](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sazon-goya-sazon-culantro-achiote-econo-352-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sazon-goya-sazon-culantro-achiote-econo-352-oz - [Goya Black Beans Low Sodium](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-black-beans-low-sodium-29-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-black-beans-low-sodium-29-oz - [Goya Chick Peas Low Sodium](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-chick-peas-low-sodium-29-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-chick-peas-low-sodium-29-oz - [Goya Stuffed Manzanilla Olives](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-stuffed-manzanilla-olives-675-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-stuffed-manzanilla-olives-675-oz - [Old El Paso Super Stuffer Taco Shells](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/old-el-paso-super-stuffer-taco-shells-660-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/old-el-paso-super-stuffer-taco-shells-660-oz - [Goya Spanish Olives Stuffed with Minced Anchovies](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-spanish-olives-stuffed-with-minced-anchovies-525-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-spanish-olives-stuffed-with-minced-anchovies-525-oz - [Goya Chicken Bouillon Reduced Sodium](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-chicken-bouillon-reduced-sodium-282-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-chicken-bouillon-reduced-sodium-282-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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