The Paleo List Answers:IS WILD RICE PALEO?

Wild rice is commonly associated with the Midwest, and many kids learn about it when studying the foods European settlers discovered upon arriving in the Americas. Just because this ancient food is older than the U.S., doesn’t mean it’s Paleo! Let’s take a look.

What is Wild Rice?

Differentiating between grains and seeds can get pretty confusing – quinoa is a seed, rice is a seed, but cornmeal and whole-wheat flour are grains. Sunbutter and sesame seeds are okay, though whole-wheat flour and quinoa are not. Wild rice throws yet another curveball: it’s a grass. Well, it’s the seed of a grass, but just because wild rice is technically a seed doesn’t automatically make it Paleo.

Is Wild Rice Paleo?

No, wild rice is not technically Paleo. It does have a much better nutritional profile than both white and brown rice, and it is high in protein. However, much like brown rice, it does have a higher concentration of anti-nutrients. If you can’t give up rice, it is recommended that you choose wild rice, as it is considered the “less bad” rice, and if you have the time, you can soak and ferment it to remove the toxic phytates to make it one of the healthiest starchy options. Most people on “real food” or Primal diets rather than strict Paleo consider wild rice an “okay” starch. your best bet is to try the Paleo diet without rice first, and then slowly add it back in and see how your body reacts.

Are you struggling with which foods are Paleo?  Do you need help planning some Paleo meals?  Check out this great Paleo cookbook: