Instant Rice Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Rice Species (Basmati Rice, Jasmine Rice, and Others), By Category (Organic and Conventional), By Rice Length (Long Rice, Medium Rice, and Short Rice), By Distribution Channel {Foodservice and Retail (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Convenience stores, Online retail, and Others)}, and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global instant rice market size was USD 4.57 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 4.77 billion in 2025 to USD 6.83 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 5.27% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the instant rice market with a market share of 78.99% in 2024.

Instant rice is a type of rice that has been processed, dehydrated, precooked, dried, and packed in containers and then sold in the market. Since it is already precooked, it requires a longer cooking time than normal rice; hence, it can be easily cooked within a few minutes. With the increasing demand for convenience food products among consumers, the popularity of microwaveable products is expected to increase in the future.

Riviana Foods, Mars Incorporated, and Tilda Ebro Foods S.A. are some of the prominent manufacturers operating in the global instant rice market.

Global Instant Rice Market Key Takeaways 

Market Size & Forecast:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 4.57 billion
• 2025 Market Size: USD 4.77 billion
• 2032 Forecast Market Size: USD 6.83 billion
• CAGR: 5.27% from 2025–2032

Market Share:

• Asia Pacific dominated the instant rice market with a 78.99% share in 2024, driven by high rice consumption, rising disposable incomes, and growing demand for convenient, ready-to-cook food products in China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
• By category, conventional instant rice held the largest share due to wide availability and lower pricing, while organic instant rice is projected to grow faster due to increasing consumer preference for clean-label products.
• By rice species, jasmine rice accounted for the highest share in 2024 owing to its fragrance, tender texture, and suitability for flavored, easy-to-cook rice products.
• By rice length, long rice held the largest share due to better rehydration and lower stickiness, making it ideal for quick-cooking formats.
• By distribution channel, foodservice led the market in 2024 because of extensive usage in restaurants, hotels, and other catering services, while retail—particularly online retail—is witnessing rapid growth due to convenience and access to product reviews.

Key Country Highlights:

• China: Leads in consumption of easy-to-cook rice products, supported by local flavors, packaging innovations, and strong retail adoption.
• India: Rising disposable incomes and urban lifestyles are driving demand for instant rice in ready-to-eat and microwaveable formats.
• United States: Growth is driven by increasing Asian and Latin American populations, health-conscious consumers, and adoption of rice-based convenience foods.
• Europe: The popularity of Asian and Mediterranean cuisines is gradually boosting demand for aromatic and easy-to-cook rice products.
• South Korea & Japan: Innovation in packaging and flavored rice products is contributing to market expansion, particularly in single-serve and extended-shelf-life formats.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Popularity of Ready-to-Eat Meals To Support Market Growth

Consumers leading modern lifestyles increasingly prefer convenient foods that are easy to eat/easy to prepare. As lifestyles have become hectic, consumers are juggling between careers and families, with limited time available for cooking. As per a survey conducted by DSM Food Specialties in 2019, more than 25% of the respondents preferred breakfast options that require less than five minutes per day. As this product takes a limited time to prepare and such products are also available in convenient packaging options such as cups and microwaveable trays, it is well-suited for busy consumers seeking quick meal solutions.    

Growing Demand For Easy-to-Cook Food Products to Boost Market Growth

Rice is one of the most widely grown cereal crops in the world, and it is popular especially in Asian countries. White rice and brown rice production in Asian countries continues to remain stable, with moderate growth observed at the global level. As per data provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), global rice production reached 713.1 million tonnes in 2024/25, up from 520.5 million tonnes in 2023/24. Moreover, rice is the staple food item in many Asian countries, and with the rise in disposable income and change in lifestyle patterns, the demand for easy-to-cook food products is increasing. Hence, the popularity of convenience rice-based options is expected to increase further in the future.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Low Nutritional Content and High Price to Hamper Market Growth

In comparison to normal rice, instant rice products are heavily processed to increase their shelf life. Processing of rice leads to a reduction in its nutritional value, as dehydration and precooking of this product lead to loss of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Hence, health-conscious consumers will opt for normal rice in comparison to these products, which can deter the market’s growth. Additionally, quick-cooking rice products are costlier than regular rice, which may discourage cost-conscious consumers from purchasing them.

