Ben’s Original, formerly known as Uncle Ben’s, is an American brand of parboiled rice and other related food products that was introduced by Converted Rice Inc., which is now owned by Mars, Inc. Its headquarters are in Denver Harbor, Houston, Texas.
Why did Uncle Bens change to Bens original?
The change marked “the brand’s next step in its ambition to create a more inclusive future while maintaining its commitment to producing the world’s best rice” said Mars. It comes after frequent accusations of racism against Uncle Ben’s logo – an illustration of a black rice farmer – and name.
Did Uncle Ben’s rice change its name?
An iconic rice brand is hitting shelves with a new name and revamped packaging. The first Ben’s Original products are now available at retailers throughout the country in the place of Uncle Ben’s rice, parent company Mars Food announced Wednesday.
Why is Ben’s original?
2020. Recognizing the inequities that were associated with the name and face of our brand, we changed our name to BEN’S ORIGINAL™ and changed our packaging to signal our ambition to create a more inclusive future while maintaining our commitment to producing the world’s best rice.
What is Uncle Ben called now?
Ben’s Original
Uncle Ben’s Changing Name To Ben’s Original After Criticism Of Racial Stereotyping. Boxes of Uncle Ben Converted Rice on a store shelf. Mars, Incorporated announced on Wednesday that it is changing the name of the brand to Ben’s Original. Uncle Ben’s will now be known as Ben’s Original.
Why does Uncle Ben’s rice taste different?
Uncle Ben’s, and other parboiled rice, have the hulling and polishing done after the processing. The parboiling thus does push some nutrients found in the hull and bran into the grain heart itself. So even though hulled and polished, it actually is more nutritious than plain, regular, untreated white rice.
When did Uncle Ben’s change their name?
Its headquarters are in Denver Harbor, Houston, Texas. Uncle Ben’s rice was first marketed in 1943 and was the top-selling rice in the United States from 1950 until the 1990s. In 2020, it was rebranded as “Ben’s Original” in the US following the George Floyd protests.
What kind of rice is Uncle Ben’s original?
Enriched Parboiled Long Grain Rice
Enriched Parboiled Long Grain Rice (Parboiled Long Grain Rice, Vitamins and Minerals [Calcium (Calcium Carbonate), Iron (Iron Phosphate), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine Mononitrate), Folic Acid]).
Why is it called Uncle Ben’s rice?
The name Uncle Ben’s was supposedly inspired by a Texas farmer known for his high-quality rice. The company asked the head waiter at a fancy Chicago restaurant, Frank Brown, to pose as the face of the brand, which launched in 1947.
What rice is similar to Uncle Ben’s?
Think of long-grain white rice, like Carolina, or long-grain brown rice, like Uncle Ben’s. Basmati and Jasmine, popular in Indian and Thai cuisine, are also long-grain varieties.
Who makes Ben’s original?
Mars Food
BEN’S ORIGINAL™ the number one rice brand in the world, is proud to offer a wide range of rice dishes with flavors and textures that will help bring more to your meals, both for savory main courses and convenient side dishes. BEN’S ORIGINAL™ products are manufactured by Mars Food, part of Mars, Incorporated.
Where is Ben’s original rice grown?
Uncle Ben’s rice is grown in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas – and have the highest levels of inorganic rice– not just Uncle Ben’s but all rice grown in this region.
Who owns Uncle Ben’s?
NEW YORK (AP) — The Uncle Ben’s rice brand is getting a new name: Ben’s Original. Parent firm Mars Inc. unveiled the change Wednesday for the 70-year-old brand, the latest company to drop a logo criticized as a racial stereotype.
Why did Aunt Jemima change its name?
Aunt Jemima Brand Renamed Pearl Milling Company, Retiring Racist Stereotype Aunt Jemima and other food brands, such as Uncle Ben’s, announced a redesign following protests against systemic racism and police brutality in the U.S. last summer.
What is the new logo for Uncle Ben’s rice?
Key Facts. Uncle Ben’s will become Ben’s Original, and will drop the logo of an elderly African American man in a bow tie, the company said. New packaging, which will be orange with Ben’s Original in blue font, will reach shelves in 2021.
Is Uncle Ben’s rice healthy?
Ben’s Original™ Whole Grain Brown Rice is a delicious way to support a healthy heart* and a well-balanced diet. It’s 100% whole grains, low in fat, and high on taste.
Should I wash Uncle Ben’s rice?
Uncle Ben’s Long Grain Rice, NOT to rinse the rice, Enriched white rice Enriched white rice has been thoroughly washed, then coated with a dust of vitamins and nutrients. Rinsing will remove a large portion of these beneficial ingredients.
How do you cook Ben’s original rice?
Microwave
- In a microwave-safe glass bowl, submerge one unopened bag of rice in 3 cups of boiling water.
- Cover tightly with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and cook on HIGH 12-15 minutes. † Remove bag from water and drain.
- Cut open bag and pour contents into a serving dish. Add 1 tsp.
- Fluff with fork and serve.
Can you eat Uncle Ben’s rice without heating?
Most packets of instant rice (like Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice) are precooked, so they can technically be eaten right out of the bag, without heating. That said, they may taste slightly grittier than normal this way. Uncle Ben’s instant rice instructions direct you to heat the bag for 90 seconds before consuming.
Did Mrs Butterworth change its name?
Butterworth”, represented in the form of a matronly woman. The syrup was introduced in 1961. In 1999, the original glass bottles began to be replaced with plastic. In 2009, the character was given the first name “Joy” following a contest held by the company.
Who invented Uncle Ben’s rice?
Uncle Ben’s was founded as Converted Brand Rice by co-founders Erich Huzenlaub and Gordon Harwell, according to the brand’s website. The name “Uncle Ben’s” began being used in the 1940s after Harwell and his business partner discussed a famed Texas farmer, referred to as Uncle Ben, known for his rice.