U.S. Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Research Service
Rice Blend Sweets
[Running time:  ~ 2:02]

Welcome to focus on ag research from the Agricultural Research Service or ARS.  ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific research agency.

If you’re allergic to wheat, but love sweets, here’s something you can sink your teeth into—brownies, cookies and muffins made from rice flour. These products are now sold by CrispTek, under the brand name ChoiceBatter.  

The technology used to make these products was developed by ARS scientists in New Orleans. They received a patent for the special blend of rice flours in 2001. CrispTek then obtained a license for the technology in 2008. 

The company’s first product was a rice batter, which absorbs less oil than other batters used for frying and baking. 

Now, CrispTek is selling baking mixes for double chocolate chip brownies, chocolate chip cookies and lemon poppy seed muffins. These goodies are available at more than 1,500 stores, including Whole Foods and H-E-B.  

All rice-based products are gluten free, meaning they can be enjoyed by people who can’t eat wheat, rye or barley. The products also can be eaten by those who are allergic to peanuts, soy and dairy foods. 

To learn more about this research, visit AgResearch magazine at www.agresearchmag.ars.usda.gov.  

That’s our podcast for today.  Thanks for listening.