# Old El Paso Spicy Southwest Rice > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Old El Paso - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** International & World Foods - **Size:** 8.80 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/old-el-paso-spicy-southwest-rice-880-oz - **Slug:** `old-el-paso-spicy-southwest-rice-880-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrially processed ingredients and additives (artificial flavor, dextrose, silicon dioxide, seasoning mix) and is a ready‑to‑heat formulated product, consistent with NOVA Group 4 ultraprocessed foods. ## Review Old El Paso Spicy Southwest Rice is a shelf-oriented convenience side that reads like a fast take on Tex‑Mex pantry fare. You'd typically find the 8.8‑ounce package in the pasta & rice or Mexican foods aisle, shelved near taco shells, jarred salsas, prepackaged beans and other seasoned rice mixes. It fits into rushed weeknight dinners, game‑day spreads and back‑to‑school grocery runs where shoppers want a quick, flavor-forward side without chopping or long cooking. The Old El Paso brand positions itself as approachable Tex‑Mex for families — nostalgic, family-friendly marketing that appeals to parents looking for crowd-pleasing, kid‑approved flavors and time-savers. The label leans on bold flavor cues (“Spicy Southwest”) and bright, playful packaging rather than claims of naturalness; there are no organic or minimally processed certifications, and expect typical convenience‑food language rather than health halos like “all natural” or “whole grain.” Sensory-wise the product promises fluffy, slightly seasoned white rice punctuated by sweet corn and soft green bell pepper bits, with a savory, umami-forward seasoning blend and a mild spicy note; texture is soft and uniform, with some powdered seasoning coating the grains. Packaging is designed for speed: a small, shelf-stable prepared rice item meant to be heated and spooned out as a side or mix‑in. In plain processing context, this is an industrially prepared, ready-to-heat rice side containing added flavorings, anti‑caking agents and other formulation ingredients common in packaged convenience foods. The eating ritual is quick and utilitarian — microwave, stir, serve alongside tacos, grilled proteins or as a simple weeknight plate. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 cup - **Servings per container:** 1 - **Calories:** 270 - **Total fat:** 3g (4% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 710mg (31% DV) - **Total carbs:** 56g (20% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 3g (11% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Protein:** 5g ## Ingredients Cooked White Rice, Sweet Corn, Green Bell Pepper, Seasoning Mix (Salt, Spice, Sugar, Garlic, Citric Acid, Soy Sauce*, Onion*, Dextrose, Silicon Dioxide, Artificial Flavor), Contains 2% or Less of: Sunflower Oil, Garlic, Salt, Citric Acid. *Dried. ## Flagged ingredients - **sunflower oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, game-day-prep, weeknight-dinner - **Vibes:** convenient, practical, comforting ## FAQ ### Is the Spicy Southwest Rice healthy? The Spicy Southwest Rice can be a tasty addition to your meal, but calling it 'healthy' really depends on your personal goals and dietary needs. With 270 calories and a decent amount of carbs, it's not a low-calorie option, but it can fit into a balanced diet if you're looking for something flavorful without a ton of added sugars. ### Is it vegan? Nope, the Spicy Southwest Rice isn't vegan. While it features a lovely mix of rice and veggies, it contains soy sauce, which can sometimes be a concern for strict vegans due to the way it's processed. If you're looking for a plant-based side, there are other options out there that might suit your needs better! ### Is it gluten-free? Unfortunately, the Spicy Southwest Rice isn't gluten-free. The presence of soy sauce, which typically contains wheat, makes it unsuitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. If gluten is a no-go for you, consider whipping up a batch of your own seasoned rice at home! ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain sunflower oil, which is a type of seed oil. While some folks prefer to avoid seed oils due to their omega-6 fatty acids, the amounts in this rice are relatively small. It’s all about balance — if it’s an occasional side dish, it’s probably not a dealbreaker! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? No artificial sweeteners here! The Spicy Southwest Rice keeps it simple with natural ingredients, so you won’t find any sneaky sugar substitutes lurking in the mix. It’s always nice to see a product that skips the artificial stuff! ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! With only 1 gram of total sugars per serving, the Spicy Southwest Rice is definitely low in sugar. This can be a plus if you're watching your sugar intake or just prefer savory flavors over sweet. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider making your own rice with fresh veggies and spices! You can control the ingredients, avoid any processed elements, and customize it to your taste. Quinoa or brown rice mixed with beans and spices can also pack a nutritional punch! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy the Spicy Southwest Rice, especially if they like a bit of flavor in their meals. Just keep an eye on the sodium content, as it's a bit higher than some might prefer for little ones. Pairing it with some grilled chicken or veggies can make it a fun and balanced meal! ### Is it good for weight loss? The Spicy Southwest Rice can fit into a weight loss plan if portioned wisely. With 270 calories per cup, it could be a good side dish in a calorie-controlled meal. Just remember, it’s all about what you pair it with — load it up with veggies and lean proteins, and you’re golden! ### Is it ultra-processed? While the Spicy Southwest Rice isn’t the most minimally processed option out there, it’s not the worst either. It does contain a seasoning mix that might raise some eyebrows, but it’s still a step above many ultra-processed foods filled with preservatives and artificial ingredients. It’s all about moderation and enjoying it as part of a varied diet! ## Related products - [Bar Harbor Smoked Wild Kippers](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bar-harbor-smoked-wild-kippers-670-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bar-harbor-smoked-wild-kippers-670-oz - [Tasty Bite Rice, Organic, Basmati](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tasty-bite-rice-organic-basmati-880-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/tasty-bite-rice-organic-basmati-880-oz - [Gimme Organic Roasted Sesame](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/gimme-organic-roasted-sesame-035-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/gimme-organic-roasted-sesame-035-oz - [Lotus Biscoff Airline Cookies](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/biscoff-lotus-airline-cookies-880-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/biscoff-lotus-airline-cookies-880-oz - [Ka'Me Thai Sweet Chili Sauce](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ka-me-kame-thai-sweet-chili-sauce-7-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ka-me-kame-thai-sweet-chili-sauce-7-oz - [Ka-Me Hoisin Sauce](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ka-me-hoisin-sauce-8-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ka-me-hoisin-sauce-8-oz - [Ka'Me Fish Sauce](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ka-me-kame-fish-sauce-7-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ka-me-kame-fish-sauce-7-oz - [Impossible Foods Burger Patties](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/impossible-foods-burger-patties-8-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/impossible-foods-burger-patties-8-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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