Riceberry Rice: High in Antioxidants, Fibre and Minerals

Updated: May 2026

Riceberry rice is a relatively new variety of rice developed in Thailand through the cross-pollination of three well-established Thai rice strains. The result is a grain with a distinctive deep purple colour — typical of plants with high anthocyanin content — and a nutritional profile that sets it apart from conventional white rice.

The three parent varieties that produced riceberry are:

• Thai Hom Mali (fragrant jasmine rice) — the most widely prized Thai rice for its light, fluffy texture and floral aroma after cooking
• Hom Nin — a purple-black rice with well-documented antioxidant properties, though it can become chewy if undercooked
• Khao Dawk Mali 105 — a hardy, high-yield variety suited to a wide range of growing conditions

Riceberry takes the best characteristics of each: the texture and flavour of jasmine rice, the mineral and antioxidant density of Hom Nin, and the agricultural resilience of Khao Dawk Mali 105.

Riceberry Rice Nutrition Profile

Riceberry rice contains significant levels of:

• Beta-carotene
• Gamma oryzanol
• Vitamin E
• Folic acid
• Tannins
• Zinc
• Fibre
• Bran oil

The deep purple colour of the grain comes primarily from anthocyanins — the same group of polyphenol compounds responsible for the colour of blueberries, red cabbage, and aubergine. Anthocyanins are among the most studied plant antioxidants, and their high concentration is one of the key reasons riceberry rice has attracted research interest.

The grain is notably high in fibre relative to white rice, which is largely stripped of its bran layer during milling. Riceberry retains its bran, preserving the fibre, vitamins, and polyphenol content intact.

Glycemic Index

Riceberry rice is classified as low-to-medium on the glycemic index. Its high fibre content and bran oil slow the rate of digestion, which results in a lower glycemic response compared to polished white rice. This makes it a popular choice in Thailand as an everyday alternative to refined rice for those looking to manage their carbohydrate quality.

Riceberry Rice in the Context of Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Riceberry rice sits alongside other deeply coloured whole foods in the high-ORAC category. For a broader look at antioxidant-rich foods and how different plant foods compare, our guide to antioxidant foods and ORAC values puts the range in context. For our range of antioxidant-rich whole food supplements including wheatgrass and spirulina, visit our organic supplements range.