Answer: No, if raw and unflavored (Star-K, cRc).
Reason: Raw rice is fine, but rice with added ingredients and cooked, canned, quick or instant rice need certification.
Source:
- Star-K: its list of products that need no hechsher includes raw brown and white rice (brown requires checking for insects), provided there are no additives and it is not a product of Israel.
- cRc: parboiled or raw rice (including brown and basmati) is acceptable without hashgachah if there are no kosher-sensitive ingredients; rice with added sensitive ingredients, and all canned, cooked, quick and instant rice, requires a reliable hashgacha. A general inspection is needed to rule out obvious infestation (Midwest).
Related questions:
- Does basmati rice need a hechsher? No. Rice from Pakistan should be checked for bugs.
- Do dried beans and lentils need a hechsher? No (Star-K, cRc).
- Do rice cakes need a hechsher? Yes (cRc).
References: Star-K, “Approved Without A Hechsher” list · cRc (askcrc.org), “Rice, unflavored”
