Brown Rice Vs. White Rice: Which Lasts Longer?

Rice is a worldwide kitchen staple that plays a role in various cultures. It's seen in many Spanish dishes, including Spanish rice and beans, is the key ingredient in risotto, an Italian dish, and is central to many Asian cuisines. According to Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, rice is the main energy source for more than 50% of the world's population. There are several different types of rice, but white and brown rice are probably the most well-known.

White rice and brown rice differ in a few ways. Brown rice, which is also known as whole grain rice, is the grain in its natural form, per GoodRx Health. According to Blanchard Valley Health System, because brown rice has not been processed, it still contains the grain's natural components: The bran, germ, and endosperm. Though some may not know it, white rice is actually brown rice. However, unlike its brown counterpart, white rice undergoes a milling and polishing process that removes its color and the bran, germ, and endosperm of the grain. Another notable difference between white and brown rice is how long they last.

According to Healthline, white rice can last for approximately two years when unrefrigerated, while brown rice only lasts about six months. Brown rice has a shorter shelf life because it contains the natural components of the grain, including the bran, which has a high oil content (via Think Rice). This high oil level ultimately results in oxidation, which causes brown rice to go bad sooner than white rice.

While white rice generally fairs well in the pantry, it is recommended to keep brown rice in the refrigerator, as the cool temperature will help extend its shelf life. According to MasterClass, the best way to store any type of rice, white or brown, is to seal it in airtight containers and keep the containers in a dry and cool place. This place could be your refrigerator, or it could be a pantry in a cooler area of your house.

According to Minute, instant rice is simply white rice that has been partially cooked and dried. It is an extremely convenient meal, as it usually takes only about five minutes to cook fully. Though everyone knows that instant rice is a time-saver, they may be unaware of how long instant rice can last.

Because instant rice is partially cooked, it differs a bit from white or brown rice. If you have a box of instant rice, you should look at the expiration date on the box to see how long it will last, per MasterClass; do not assume that it will last for two years just because it is white rice. Regardless of whether you have white rice, brown rice, or instant rice–which, again, last approximately two years, six months, and up to expiration, respectively–remember to store this grain in a cool and dry space to lengthen its shelf life.