MARKET OPPORTUNITY

Flavor Innovation Can Create Opportunity for Product Line Expansion

Flavor innovation is one of the key areas where companies can expand their product line and increase product launches. Favor is a critical parameter that helps brands create awareness among consumers about their products and increase product sales. Flavored quick-cooking rice products can witness significant growth in the future. Aromatic rice varieties flavored with varieties such as shrimp, lime, and coconut can attract consumers who prefer experimenting with new tastes. Hence, there is a huge potential for the manufacturers to expand their product line by launching products in new flavors and strengthening their market presence.   

INSTANT RICE MARKET TREND

Single-serve Packages Support Product Portability and Reduce Wastage

The demand for ready-to-prepare food products in small packages is increasing rapidly among consumers. In response, manufacturers are launching single-serving cups that can be prepared in just one minute and are to carry on the go. Products in pre-portioned packages are also aimed at reducing wastage and making the products environmentally sustainable, making these products more appealing to climate-conscious consumers.

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Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the food service sector, as consumers were prohibited from venturing out of their homes during that period. Hence, many food service establishments were either closed or operated at half capacity due to reduced demand. Therefore, the demand for raw materials, including instant rice, declined within the food service channel during this period. However, retail demand for easy-to-cook products increased, prompting manufacturers to launch retail-friendly formats of their instant rice offerings to meet shifting consumer needs. This led to an increase in retail sales of instant rice during the pandemic.

Segmentation Analysis

By Category

Wider Product Availability and Economical Prices Boosts the Conventional Segment Growth

On the basis of category, the market is segmented into organic and conventional.

The conventional segment accounts for the highest market share owing to wider product availability and more economical pricing.

The organic segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, owing to the increasing popularity of clean-label and organic ingredient-based products among health-conscious consumers. However, as organic product manufacturers need to follow stringent product certification methods and manufacturing processes, the cost of these products is higher.   

By Rice Species

Jasmine Rice Segment Held the Largest Market Share Owing to Its Fragrance and Tender Texture

By rice species, the market is segmented into basmati rice, jasmine rice, and others.

Jasmine rice accounted for the highest market share in 2024 due to its fragrant aroma, tender texture, and ease of rehydrated, making it suitable for manufacturing easy-to-cook rice products. This rice can be easily used for manufacturing flavored and easy-to-cook rice products in convenient packages.

Basmati rice accounts for the second-largest market share due to its fluffy, long, and aromatic characteristics. However, these are premium-category rice used to prepare flavorful dishes in various cultures. Hence, their usage in easy-to-cook rice production is comparatively lower than that of other product varieties.

Other product varieties include wild rice, Japanese rice, and Arborio rice, are also used in easy-to-cook rice production.

By Rice Length

Long Rice Segment Holds the Largest Market Share Owing to Lower Stickiness and Better Rehydration Capabilities

By rice length, the market is segmented into long rice, medium rice, and short rice.

The long rice segment accounts for the highest market share owing to its lower stickiness, better flavors, and better rehydration capabilities, making it a suitable option for manufacturing easy-to-cook rice products.

Medium rice accounts for the second-largest market share and is used in manufacturing instant rice for markets where soft and sticky-textured rice is preferred.

Short rice is less commonly used to prepare quick-cooking rice products. It is hard to rehydrate and creates a sticky texture once rehydrated, making it unsuitable for consumer consumption.

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By Distribution Channel

Foodservice Segment Holds the Largest Market Share Owing to Extensive Product Availability

By distribution channel, the market is segmented into the foodservice and retail. The retail sector is further sub-segmented into hypermarkets/supermarkets, convenience stores, online retail, and others.

The foodservice segment accounts for the highest market share owing to the widespread usage of easy-to-cook rice in restaurants, hotels, and other foodservice providers. These products are favored in restaurants due to their quicker turnaround time.

Among the retail distribution channels, the hypermarkets/supermarkets segment accounts for the highest market share, as consumers prefer this option owing to the wide availability of products in the market. A wide range of products is available at discounts and lower retail prices. Private-label economical products are also available for budget-conscious consumers. The channel is expected to maintain steady growth rate during the forecast period.

The online retail segment accounts for the fastest growth rate during the forecast period due to the growing adoption of this channel among consumers. It offers convenience and dynamic pricing of products, which allows consumers to purchase products without stepping out of their homes. E-commerce platforms and websites also provide access to customer reviews, helping consumers make informed decisions from the comfort of their homes.

INSTANT RICE MARKET REGIONAL OUTLOOK

Geographically, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific

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Asia Pacific is the leading producer and consumer of easy-to-cook rice products globally, accounting for the highest global instant rice market share. China, India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam are major consumers of rice-based dishes. The rise in the number of working professionals and the increase in disposable income enable consumers to purchase easy-to-cook products, as consumers seek products that save time in daily meal preparation. Manufacturers are launching products in a wide range of local flavors and innovative packaging options, catering to consumers who enjoy experimenting with new flavors.

