The protein in rice is considered incomplete because it has lower levels of certain essential amino acids. If all essential amino acids are not present in sufficient quantities the rice protein cannot be used for growth or maintenance of tissues. In this case protein in rice is often burned as fuel or converted into fat and stored. The protein will only be converted to fat if too many calories are consumed.

The table below lists the protein content of rice along with its carbohydrate content. The values shown are for 150 grams ( 7oz), which is about an average serving.

The protein content in rice is higher in the table as raw this is simply because it has not been cooked and contains no water. The weight of rice can double after cooking yet the protein content of the rice would be the same.

Use the raw value if you weigh out the rice before cooking as weighing soggy cooked rice is not practical, use the boiled value if you order from a restaurant.

Protein loss can cause a decrease in metabolism and is often the reason why weight loss progress stops!