Is Cauliflower “Rice” More Nutritious Than Regular Rice?
With the news that Chipotle will now be offering cauliflower rice alongside traditional brown and white options on the menu, you may be wondering how nutritious this vegetable-based dish is. First, it has fewer calories and fewer carbs.
Here is a full breakdown based on Chipotle’s nutritional information. One serving of cauliflower and cilantro-lime rice contains:
- 40 calories per serving
- 1 gram of fat
- 3 grams of protein
- 7 grams of carbohydrates
- 3 grams of fiber
Compare this to their regular rice:
- 210 calories per serving
- 4 grams fat (6 in brown rice)
- 4 grams of protein
- 40 g carbohydrates (36 in brown rice)
- 1 gram of fiber (2 grams in brown rice)
Is rice with cauliflower the best option?
It depends on what you are looking for in your burrito. If you want an easy way to lower your calories or carbs, cauliflower rice is fine, but it gives you some rice filler. The amount of fiber is about the same in all varieties of rice: one versus two or three grams.
I haven’t tried the new suggestion, but overall, cauliflower rice is similar to its grain-based counterpart, albeit slightly less satisfying. The biggest trade-off, perhaps the minor one: The low-calorie, low-carb option is simply not a lot of food, and you might get hungry later on. It’s also worth noting that large amounts of cauliflower rice are inconsistent with everyone’s digestive system, although one serving in a burrito is unlikely to have much of an effect.
In short, it’s a great option if you want to eat more vegetables and fewer carbs. Chipotle’s new side costs extra, but there are other places where cauliflower rice can fit into your life. Trader Joe’s has cauliflower chips that I love and can often be found in the freezer of grocery stores as well. You can also make your own by chopping up fresh cauliflower in a food processor , so give it a try if you’re looking for a new vegan side.