How Many Calories in a Cup of Rice
Nutrition
Wellness

How Many Calories in a Cup of Rice

Amy
Amy
Nutritionist
Share

Rice is one of the most common foods people eat when building a balanced routine. It is simple, comforting, and pairs easily with protein and vegetables. Many WeightBuddy users enjoy rice because it helps make meals more grounding without adding stress to their day.

Let’s start with the main question.

How Many Calories in a Cup of Rice

A one cup serving of cooked white rice has about 200 calories.

Here is the breakdown for the most common types:

  • One cup cooked white rice: about 200 calories
  • One cup cooked brown rice: about 215 calories
  • One cup cooked jasmine rice: about 205 calories
  • One cup cooked basmati rice: about 190 calories
  • ½ cup cooked rice: about 100 calories

Rice is naturally low in fat and easy to portion, making it simple to track inside WeightBuddy.

To compare rice with a full meal built around rice and protein, you can check the calorie guide for a chipotle bowl.

Rice Nutrition Breakdown

Rice provides steady energy and works well for meals that need simple carbs. A one cup serving includes:

  • Carbs: about 44 grams
  • Protein: about 4 grams
  • Fiber: around 1 gram for white rice, more for brown rice
  • Low fat content
  • B vitamins that support energy
  • Minerals like magnesium and manganese

Rice is often paired with vegetables, protein, and healthy fats to create balanced meals.

Is Rice Good for Weight Loss

Yes, rice can support weight loss when you are aware of portion sizes. Rice provides steady energy and can help control hunger when paired with protein and vegetables.

Rice works well for WeightBuddy users because:

  • It offers predictable calories
  • It digests at a steady pace
  • It pairs easily with chicken, tofu, eggs, or beans
  • It helps meals feel complete and satisfying
  • It is simple to track
  • It fits into meal prep easily

If you want a lighter alternative for certain meals, you can compare with calorie guide for sweet potatoes.

Calories in Rice by Cooking Style

The calorie count stays similar, but toppings and add ons change the impact.

1. Plain cooked rice

White or brown rice stays around 190 to 215 calories per cup.

2. Rice cooked with oil or butter

A teaspoon of oil or butter adds 40 to 45 calories, raising the total to 240 to 260 calories.

3. Fried rice

Restaurant style fried rice can reach 300 to 450 calories per cup, depending on oil and ingredients.

4. Microwave rice packets

Usually 200 to 250 calories per cup, depending on added seasonings.

5. Coconut rice

Often 300 to 330 calories due to added coconut milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in half a cup of cooked rice

Half a cup has about 100 calories.

Is brown rice healthier than white rice

Brown rice has more fiber and slightly more nutrients. Both fit well into balanced routines.

Does rice cause weight gain

Extra calories over time cause weight gain. Rice itself does not. Portion control keeps everything steady.

Can I eat rice every day while losing weight

Yes. Many people include rice daily as long as the serving fits their goals.

What is the lowest calorie type of rice

Basmati rice tends to be slightly lower in calories per cup compared to jasmine or standard white rice.