Spanish Rice Nutrition Information

Spanish rice is a common side dish for Tex-Mex meals and is popular in the Southwestern United States. This variation of rice combines several ingredients including white rice, tomato paste and onions and is simmered in vegetable oil and water. Although the dish contains a moderate amount of fat, the carbohydrate and caloric values are high. Spanish rice is in the Grain group on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Pyramid, and one serving is eight ounces.

Calories

• Spanish rice supplies 300 calories per serving, with 40 calories from fat. The total fat content is 4 grams, of which 0.5 gram is saturated fat. Since the caloric content is more than for most side dishes, it is a good idea to consume the rice with a meal that is otherwise lower in calories.

Carbohydrates

• Spanish rice is starchy, with 61 grams of carbohydrates---more than 20 percent of the daily recommended value. In addition, this side dish supplies 3 grams of dietary fiber and 6 grams of sugars.

Sodium and Cholesterol

• Although the caloric value of Spanish rice is relatively high, it is a heart-healthy food, according to the American Heart Association. The rice contains no cholesterol and each serving supplies 410 mg of sodium, or 18 percent of the recommended daily maximum of 2300 mg.

Vitamins and Minerals

• Spanish rice contains a modest 29 mg of vitamin C, but is a good source of vitamin A. Prepared with white rice, the dish supplies 50 mg of calcium and 4 mg of iron.

Suggestions

• Because a single serving of Spanish rice supplies a significant amount of calories, you may want to consume only half a serving. If you substitute brown rice for white when preparing the dish, you boost the vitamins and nutrients. Check the expiration date on rice before cooking.