Rice: The Most Versatile Gluten-Free Base
From clean-labels to unbeatable crunch, rice is the ideal gluten-free base, and Exceedient Foods helps it deliver on every level.
As consumer demand for gluten-free products continues to rise, food brands are rethinking their ingredient strategies. And it’s not just about removing gluten, it’s about replacing it with something that actually works. That’s where rice comes in.
“Rice is foundational,” says Rodrigo Batista, R&D Director at Exceedient Foods. “It’s the base of most gluten-free formulations and for good reason.” With over 20 years of experience across food ingredient innovation, from fats and oils to gluten-free extrusion and snack formulation, Batista leads the team of experts at Exceedient.
Why Rice Is the Ideal Gluten-Free Ingredient
Neutral, familiar, and naturally gluten-free, rice checks all the right boxes:
- Clean flavor profile – No masking needed like with corn or almond
- Allergen-friendly – No gluten, no nuts, no soy
- Versatile – Seamlessly works in sweet or savory applications
- Widely accepted – Familiar to consumers across markets and regions
How Rice Replicates Gluten-Like Texture
Getting the right texture in gluten-free products is tough. But rice’s natural properties offer a powerful solution. “Rice does a lot of heavy lifting in terms of structure and texture,” says Rodrigo. Here’s why:
- Sticky starches help trap air, key for cakes, breads, and extrusions
- Medium grain rice creates a unique, sharper crunch that works in coatings and snacks
- Predictable behavior in baking, frying, and even noodle applications
Clean Labels Start with Rice
Today’s consumers read labels. And rice helps make them simpler:
- Fewer additives or masking agents required
- Integrates easily into clean-label and non-GMO programs
- Whole grain options (like brown rice) add fiber and protein
“Rice accepts flavor and color easily,” Rodrigo notes. “You don’t need to add masking agents or overcomplicate your label, especially when your goal is clean and simple.”
Exceedient’s Approach to Gluten-Free Safety
It’s not just about the ingredient; it’s how you process it. Exceedient Food’s rice-only facility was built to protect gluten-free purity at every step:
- No cross-contamination — Exceedient’s mill only handles rice
- Pre-screening, sifting, and color sorting for assurance and consistency
- Full traceability, non-GMO assurance, and tight quality control
- Vertical integration ensures steady supply and repeatable results
“Our process is purpose-built for gluten-free,” Rodrigo explains. “We don’t take shortcuts.”
Formulating with Confidence at Exceedient
Whether you’re developing a new gluten-free snack, baked good, or ready-made meal, rice offers the flexibility, performance, and safety your formulation needs. And with Exceedient’s R&D expertise behind every batch, you’re never starting from scratch.
