Rice is at the heart of most Indian meals, but what if your daily bowl could do more than fill you up? Scientists in India have now created a smarter version of this staple—‘designer rice’—that promises
higher nutrition and better blood sugar control.
Developed by the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram, this upgraded rice contains three times more protein than regular rice. It has a low glycaemic index (GI), making it especially beneficial for people with diabetes.
What Makes ‘Designer Rice’ Different
White rice may be comforting, but nutritionally, it’s mostly starch. Once consumed, this starch quickly converts into sugar, causing a spike in blood glucose levels—one of the key reasons behind rising Type 2 Diabetes cases.
At the same time, many Indians face “hidden hunger”—a condition where people get enough calories but lack essential nutrients like protein and iron.
Unlike fortified rice, where nutrients are added on the surface, designer rice is built differently from the inside.
Scientists essentially break down rice into its core components—starch, protein, and fibre—and then rebuild it with improved nutrition. Using broken rice grains (usually sold cheaply), they create flour, enrich it with protein and key nutrients, and reshape it into rice-like grains.
The result? Rice that looks, cooks, and tastes the same, but is far healthier.
Why Is It Better For Your Health?
This new-age rice is designed to tackle multiple health concerns at once:
Low Glycaemic Index (below 55): Releases sugar slowly, helping manage blood sugar levels
High Protein Content: Over 20% protein compared to 6–8% in regular rice
Nutrient-Rich: Fortified with iron, folic acid, and Vitamin B12 to help prevent deficiencies
For diabetics or those watching their weight, this means better energy control without giving up rice.
What makes this innovation even more powerful is its ability to address both diabetes and nutrient deficiency—two major health challenges in India.
By improving protein intake and adding essential micronutrients, designer rice can help reduce anaemia and support overall health, especially in vulnerable populations.
The best part? You don’t need to change your eating habits. No expensive superfoods or drastic diet shifts—just your regular rice, upgraded.
Designer rice is more than just a scientific breakthrough—it’s a practical, scalable solution. It uses broken rice (often wasted), supports a circular economy, and delivers better nutrition without changing taste or tradition.
The innovation is now ready for mass production, and to bring it to households across India, the technology has been transferred to Tata Consumer Products Limited and SS Soul Foods.
