While it seems unlikely that Canada will ever get on Laos’ level, our rice consumption has been steadily increasing for the last 50 years.

That’s good news from a health perspective: Canada’s food guide recommends brown rice as a healthy whole grain that can help lower the risk of stroke, colon cancer, diabetes and heart disease. A 2018 study from Leeds University also showed that rice, among other foods, can aid in weight loss because it makes you feel fuller for longer than a traditional calorie-restricting diet. As a grain, its benefits are far-reaching – and so is its consumption.

“If there is any reason why rice is so remarkable, it is for being the universal food that supplies two-thirds of the world,” says Kyle Lyons, VP Marketing for Mars Canada Food. “It’s versatile enough to be used in such a wide variety of dishes that are often the cornerstone of many cultural traditions and even identities.”

According to Lyons, whose parent company owns organic packaged food brand Seeds of Change, the company’s products are designed to introduce consumers to organic ingredients. A key part of that strategy is making sure their flavoured and plain rice packets are in the packaged foods aisle of the supermarket, rather than in a separate health food or organic section. The company recognizes that Canadians want more organic foods – and strives to make them easier to find.

“Today, consumers are increasingly looking for the flexibility to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diets and rice is one of those staples that can provide a foundation for that,” he says. “When eating more plant-based foods, consumers are also looking for more organic options, which is why we’ve chosen to invest in ensuring all Seeds of Change products are 100 per cent certified organic.”

He notes that rice is also a great diet staple for those might otherwise lack the time to cook elaborate healthy, protein-rich meals. Seeds of Change packets make it is to fit the nutrients you need into your diet and your schedule.

“The challenge many consumers have today is with meal preparation; specifically, the stress and time it takes to prepare a convenient, healthy meal for themselves and their family,” Lyons says. “Seeds of Change offers a variety of rice grains and delicious flavours that are easy to prepare, convenient, 100 per cent certified organic and are ready in just 90 seconds.”

“Now that’s a superfood,” he adds.

For Cherie Thompson, a contract chef and food writer who has worked for Mars, Seeds of Change’s parent company, one of the main selling points of the brand’s line of rice is their ease of use.

She says both the plain – brown basmati and jasmine – and flavoured varieties are a boon for home chefs with busy schedules.

“The flavoured and combination products can really save you time in the kitchen,” she says. "The flavours are all developed for you already: it’s a complete flavour profile and you don’t have to think about it. You don’t need to add anything.

“It’s great for people who want to try rice products but aren’t quite sure how to do it. They’ve done it all for you. The rice is already cooked, it’s already flavoured. You’re just heating it up and finishing it off for 90 seconds in the microwave or a skillet. You don’t need to know if you need to rinse it, or how much water to add or how long to cook it for.”

Her favourite product in the range is the Quinoa and Brown Rice with Garlic. She suggests eating it with a piece of grilled meat and a salad for a quick dinner, or even adding it to a breakfast burrito for a healthy start to the day.

“Those are complete meals without having to spend a whole lot of time in the kitchen,” Thompson says.

Beyond the environmental and health benefits of organic rice, Seeds of Change also aims to improve the lives of rice farmers in countries like India, Pakistan and Thailand through Mars' Sustainable Rice Platform. The multi-million-dollar initiative is designed to make sure small growers get a fair price for their produce, while also helping them to reduce their environmental footprint.

Nutritious, easy, organic and sustainable: What more proof could you need that rice is nice?

Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.