Rice Cakes

Rice cakes are a staple food of many healthy diets.

They are well known for being low in calories and containing comparatively little fat. For example, a standard 9-gram rice cake contains just 35 calories.

This means that when eaten in moderation, alongside healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, they can help curb hunger, helping dieters lose weight.

Not only that, but rice cakes can be topped with a wide range of ingredients to improve their nutritional content and taste. Peanut butter, hummus, honey, and yoghurt all make for very tasty toppings.

Rice cakes can also be broken up and dipped in your favourite sauces and dips. With a little imagination, the options are endless.

What exactly are rice cakes?

Rice cakes are large round discs that are made from puffed, pressed rice.

They have a rough, crunchy texture with lots of different ridges sticking out of them.

However, rice cakes are not always round. They can also be square, just like Clearspring Organic Rice Cakes Multigrain Squares.

These light and crispy rice cakes are gluten free and low in sugar, salt, and saturated fat. They are also made with a sprinkle of sea salt and certified organic whole grains.

Clearspring Japanese Teriyaki Rice Cakes are also square and exceptionally light.

With a deliciously sweet and subtle Teriyaki flavour, you can eat them straight out of the packet.

What does a rice cake taste like?

Plain rice cakes do not generally have much flavour, but they have a satisfyingly dense and crunchy texture.

The taste mostly comes from the flavourings and toppings.

For example, Itsu Dark Chocolate Rice Cakes are coated with a delicious dark chocolate layer – perfect for when you are craving a tasty treat but do not want to consume the calories found in most standard chocolate bars.

Also, at only 85 calories per serving, they are a delicious dessert or on-the-go snack.

There is also a milk chocolate option if you prefer the sweeter, smoother taste.

Similarly, Itsu Yoghurt Rice Cakes are generously topped with dried yoghurt, offering a light and crispy crunch. This makes them a great last-minute breakfast snack. Ir ideal for storing in your desk at work for a mid-morning break.

Not only are they delicious, but they are also free from gluten, artificial colours, flavours, and MSG.

How are rice cakes made?

Rice cakes can be made using either white or brown rice and water.

First, the rice is soaked in water. Then, it is placed into a round mould. When the rice is exposed to very high heat and pressure, it puffs up and expands – much like popcorn.

The rice then explodes, filling the mould and creating the famously rounded shape. This process also gives each rice cake its crunchy texture.

Flavourings and other ingredients are added at the end after the rice cakes are cooked but before they are packaged up.

Flavourings commonly include sea salt, caramel, and cheese, though you can find rice cakes in all kinds of flavours, including seaweed and sour cream and chive.

 

Are rice cakes healthy?

If you are wondering if rice cakes good for you, you will be pleased to know that there are numerous benefits of rice cakes.

Quinola Organic Pulses & Quinoa Cakes are made with organic puffed corn, legumes and organic quinoa.

As a result, they are an excellent source of protein and fibre.

Our bodies need fibre to keep our digestive systems working properly. Fibre also helps to soften stools, making them easier to pass.

As we have already mentioned, rice cakes are low in calories, meaning they are a great option for those on calorie controlled diets.

For example, Kallo Sea Salt Rice Cakes contain only 28 calories. They are also made with 100% natural ingredients, including 100% wholegrain.

Or, if you are looking for another low-calorie snack, Kallo Organic Corn Cakes contain only 67 calories per corn cake. They are made with organically-grown wholegrain corn. And with less than 5% fat, they’re perfect for snacking without the guilt.

Are rice cakes gluten free?

There is good news for anyone who cannot eat gluten. And that is that rice cakes made solely from rice are gluten free.

However, some varieties are made with barley and grains containing gluten.

Also, some flavourings and added ingredients may contain gluten, so always check the ingredients list carefully to make sure.