Health-Focused Consumers Think Rice Thanks to New RD Program

ARLINGTON, VA -- Last month, USA Rice partnered with several registered dietitians to create an RD Blogger program that will run throughout the coming year.  The goal of the program is to utilize the RDs’ expertise and network to help spread the word about the health benefits and culinary versatility of U.S.-grown rice.

Over the course of the year, four RD bloggers will create and share three unique rice recipes in a series of blog and social media posts that feature several different varieties of U.S.-grown rice.  In addition to the unique rice recipe and stunning photography, each blog post will also include cooking tips and key USA Rice messages and be shared using the hashtag #thinkrice.

“We are very excited about this new program,” said USA Rice Domestic Promotion Manager Cameron Jacobs.  “Growing awareness about all of the health benefits associated with U.S.-grown rice consumption within health-focused audiences and spreading USA Rice’s health resources along with the production of new recipes is a win/win/win!”

To kick off the program each blogger received a mailer with U.S.-grown rice samples and a rice cooker to fuel their creativity.  With the theme of National Rice Month, the RDs created and shared a Teriyaki Rice Bowl recipe, a Buffalo-Cauliflower Rice Bowl recipe, a Rainbow Asian Rice Salad with Shrimp recipe, and a Stuffed Poblano Peppers with Chimichurri Rice and Chorizo recipe.

“With 30 percent of shoppers indicating that blogs direct their purchasing habits, we hope this program not only educates consumers on the health benefits of rice, but also impacts their purchasing habits when it comes to U.S.-grown rice,” continued Jacobs.

The blogger program will run through June 2020 and follow future themes of “Rice in Comfort Food,” “Spring into Summer with Rice,” and more.  The program will result in production of 12 RD approved recipes along with associated blog posts and photography, all of which will be owned by USA Rice.