Sunday Randomness #98 : Spanish Rice 3X in a package

 Knorr brand Spanish Rice 5.6 oz (158g) package (per serving: 1 g fat, 6g protein, 3g sugar, 690mg sodium  2.5 servings/pkg)  Add water and vegetable oil.  Okay tasting but on the bland side.  Mix of rice and pasta with spices.  Price November 2017 in SLC, UT: $1.00

 Rice-a-Roni Spanish Rice 6.8 oz (192g) package  (per serving: .5g fat, 5g protein, 2g sugar, 890mg sodium  3.5 servings/pkg)  Add water, butter, and a can of diced tomatoes.  Good but unquestionably on the salty side.  Mix of rice and pasta with spices.  Price November 2017 in SLC, UT: $1.00 

Zatarain's Spanish Rice 6.9 oz (195g) package (per serving: .5g fat, 4g protein, less than 1g sugar, 400 mg sodium  4.5 servings/pkg)  Add water, butter, and a can of diced tomatoes.  Mix of rice (no pasta) with spices.  Definitely the heartiest of the three but maybe was edged out by the chewy texture of the rice.  Price November 2017 in SLC, UT: $1.49  

Disclaimer-I bought all three packages at regular price and we tried all three on the same night just out of curiosity.  We've also made homemade Spanish Rice with just rice, water, and salsa.  Homemade is still definitely better but for everyday we like the Rice-a-Roni best as both a side and a topping for homemade burritos, tacos, and the like.  We liked the Zatarain's best when paired with a salad for nights when we're copying restuarant salads like Costa Vida or Cafe Rio.  I was not compensated in any way from any company or individual.