Quick answer: The quinoa I cook most is Viva Naturals Organic Quinoa. It comes pre-washed, so there is no rinsing step, the grains cook up fluffy, and the 4 lb bag is good value. For something more interesting in a grain bowl or salad, Ancient Harvest Tri-Color blends white, red, and black quinoa for a chewier bite. Want a small organic bag to try first? 365 Organic White Quinoa from Whole Foods does the job. And BetterBody is a dependable everyday organic pick if you do not mind rinsing it first.
Quinoa is one of those pantry staples that makes healthy eating feel effortless.
It cooks in about 15 minutes, works in everything from grain bowls to breakfast porridge, and packs more protein than most grains. It’s also naturally gluten-free.
Not all brands are equal, though. Some taste bitter because the saponin coating wasn’t removed. Choosing organic quinoa can also help you avoid exposure to harmful pesticides. I’ve tested plenty and these are the ones I keep buying. If you’re into grain alternatives, check out the best jasmine rice brands too.
Here is how they compare at a glance:
| Brand | Best for | Pre-rinsed | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viva Naturals | Everyday use, best value | Yes | Pre-washed white quinoa, cooks fluffy, 4 lb bag |
| Ancient Harvest Tri-Color | Salads and texture | Yes | Organic white, red, and black blend with a chewier bite |
| BetterBody | Smaller organic bag | No | USDA organic, complete protein, neutral flavor |
| 365 Organic White | Trying it, Whole Foods shoppers | No | Clean organic store brand in a 16 oz bag |
Top Quinoa Picks
I’ve tested a lot of quinoa brands over the years, and these four are the ones I keep coming back to. If you’re also into superfoods, check out my list of the best chia seeds.
Each one has a different strength, so I broke down the pros, cons, and how they actually cook so you can find the right fit.
BetterBody Quinoa
BetterBody is one of those solid, no-fuss organic quinoas that does exactly what you want it to do. The 1.5 lb bag is a good size if you’re not ready to commit to a bulk purchase.
Pros
- USDA organic certified and non-GMO verified
- Complete protein with all nine essential amino acids
- Low glycemic index, so it won’t spike your blood sugar
Cons
- You need to rinse it thoroughly before cooking or it tastes bitter
- The 1.5 lb bag runs out fast if you eat quinoa regularly
- Costs more per ounce than conventional (non-organic) quinoa
I’ve made this one dozens of times, and it cooks up consistently well as long as you rinse it first. Skip that step and you’ll get a soapy, bitter taste from the natural saponin coating. A quick soak in a fine mesh strainer takes care of it.
The USDA organic certification is real, not just marketing fluff. BetterBody is also non-GMO verified, which matters to me when I’m buying something I eat multiple times a week. The low glycemic index is a nice bonus. I notice I stay full longer after a quinoa bowl compared to white rice.
My only real complaint is the bag size. At 1.5 pounds, it doesn’t last long in my house. If you go through quinoa quickly, you might want to grab two bags or look at a larger option.
Viva Naturals Organic Quinoa
This is the quinoa I reach for most often, mostly because it’s pre-washed. That saves me a step every single time I cook it, and the 4 lb bag means I’m not reordering every two weeks.
Pros
- Pre-washed, so you can cook it straight out of the bag
- Cooks up noticeably fluffy with a pleasant, mild nutty flavor
- The 4 lb bag is great value for regular quinoa eaters
Cons
- Only comes in white quinoa (no red or black option)
- Easy to overcook into mush if you don’t watch the water ratio
- Priced higher than non-organic brands at the same weight
The pre-washed part is honestly what sold me. Rinsing quinoa is not hard, but it’s annoying, especially on a busy weeknight. With Viva Naturals, I just measure, add water, and go. The grains come out light and separated, not clumpy.
Flavor is mild and slightly nutty. It works well in grain bowls, salads, and breakfast porridge. I’ve even tossed it cold into wraps and it held up fine. The organic sourcing checks out too.
One thing to watch: the water-to-quinoa ratio matters more with this brand. Use too much water and you’ll end up with a soggy mess. I stick to a 1.5:1 ratio and it comes out perfect every time.
Ancient Harvest Organic Tri-Color Quinoa
If plain white quinoa feels boring, Ancient Harvest’s tri-color blend is an easy upgrade. It mixes white, red, and black quinoa, so you get more color and a chewier, more varied texture in every bowl.
Pros
- Pre-rinsed, so you can cook it straight out of the bag
- White, red, and black seeds add color and a chewier bite
- USDA organic from a long-running, easy-to-find quinoa brand
Cons
- Costs more per ounce than a plain white bag
- The three colors cook at slightly different rates, so timing takes practice
- The 23 oz bag goes fast if you eat quinoa weekly
Ancient Harvest has been around since the days when most people had never heard of quinoa, and the quality has stayed consistent. The tri-color blend is the one I grab when I want a grain bowl or salad to actually look like something, not just a beige pile.
