How to Tell Whether the Rice You Buy Is New or Old — Just Bring a Sheet of Paper With You!

Rice is the staple food in most Vietnamese meals, and the quality of the rice determines whether the cooked grains turn out soft, fragrant, and delicious. But how can you tell if the rice you’re buying is fresh and of good quality?

In general, rice comes in two types: pre-packaged rice and bulk rice sold in open containers. Packaged rice usually includes a clear production date on the label, making it easy to judge its freshness. However, bulk rice often lacks this information, so you need to rely on a few simple techniques to determine whether the rice is new or has been stored for too long.

1. Use a Tissue Paper Test

This is a surprisingly effective method — and all you need is one sheet of tissue paper.

Place a small handful of rice on the tissue, gently press it with your hand for about ten seconds, then lift your hand and let the rice fall back naturally. Now observe the tissue:

• If the paper is clean with only a few grain marks, the rice is fresh and of high quality.

• If there are oily, waxy, or sticky marks, and some grains cling to the tissue, the rice is likely old, oxidized, or mixed with lower-grade rice. It may even contain preservatives or additives that increase its oiliness — this is a sign you should avoid it.

Why this method works:
Fresh, high-quality rice naturally has lower moisture and oil content. In contrast, old or poor-quality rice may absorb humidity, release surface oil, or contain added chemicals. The tissue easily absorbs these residues, allowing you to assess its condition with a simple visual check.

2. Observe the Color of the Rice

Although rice is generally pale white, its appearance varies depending on the variety and storage conditions.

• Fresh rice tends to look translucent, slightly glossy, and evenly white.

• Old rice may appear dull, yellowish, or greyish, indicating oxidation or prolonged storage. Such rice typically has reduced nutritional value and a weaker aroma, and the cooked grains may not be as fluffy or fragrant.

A consistent, vibrant color often signals proper processing and good storage conditions.

3. Smell the Rice

Fresh rice naturally has a light, pleasant, and clean aroma. When buying bulk rice, you can warm a few grains between your palms and then smell them:

• If the fragrance becomes clearer and natural, the rice is likely fresh.

• If there is no aroma, or worse, a musty, sour, or chemical smell, the rice may be expired, moldy, or contaminated.

This method works because gentle heat releases the natural scent compounds present in good rice.

4. Chew a Few Grains

If possible, taste a couple of raw grains:

• Quality rice feels firm but not hard, slightly sweet, with a subtle aroma.

• Low-quality rice may be too soft, chalky, brittle, or have no flavor at all. Some old rice loses its natural sweetness and may leave an unpleasant aftertaste.

Chewing rice gives you a direct sense of its starch structure and freshness — something that cannot be easily faked.

Final Thoughts

Choosing good rice is not difficult once you know what to look for. A simple tissue test, combined with checking color, scent, and texture, can help you quickly identify fresh, high-quality rice even when buying in bulk. With these tips, you can feel confident that every meal you cook will be fragrant, soft, and satisfying.