Is Birdseye Steam Fresh Rice Syn Free?

Using pre-packaged rice which is already flavoured and made up can speed up cooking, but since these packs of rice come flavoured they do have syns which have to be counted.

Luckily, since this rice is steamed not microwaved, Birds eye steam rice is between 1-3 syns depending on the flavour making them a great choice for an easy low syn side dish. 

We've composed a guide below which will go over whether or not rice is syn free, how many syns the flavours of Birdseye steam rice have plus some other quick steam alternatives.

Why Is Birdseye Steam Fresh Rice Not Syn Free?

Since rice is syn free on the slimming world plan it can be confusing to learn that steam rice is not, but this is mainly down to the flavouring in the rice which adds a small amount of oil and calories.

If you want syn free rice it is best to choose steam rice which is plain flavoured instead, but still, a 190g pyramid of this rice would not cost you any more than 3 syns for a low syn dish, with the Mediterranean Vegetable Rice flavour having 2.5 syns a pyramid and the Golden Vegetable Rice having 1.5 syns a pyramid.

Microwave rice that is not steamed like these pyramids will often have more syns as they need more oil inside to encourage the rice to break up.

Low Syn Alternatives To Birdeye Steam Rice

There are plenty of other steam rice alternatives to Birdseye steam rice on the market, we have listed them down below for a quick and easy meal.

• Sainsbury's ready in two minutes pilau rice - 3 syns per 250g.
• Sainsbury's ready in two minutes basmati rice - 3 syns per 250g.
• Sainsbury's ready in two minutes mushroom rice - 3 syns per 250g.
• Sainsbury's ready in two minutes white rice - 1.5 syns per 250g.
• Morrisons basmati rice - 1.5 syns per 250g.
• Morrisons Mexican rice - 1 syn per 250g.
• Uncle bens special mushroom rice - 2.5 syns per 250g.
• Uncle bens tomato and basil rice - 4 syns per 250g.
• Sainsbury's ready in two minutes Thai rice - 3 syns per 250g.
• Sainsbury's ready in two minutes brown rice - 2 syns per 250g.
• Uncle bens golden vegetable rice - 2.5 syns per 250g.
• Tilda pure basmati rice - 3 syns per 250g.
• Tilda lemon basmati rice - 2 syns per 250g.
• Tilda white and brown basmati rice - 3 syns per 250g.

Our SW Friendly Vegetable Rice Recipe

If you don't want to use up all your syns on steamed microwave rice then why not try making your own at home which is syn free? We have listed the recipe deets below!

Ingredients

• 250g of rice.
• Low cal oil spray.
• 550ml of veg stock.
• One carrot, onion and pepper diced.
• Small handful of frozen peas.
• 2 tsp of turmeric and 1 tsp of cumin.
• Two crushed garlic cloves.
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika and chilli.
• Salt.

Method

• Fry your garlic and veggies in a pan with your low cal cooking spray until they start to soften.
• Add your spices and boiling stock together in a pan.
• Cook for around 25 minutes.

Final Words

To conclude, at 1-3 syns a pyramid, Birdseye steam fresh rice packets are low in syns, allowing you to have a lazy meal that won't cost you too much of your syn allowance. If your looking to keep your rice syn free then try choosing a plain boil in the bag rice as these will not contain oil and extra flavourings, or make our syn free pilau rice above!

Frequently Asked Questions

How are syn values calculated?

Syn values are calculated using a formula based on calories, saturated fat and sugar content per serving. They’re not the same as calories — a product can be low in calories but higher in syns if it’s high in sugar or fat. Always check the official Slimming World app for the most accurate and up-to-date syn values.

Do syn values change?

Yes. When manufacturers reformulate their products, the syn value can go up or down. This is why we recommend double-checking with the Slimming World app or your consultant, especially if a product’s packaging has changed recently.

How many syns should I have per day?

Most Slimming World members work with 5 to 15 syns per day. Your consultant will advise on the right amount for you. The key is to use your syns on the things you enjoy most — whether that’s a chocolate bar, a glass of wine, or a packet of crisps.