China is the leading consumer of easy-to-cook products, supported by the availability of diverse offerings in the market. Innovative products, such as instant rice bowls in local flavors, are particularly popular among young consumers seeking convenience without compromising on taste.

North America

In the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the consumption of rice and rice-based products is steadily growing. Several factors are driving this shift in consumer preferences, including the rising adoption of a plant-based diet, the influence of increasing Asian migrants into North American countries, and the growing popularity of the health benefits of consuming rice products. Therefore, easy-to-cook rice, which requires very limited time for preparation, is growing in popularity in the region as well.

In recent years, the consumption of rice in the U.S. market has been steadily increasing owing to the expanding Asian and Latin American diaspora. The popularity of gluten-free and vegan diets has also increased in the country in recent years, which has also contributed to the popularity of rice. Therefore, several U.S.-based manufacturers are launching new rice-based products in different flavors to tap into the evolving consumer preferences.     

Europe

The popularity of Asian and Mediterranean cuisines is one of the critical factors supporting the growth of easy-to-cook rice products in the region. The European market is still limited; however, the rice market is slowly growing owing to the growth in local rice production and the import of rice from Asian countries. Especially easy-to-cook rice products, such as basmati, jasmine, and other aromatic rice varieties, imported into the European market have increased in recent years.

South America

The market in South America is limited, with a higher reliance on conventional rice varieties across the region. Manufacturers have the opportunity to tap into the growing demand for convenience foods and launch products in local flavors to attract new consumers.

Middle East & Africa

Rice is a staple food item in Middle Eastern countries and deeply rooted in cultural familiarity with rice products paves the way for quick-cooking rice manufacturers to expand their presence in the region. As e-commerce platforms and other retail channels are growing steadily, manufacturers have the opportunity to expand market penetration through these channels and increase market growth.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Key Companies Focus on New Product Launches to Maintain Product Freshness

The market is highly competitive, with multinational companies and local players actively launching new products to capture consumer interest. Some of the key companies operating in the market include Riviana Foods, Mars Incorporated, Tilda Ebro Foods S.A., and others.  These manufacturers are focusing on flavor innovation, new product launches, and the adoption of innovative packaging solutions to maintain product freshness and extend their overall shelf life. Such strategies are instrumental in driving growth and strengthening the competitive position of these companies in the market.

Major Players in the Instant Rice Market

The market is semi-fragmented, with the 5 key players accounting for a limited portion of the global instant rice market share.

LIST OF KEY INSTANT RICE COMPANIES PROFILED

• Riviana Foods  (U.S.)
• Mars Incorporated  (U.S.)
• Tilda Ebro Foods S.A. (Spain)
• Ricegrowers Limited (Australia)
• LT FOODS LIMITED  (India )
• Conagra Brands (U.S.)
• OTOKI Corporation (South Korea)
• IRIS Instant rice (Japan)
• Regal Kitchen (India)
• Maruchan Inc. (Japan)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• June 2025: South Korea-based company TwoDSM developed an innovative, easy-to-cook rice packaging technology that extends product shelf life by up to three months.
• November 2024: South Korean company Ottogi entered into a partnership with the local community and developed its “Ro-economy” products in the local market. The quick-cooking rice products that are also part of this initiative are developed in combination with local farm products.
• May 2023: Riviana Foods Inc. launched new flavored rice cups in the U.S. market. The new flavors launched in the market include Butter and Sea Salt Jasmine Rice, Spanish Rice, Cilantro and Lime Jasmine Rice in single crop packages.
• April 2022: South Korean company CJ CheilJedang Corp. started exporting its Hetbahn quick-cooking rice line to the U.S. market, introducing four new flavor options in the U.S. market.
• June 2020: LT Foods launched value-added, easy-to-cook rice cups under its well-known Daawat brand, targeting consumers seeking convenience and variety of ready-to-eat rice formats.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global instant rice market report provides qualitative and quantitative insights into the market. It also offers a detailed analysis of the market size and growth rate for all possible segments in the market. Various key insights presented in the report are an overview of related market segments, recent industry developments, global trends, recent developments such as mergers & acquisitions, the regulatory scenario in critical countries, and key industry trends which are used in global instant rice market forecast.

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Report Scope & Segmentation