10 Best Quinoa Brands [Registered Dietitian-Reviewed]

Quinoa's colors are more than just aesthetics. Each brings different textures and flavors that help in complementing meals. White quinoa is soft in texture and quicker to cook, so it's a perfect choice for dishes that are more mellow. The neutral flavor absorbs other ingredients and makes it quite adaptable, it can easily blend with almost anything.

With a slightly bolder flavor and a bit more chew, red quinoa is perfect for heartier recipes. Whether you build a grain bowl or layer the ingredient in a salad, this red quinoa keeps its texture after cooking. That makes it particularly useful for cold salads where you don't want the grain to get too soft.

Black quinoa has a hint of sweetness and extra crunchy texture. The firmer texture works best in dishes that require longer cooking, as it holds up well in soups, stews and even baked goods, adding a delightful crunch to your meal​.

Can't decide which type of quinoa is the best? Why not try them all! Tri-color quinoa combines all three main quinoa varieties into one convenient mix. This gives you a good mixture of textures and flavors all at once, from soft to firm and sweet to nutty. Not only is it versatile in flavor, but the colors really pop as well, making any dish stand out beautifully.

Tri-color quinoa is perfect for a plant-based diet because it provides a complete source of protein while giving a balanced nutritional profile, combining the nutrients of all three types. It is highly recommended for anyone who seeks to add variety to their eating plan while keeping a good source of nutrition. We highly recommend tri-color quinoa for dishes like breakfast bowls or stuffed vegetables.

Pre-rinsed white quinoa is the perfect answer to what every busy home cook needs: something nutritious and easy. This type of quinoa will require no rinsing before cooking, saving time and energy in the kitchen. Any color can come in pre-rinsed, but white will cook the quickest, making it the best for weeknight dinners or emergency meal prepping for the week.

Quinoa is a naturally gluten-free whole grain, which makes it a valuable source of protein for anyone living with Celiac disease or other forms of gluten intolerance. However, like almost any packaged product, it is recommended to check the package for a certified gluten-free seal to check that the product has not been processed in a facility that processes anything else with gluten.