Jasmine Rice vs. White Rice: Differences Covered

For many recipes, jasmine rice and regular white rice are often interchangeable.

Since both come from the same plant species, Oryza sativa, this is quite unsurprising.

However, while jasmine rice and white rice share many similarities, especially in their appearance, they also have quite a few differences.

In this post, we’ll compare both grains side by side!

White Rice Overview

First, let me clarify that “white rice” isn’t a rice variety itself. 

It’s a term that refers to all varieties of rice that have been processed to have their outer bran and germ layers removed. 

So it includes jasmine rice, as well as varieties like Basmati rice, Arborio rice, and short-grain white rice. 

Yup— all rice that’s white is basically “white rice.”

It’s worth noting, however, that the most common “white rice” you’ll find in grocery stores is undeniably the variety called long-grain white rice. 

This long-grain variety has a very neutral taste and aromatic profile. And due to its not-so-unique name, many simply refer to it as white rice. 

Hence, for this comparison, we’ll frequently use long-grain white rice as the representative of basic “white rice.”

Jasmine Rice Overview 

The most common type of jasmine rice is white jasmine rice, which falls under the category of white rice.

But believe it or not, this rice also comes in shades of red, brown, black, and purple if you buy the whole grain varieties of jasmine rice.

This grain is often used in Southeast Asian cuisine. 

Unlike long-grain white rice that’s known to be neutral, this grain is renowned for its aromatic qualities, which is why it’s also called Thai fragrant rice.

Jasmine Rice vs. White Rice: Side-By-Side Comparison

Nutrient Profiles

White jasmine rice is nutritionally very similar to other long-grain white rice varieties.

This is because, during the refinement process of all white rice, the bran and germ layers, which contain most of the rice’s nutrients, are removed.

Let’s compare the nutrients of a cup (140 grams) of cooked white jasmine rice with the same amount of cooked long-grain white rice.

Pretty much neck-and-neck, aren’t they? 

A little more info:

Rice, including varieties like jasmine rice and long-grain white rice, naturally contains small quantities of minerals like magnesium, zinc, and copper, as well as B vitamins. 

Most of these nutrients are lost during the refining process. 

However, in the US, most commercial rice is enriched, meaning that nutrients like iron and B vitamins are added back to the rice after the milling process.

Note: If you want a healthier option than jasmine rice or white rice, you might want to consider using brown jasmine rice, which is a whole grain instead. Unlike white rice, it still has its bran and germ layers intact, which means it retains more nutrients and fiber.

Aroma  

Jasmine rice is one of the most popular aromatic grains, and it’s known for having a leafy plant or butter-like aroma.

This pleasant smell is thanks to the natural compounds inside jasmine rice, including the 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline.

On the other hand, the most common type of white rice, long-grain white rice, doesn’t contain significant amounts of this compound. 

So, in comparison, it has a very neutral smell, which makes it popular for a wide variety of cuisines. 

Flavor and Texture

Long-grain white rice has a very neutral flavor and fluffy texture once cooked. On the flip side, jasmine rice has a slightly nutty flavor and is slightly sticky. 

Culinary Uses

Thanks to its very neutral flavor and fluffy texture, long-grain white rice is popular in many cuisines, including Mexican, American, Nigerian, and Asian.

It’s popular in dishes like stir-fries, pilafs, casseroles, and basically, any dish in which you want your rice to remain fluffy and firm.

White jasmine rice, on the other hand, is most often used in Southeast Asian cuisines, as well as fried rice. 

Whenever you need a slightly sticky grain that can add an aromatic touch to your dish, jasmine rice is one of the best options. 

The Bottom Line

Both jasmine rice and white rice are widely popular and versatile rice options.

Sure, they have their nutritional differences.

But this difference is so subtle that when choosing between the two, the factors I consider are the flavor, texture, and aromatic properties they provide instead. Not really the nutrition. 

I can always just boost nutrition with healthy sides, after all.

Moreover, if we’re really talking about healthy options, whole grain rice varieties such as brown rice will generally be better.