Top Picks: Best Basmati Rice Brands for Flavor and Quality

Basmati rice, renowned for its fragrant aroma and delicate, fluffy texture, is a staple in cuisines around the globe. Choosing the right brand can significantly impact your culinary experience, whether you're preparing a simple rice dish or an elaborate feast. Over the years, several brands have emerged as leaders in delivering high-quality basmati rice that meets the expectations of discerning palates. Below, we explore some of the top brands that consistently win the hearts of food enthusiasts and chefs alike.

Illustration of basmati rice

Best brands of basmati rice in 2025

Daawat

Daawat is one of the leading brands in the basmati rice market, known for its high-quality products and stringent quality control measures. The brand, owned by LT Foods Ltd, has achieved a market share of 30.2% in India and has seen a 27% growth in the US market, with its flagship brand 'Royal' holding the largest market share in the US basmati rice segment. Daawat works closely with over 80,000 farmers, providing them with advanced production practices and on-field advisory to ensure premium quality grains. The company has expanded its presence to over 78 countries and has reported a 15% growth in India through new product introductions and comprehensive marketing campaigns. Daawat's commitment to sustainability and efficient production practices has made it a trusted name in the industry. For more information, visit their official website.

Tilda

Tilda is a leading brand in the production of basmati rice, renowned for its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Through its Alternate Wet and Dry (AWD) growing programme, Tilda has reduced methane emissions by an average of 45% and up to 70% compared to traditional methods, and has also lowered water use by 28% and electricity consumption by 27% per tonne of rice grown. Since 2020, Tilda's UK manufacturing facilities have been powered entirely by renewable electricity, contributing to a 36% reduction in carbon emissions. The company aims to ensure all its packaging is 100% recyclable by 2027 and has been B Corp certified since July 2023. Tilda's initiatives have not only benefited the environment but also improved yields and cost savings for farmers. You can learn more about their commitment to quality and environmental impact by exploring their Tilda Pure Basmati Rice.

Royal

Royal Basmati Rice stands out as a premium producer, offering high-quality, sustainably grown basmati rice that complies with the SRP standard for Sustainable Rice Cultivation. This authentic basmati rice is aged for a minimum of 12 months to enhance its distinctive flavor and non-sticky texture. India, where Royal Basmati Rice is cultivated, accounts for over 70% of the world's basmati rice production. In 2018-2019, India exported 4.4 million metric tons of basmati rice, with exports valued at over $4 billion annually from 2018 to 2021. The careful aging process and sustainable practices ensure every meal is a delightful experience.

Kohinoor

Kohinoor Foods Limited is a leading producer of high-quality basmati rice, known for its world-class rice processing plants, including a large facility in Murthal, Haryana, with a milling capacity of 50 metric tonnes per hour and storage capacities of 20,000 metric tons of rice and 50,000 metric tons of paddy. The company is ISO 9001:2000, HACCP, and BRC certified, and it complies with EUFSA and USFDA standards. Kohinoor Foods is also a pioneer in introducing flexible packaging for rice in India and has a significant organic basmati rice program, collaborating with over 1,100 farmers across 750 hectares. The company's production capacity stands at 1,000 metric tons per day, with advanced technology including 16 color sorter machines and mechanical dryers. Kohinoor Foods is a major player in the global basmati rice market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.00% from 2024 to 2032.

India Gate

India Gate, the flagship brand of KRBL, is recognized as the world's No. 1 basmati rice brand, exporting to over 90 countries and selling over 8 crore packs annually. The brand holds a significant 36% market share in general trade and 41% in modern trade in India. With a strong global footprint, India Gate is certified by FSSC 22000, ensuring top-notch product quality and safety. The company has a robust domestic network supported by over 500 distributors and 3 lac+ retail outlets. India Gate aims to convert the largely loose, unbranded rice market to branded products, targeting Rs 200 crore revenue through regional marketing strategies. For more insights, you can read about how India Gate is recognized as the world's No. 1 basmati rice brand.

Lal Qilla

Lal Qilla is a renowned brand in the basmati rice industry, celebrated for its high-quality and pure basmati rice products. Established since 1901, the brand has maintained its legacy by adhering to strict quality standards, ensuring zero percentage of broken rice and no trace of other rice varieties, as highlighted in consumer tests. Lal Qilla basmati rice is cultivated in the foothills of the Himalayas, known for its unique aroma, taste, and texture, with an elongation ratio of 2.32, meeting export quality standards. The brand is distributed across 5 continents and 70 countries, reflecting its global reach and consumer trust. Additionally, Lal Qilla offers a special low GI parboiled rice suitable for consumers with diabetes and obesity.

Zafarani

Zafarani is a renowned brand in the production of high-quality basmati rice, known for its distinct aroma and flavor. India, where Zafarani sources its basmati rice, accounts for 75% of global basmati rice production, with annual production ranging from 8 to 12 million tons, of which around two-thirds are exported. In the financial year 2020-21, India exported around 4.6 million tonnes of basmati rice, highlighting the significance of this crop. The brand ensures the rice is cultivated under optimal agro-climatic conditions and follows meticulous harvesting, processing, and aging methods to maintain its characteristic features. Zafarani's commitment to quality is reflected in its use of superior varieties, such as those grown in the traditional areas of the north and northwestern Indian subcontinent. For more insights on rice packaging and labeling, visit the discussion on celiac.com forum.

Pride of India

Pride of India is a renowned brand known for its high-quality basmati rice, sourced directly from farms in the Himalayan valleys of India to ensure freshness and quality. Their basmati rice is vegan, gluten-free, and GMO-free, making it a preferred choice for health-conscious consumers. The brand's commitment to sustainable farming and strict quality control measures contributes to its premium status. Pride of India's basmati rice has been praised by experts, such as those from America's Test Kitchen, for its rich flavor and aroma. With a focus on natural and organic products, Pride of India enhances the overall health and culinary experience of its customers.

Khazana

Khazana is a renowned brand in the basmati rice market, known for its high-quality extra-long grains rich in essential nutrients like amino acids, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, and thiamine. As one of the top producers, Khazana benefits from India's dominant position in basmati rice production, accounting for over 70% of global output. The brand leverages the increasing demand for premium products and the rising health consciousness among consumers, contributing to the market's growth at a CAGR of 2.00% from 2024 to 2032. India's basmati rice production, which includes brands like Khazana, has seen significant fluctuations, such as a 10% drop in output in the 2021-22 crop year due to drought-like conditions. Despite these challenges, the brand remains a favorite among consumers due to its nutritional value and aesthetic taste. For more details about their Khazana Basmati Rice Extra Long Grains.

Radikal

Radikal Foods Limited is a leading producer of premium basmati rice, known for its state-of-the-art modern rice mill in Garh Mukteshwar, Uttar Pradesh, with a capacity of over 480,000 MT per annum. The company, founded in 2009, exports its high-quality basmati rice globally, utilizing the world's best technologies and equipment to ensure impeccable quality. Radikal Foods is fully automated in its processing and packaging chain, ensuring top-class rice production. The company is committed to strengthening its branding, processing, and production capabilities, making it one of the top manufacturers of basmati rice worldwide. With a revenue of $810.7 million, Radikal Foods stands out in the food processing industry.