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.
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.
OA Quinoa Tri-Color
If plain white quinoa feels boring, this tri-color blend from Bolivia is worth trying. The mix of white, red, and black seeds looks gorgeous in a bowl and gives you more texture variety.
Pros
- Pre-rinsed, so no extra prep needed before cooking
- A portion of profits goes to children’s charities in Bolivia
- Large seed size gives each bite more substance
Cons
- The bag feels flimsy and tears easily during storage
- Tri-color blends cost more per ounce than plain white quinoa
- The three seed types cook at slightly different rates, so timing takes practice
I grabbed this one because I wanted something more visually interesting for meal prep photos, and it delivered. The seeds are noticeably larger than other brands, which gives each spoonful a chewier, more satisfying texture. It’s also pre-rinsed, so you can skip the strainer step entirely.
The charity angle is a real thing, not just a label claim. OA Quinoa donates a portion of their profits to support children in the Bolivian communities where the quinoa is grown. That makes it easy to feel good about buying it.
The weak spot is the packaging. The bag is thin and doesn’t reseal well, so I transfer mine into a glass jar as soon as it arrives. Also, since the three seed colors have slightly different densities, you may need to experiment with cook times to get the texture right. I cook mine for about 18 minutes and let it steam with the lid on for 5 more.
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.
