Riviana Foods Inc. Debuts Clean-Label Ingredients for High-Protein, Whole-Grain Functional Foods

Riviana, the largest distributor and processor of branded and clean-label rice in the U.S., launched a range of pulse- and whole grain-based ingredients to help manufacturers develop functional foods and beverages with high protein and fiber content. The range includes instant, precooked flour gels that provide cold-binding functionality and a collection of expandable extruded micropellets.

The new ingredients help achieve formulation goals while enabling the creation of high-protein, whole grain products that support claims including gluten-free, non-GMO, clean label, dairy-free, and more. Pulses and whole grains are rich sources of plant-based protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients, and are gaining attention as a more sustainable option than animal proteins.

“Today’s consumers are seeking foods that deliver more protein and better align with evolving wellness goals, including the needs of GLP-1 users,” said Terry Stover, Riviana Foods’ vice president of special markets. “Riviana’s portfolio of pulse- and whole-grain-based ingredients helps manufacturers create products that combine protein, fiber, and functionality, enabling them to meet demand for nutritious, satisfying products without compromising taste, texture, or formulation performance.”

Clean-Label Micropellets

Riviana’s clean-label, expandable, extruded micropellets and pearls are free from allergens, gluten, and GMOs, and enable manufacturers to formulate products with consistent expansion and texture, providing a uniform surface for consistent puffing and coating, while adding nutrition and supporting protein label claims.

The pearls provide up to 30 grams of protein and 18 grams of fiber per 100 grams, and are suitable for puffed snacks, protein bars, snack bars, nutrition bars, cereals, snack mixes, and more. They’re available in a variety of source options, including rice, lentil, chickpea, corn, pea, and oat, giving manufacturers flexibility to meet formulation needs while delivering high protein and fiber content.

Ready-to-Eat Gels

Riviana’s clean-label, gluten-free, ready-to-eat (RTE) gels serve as an additive-free texturization solution, improving texture and formulation flexibility. They deliver up to 34 grams of protein and 17 grams of fiber per 100 grams, helping to create nutrient-dense products with simplified production. The gels are fully cooked and ready to use, reducing cooking costs and enhancing food safety by eliminating the need for an additional cooking step. The gels are sourced from rice, pea, lentil, fava bean, chickpea, and corn.

The RTE gels are suitable for beverages, sauces, soups, ready meals, dairy alternatives, pasta, extruded snacks, mixes, crackers, baked goods, tortilla products, and more. The gels are produced in the allergen-free facilities of Ebro Ingredients, one of Europe’s largest producers of rice and pulse flours.

In addition to its gels and pearls, Riviana introduced QuinoaNAT quinoa flour, which contains 14 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber per 100 grams, helping to add protein and fiber to baked goods.