Wild rice

grains

Wild rice

6/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 7.5

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve2 caution4 avoid

How the diets react

Approves5
Caution2
Disapproves4
Is Wild rice Healthy?

It depends — Wild rice is a mixed bag. Some diets approve it while others urge caution. Context and quantity matter.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g

Diet Ratings

KetoAvoid

Wild rice contains approximately 35g net carbs per 100g cooked. Despite 'wild' branding, it is a grain with high carbohydrate density. Incompatible with ketosis.

VeganApproved

Whole grain with no animal products or derivatives. Unprocessed and naturally vegan. Excellent plant protein source.

PaleoAvoid

Wild rice is a grain (technically a grass seed) and explicitly excluded from paleo diet. Despite being less processed than white rice, it remains a grain with anti-nutrients (lectins, phytic acid) that paleo avoids.

MediterraneanApproved

Whole grain with superior fiber, protein, and micronutrient profile compared to refined grains. Aligns with Mediterranean emphasis on whole grains as dietary staple.

CarnivoreAvoid

Plant-derived grain product. Carnivore diet excludes all grains and plant foods. Wild rice is plant-based despite being a whole grain with higher protein than white rice.

Whole30Avoid

Despite its name, wild rice is a grain and is explicitly excluded from Whole30. All rice varieties, including wild rice, are non-compliant.

Low-FODMAPApproved

Wild rice is low in FODMAPs at standard serving sizes. Monash University has tested and confirmed low-FODMAP status. Contains minimal fructans and no GOS, lactose, or polyol content.

DASHApproved

Whole grain with superior nutrient profile vs. white rice. Rich in fiber, protein, magnesium, and potassium. Low sodium when prepared without added salt. Excellent DASH grain choice.

ZoneCaution

Lower glycemic index than white/brown rice (~45) with more fiber and protein. However, still higher glycemic than Zone-preferred carbs. Usable as occasional whole grain serving with careful portioning.

Whole grain with superior polyphenol content compared to white or brown rice, higher fiber, and lower glycemic index. Contains lignans and other anti-inflammatory compounds.

Better than white rice: higher protein (6.3g per 100g cooked), higher fiber (3.5g per 100g cooked), lower glycemic index. However, still calorie-dense (101 cal per 100g cooked) and requires large volume to feel satisfying. Best used in small portions as side with high-protein main dish, not as primary component.

Debated

Some RDs recommend wild rice as acceptable whole grain for GLP-1 patients due to superior fiber/protein profile vs. refined grains; others suggest that even whole grains displace limited calorie budget better spent on vegetables and protein, especially early in GLP-1 therapy.

Controversy Index

Score range: 110/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus7.5Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Wild rice

Vegan 10/10
  • 100% plant-based
  • Whole grain
  • No processing
  • Good protein content
Mediterranean 8/10
  • Whole grain product
  • High fiber content
  • Complete protein profile
  • Minimal processing
Low-FODMAP 8/10
  • Low fructan content
  • No GOS content
  • Standard serving 1 cup cooked is safe
DASH 8/10
  • Whole grain status
  • High fiber content
  • Plant-based protein
  • Rich in magnesium and potassium
Zone 5/10
  • Lower glycemic than refined grains
  • Higher fiber and protein content
  • Still moderate glycemic load
  • Requires portion control
  • whole grain
  • polyphenols
  • lignans
  • fiber
  • lower glycemic index
  • higher protein than white rice
  • good fiber
  • lower glycemic index
  • calorie-dense
  • requires large volume for satiety