Because it’s pre-rinsed, there’s no soaking or straining step. I add it straight to the pot. The mix of white, red, and black gives each spoonful more texture than plain white, with the red and black seeds holding a bit more bite after cooking.
The one thing to know is that the three colors have slightly different densities, so they finish cooking at slightly different times. I simmer mine a couple minutes longer than I would plain white and let it steam with the lid on, which evens things out. Tossed with lemon, olive oil, and herbs, it holds up beautifully cold the next day.
365 Organic White Quinoa
If you already shop at Whole Foods (or order from Amazon Fresh), this one is a no-brainer to toss in your cart. The 365 store brand is one of those products that quietly does its job without any flashy marketing.
Pros
- USDA organic certified, so you know what you’re getting
- Whole Foods store brand means consistent quality and easy availability
- Simple, clean ingredient list with no additives
Cons
- Only 16oz per bag, which is small compared to bulk options like Viva Naturals
- Not pre-rinsed, so you’ll need to wash it before cooking
- Price per ounce is higher than buying a larger bag from another brand
There’s something reassuring about the 365 brand. Whole Foods has built a reputation around their store label, and this quinoa reflects that. It’s USDA organic, cooks up fluffy, and tastes clean. Nothing surprising, nothing off-putting. Just solid white quinoa.
The 16oz bag is my biggest gripe. If you eat quinoa a few times a week, you’ll burn through it fast. At that point, a larger bag from another brand is going to save you money. But if you only cook quinoa occasionally, or you want to try organic quinoa without committing to a bulk purchase, this is a low-risk way to start.
You do need to rinse it. Run it under cold water in a fine mesh strainer for 30 seconds or so. Skip that and you’ll taste the bitterness from the saponin coating. Once it’s rinsed, it cooks in about 15 minutes with a 1.5:1 water ratio and comes out light and fluffy every time.
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Buying Guide
Where to Purchase
Health food stores and organic markets usually have the best in-store selection. Online is easier for comparing prices (same goes for dried lentils), and you can often find bulk deals that local stores don’t carry.
Price Point
Always check the price per ounce, not just the sticker price. A $15 bag that weighs 4 lbs is a better deal than a $9 bag that weighs 1.5 lbs. Buying in bulk almost always saves money on a staple like quinoa.
Quinoa Types
White, red, and black are the three main types. White is the mildest and fluffiest. Red has a nuttier taste and holds its shape better in salads. Black is the earthiest and has a slight crunch even after cooking. Try a small bag of each before you commit to a big purchase.
Origin
Most quinoa comes from Peru and Bolivia, where it grows best at high altitudes. South American grown quinoa tends to have larger seeds and better flavor than varieties grown elsewhere. Check the label if origin matters to you.
Certifications
Two certifications are worth looking for:
- Organic: Ensures no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers are used.
- Fair Trade: Supports sustainable farming and fair conditions for farmers.
Nutritional Content
All quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. That’s rare for a plant food. Some brands add extra vitamins or minerals, so check the nutrition label if that’s important to you. Protein content is usually around 8g per cooked cup across all varieties.
Quinoa FAQs
Do you have to rinse quinoa before cooking?
Usually, yes. Raw quinoa has a natural saponin coating that tastes soapy and bitter if you skip the rinse. Run it under cold water in a fine mesh strainer for about 30 seconds. The exception is pre-washed brands like Viva Naturals and OA Tri-Color, which you can cook straight from the bag.
What is the right water-to-quinoa ratio?
A 1.5 to 1 ratio works well for most brands, so a cup and a half of water for every cup of dry quinoa. Some people go up to 2 to 1 for softer grains. Use too much water and you end up with mush, so start lower and adjust to how you like it.
How long does quinoa take to cook?
About 15 minutes at a low simmer, then 5 minutes off the heat with the lid on to steam. You will know it is done when the grains turn translucent and the little white germ rings unspool. Fluff it with a fork before serving.
Is quinoa a complete protein?
Yes. Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, which is rare for a plant food. A cooked cup gives you roughly 8 grams of protein along with fiber and a low glycemic load, so it keeps you full longer than white rice.
What is the difference between white, red, and black quinoa?
White is the mildest and fluffiest, good for everyday bowls and porridge. Red has a nuttier taste and holds its shape, which makes it better in salads. Black is the earthiest with a slight crunch. A tri-color blend mixes all three for more texture.
Is quinoa gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free since it is a seed, not a grass-based grain. If you have celiac disease, look for a certified gluten-free label, since some quinoa is processed in facilities that also handle wheat.
How do you store quinoa to keep it fresh?
Keep dry quinoa in an airtight container in a cool, dark cupboard and it lasts for months. Cooked quinoa keeps about five days in the fridge and freezes well, so it is easy to batch-cook for the week.
