Rice Dream Nutritional Information

Rice Dream is the name of a brand of rice milk. Rice milk is a liquid beverage processed from rice, a grain. Naturally an off-white color, rice milk is often made from brown rice and is available unsweetened or sweetened in a variety of flavors. This beverage may be sweetened by adding sugarcane syrup or through an enzymatic process. Rice Dream is a nutritious beverage option for vegans, those suffering from lactose intolerance, or individuals allergic to soy or cow's milk.

Types

Rice Dream offers two types of rice milk beverages: shelf-stable, boxed rice milk in aseptic packaging and chilled, ready-to-drink rice milk in a carton. The shelf-stable variety stays fresh in your pantry for approximately one year and may be consumed chilled or warm or used in recipes. However, once opened, it will keep for two weeks in the refrigerator. Chilled, ready-to-drink Rice Dream is for immediate use and can serve as a replacement for chilled milk.

Chilled

One cup of plain, ready-to-drink chilled Rice Dream provides 120 calories, 2.5 g of fat, 0 g of saturated fat, 1 g of protein, 23 g of carbohydrates, 10 g of sugars, 0 g of dietary fiber, 0 mg of cholesterol and 100 mg of sodium. The fat is designed to give the rice milk thickness and it comes from organic expeller-pressed canola and/or safflower oil. Vanilla-flavored Rice Dream offers the same amount of protein but slightly more calories, carbohydrates and sugar than plain rice milk. One cup of vanilla Rice Dream provides 130 calories, 26 g of carbohydrates, 12 g of sugars and 80 mg of sodium.

Shelf-Stable

Shelf-stable Rice Dream rice milk comes in many more flavors than the chilled variety. In addition to the traditional flavors, such as vanilla and chocolate, shelf-stable Rice Dream also comes in carob, vanilla-cinnamon, vanilla-hazelnut and chocolate-chai. Because these varieties are sweetened and contain extra ingredients, they are often higher in calories, carbohydrates, sugars and fat. For example, 1 cup of chocolate-chai Rice Dream provides 160 calories, 3 g of fat, 0 g of saturated fat, 1 g of protein, 35 g of carbohydrates, 21 g of sugars, 1 g of dietary fiber and 70 mg of sodium.

Vitamins and Minerals

Both types of Rice Dream rice milks are vitamin- and mineral-enriched. One cup of either type meets 10 percent of the recommended daily value or DV for vitamin A; 25 percent for vitamins D and B12; 30 percent for calcium and 15 percent for phosphorus. Vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus are essential for maintaining strong, healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption. Vitamin A is important for healthy eyesight while vitamin B12, naturally present only in animal foods, is important for forming red blood cells and supporting function of the nervous system.

Pros and Cons

Unflavored Rice Dream is fairly low in calories and sugars and is vitamin and mineral fortified. Vitamin B12 fortified foods and beverages, in particular, are important for those who do not consume animal foods. Rice Dream may be a healthy alternative for those allergic to cow or soy milk. It is lactose-free and lower in potassium than regular milk, making it appropriate, possibly, for individuals with kidney disease. However, Rice Dream is very low in protein, a nutrient important for building cells, tissues and muscles. In addition, the flavored versions, such as chocolate-chai, are high in added sugars and calories, which may impair weight control and promote tooth decay.