Zatarain's Jambalaya 8 oz – Mild Not Overly Spicy Family Rice Dinner for Kid Friendly Tables
Zatarain's Jambalaya 8 oz – Mild Not Overly Spicy Family Rice Dinner for Kid Friendly Tables
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Why you'll love it
- Trusted Zatarain's brand delivers authentic Creole flavor in minutes
- Clean ingredient profile: gluten free with no MSG, artificial flavors, or artificial colors
- Made with real vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and garlic for visible quality
- Simple prep just by adding one pound of shrimp keeps cooking approachable
- 4-pack option offers pantry-stocking value for regular Creole-cuisine households
- Long grain rice base provides a satisfying one-bowl meal
- Smaller box size is well-suited for single-person households or a couple of meals
- Versatile base that works as a main or side dish
- Not overly spicy - 'a little spicy but not too much'
- Spice level can be adjusted with additional hot sauce to taste
- One-pot meal convenience
- Quick cook time (~35 minutes including prep)
- Can be found hard to source locally - online availability appreciated
- Fast shipping and arrives undamaged/fresh with great texture
- Good value at current price point
- Absence of MSG added is a plus for health-conscious buyers
- Broth/rice/spice balance is just right across Zatarain's product line
Perfect for
- Quick weeknight dinner with added shrimp or protein
- One-pot family meal for casual dining
- Easy way to bring Louisiana-style Creole flavor into home cooking
- Stocking the pantry with a trusted boxed meal mix
- Value-oriented multi-pack cooking for repeat meals
- Cooking for large groups of 40 with substitutions for dietary restrictions (e.g., chickpeas instead of meat)
- Thermos-style no-stove meal preparation (e.g., for camping, lunch at work)
- Use as an accompaniment to a main dish or as the main dish itself
- Pairing with Slap Ya Mama hot seasoning for extra heat
- Pairing with Tabasco sauce at the table for spice lovers
- Adding olive oil to keep rice moist
- Pairing with crusty bread and salad for a complete dinner
- Use with various proteins: kielbasa, summer sausage, hot Italian sausage, Aidell's Andouille, ham steak, chicken, shrimp
Made with Real Vegetables
We insist on good ingredients, because good ingredients make great flavor. In all our products, including our Rice Mixes, we use real vegetables, like onions and bell peppers, for a taste of The Big Easy in every bite.
Cajun-Creole Spices for Authentic Flavor
At Zatarain’s, we’ve been keeping it real since 1889. Our Rice Mixes contain no added MSG*. We use flavorful Cajun-Creole spices, such as paprika, red pepper and turmeric, to add the authentic tastes of New Orleans.
*Except those naturally occurring glutamates.
Prepared and On The Table In Less than 30 Minutes
Zatarain’s Rice Mixes are the perfect choice for busy families. They’re affordable, quick & easy to prepare and offer plenty of flavor variety. Add desired protein for a delicious one-pot meal solution that’s ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.
Make It Your Own
Jazz up our Rice Mixes with the addition of chopped vegetables – bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, peas, tomatoes … the possibilities are endless. You can make it a complete meal by adding smoked sausage, ham, cooked chicken, cooked ground beef, shrimp or canned beans.
Zatarain's Red Beans & Rice Dinner Mix
Red beans & rice is a quintessential New Orleans dish traditionally prepared on Mondays, when a long stovetop simmer gave households time to do laundry. Today, home cooks rely on Zatarain’s Red Beans & Rice Mix to prepare this classic in a fraction of the time, any day of the week.
Zatarain's Yellow Rice Mix
Yellow rice, or arroz amarillo in Spanish, is a staple in Latin American cuisine. It is served as a simple side dish or, more famously, cooked with chicken and other ingredients to create arroz con pollo. Zatarain’s Yellow Rice Mix is your flavorful shortcut to quick weeknight meals.
Zatarain's Gumbo Mix
Gumbo is a rich and flavorful melting pot, just like its soulful hometown. With Zatarain’s Gumbo Mix, you can easily prepare this Big Easy classic – just add cooked chicken, smoked sausage or seafood to our mix of long grain rice in a seasoned roux with red and green bell peppers.
Product Information
Delicious traditional Creole dish Long grain rice, onions, bell peppers, garlic with paprika & red peppers Gluten free, no MSG added*, no artificial flavors, no colors from artificial sources Made with real vegetables PREP TIP: Add one pound of shrimp for an easy meal
Product Dimensions : 3.88 x 1.54 x 6.2 inches; 8.88 ounces Item model number : Z09523 UPC : 071429095236 Manufacturer : McCormick & Company, Inc. Units : 8.0 Ounce Best Sellers Rank: #5,171 in Grocery & Gourmet Food Delicious traditional Creole dish Long grain rice, onions, bell peppers, garlic with paprika & red peppers Gluten free, no MSG added*, no artificial flavors, no colors from artificial sources Made with real vegetables PREP TIP: Add one pound of shrimp for an easy meal
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zatarain's Jambalaya too spicy for kids?
It is described as a little spicy but not too much, so most kids tolerate it well. You can also stretch it with extra rice or mild protein to tone down the heat.
Does this mix contain any MSG or artificial ingredients I should avoid for my family?
No. It has no MSG added, no artificial flavors, and no artificial colors, which appeals to parents who read labels closely.
Can I use this to feed a family with mixed taste preferences?
Yes. The base is mild enough for kids, and adults can add hot sauce, spicy sausage, or extra Creole seasoning to customize their own bowls.
Is this gluten free for households with gluten sensitivities?
Yes. The mix is certified gluten free, which is helpful for families managing gluten free diets.
Can I sneak in real vegetables with this mix?
Yes. The mix already includes real onions, bell peppers, and garlic, and you can easily stir in extra diced vegetables for a more veggie forward family meal.
Is this a good meal to cook for a family with picky eaters?
Yes. Kids can eat the milder rice and protein portion, while adults add bolder flavors, so one pot covers the whole family.
Can I use this to make a large family dinner in one pot?
Yes. The one pot format works well for casual family dinners, and the 4 pack helps when you want to feed the family more than once a week.
How does this compare to a kid friendly frozen meal?
Unlike a frozen meal, this is a pantry staple you can dress up with fresh protein, has no artificial colors, and uses real vegetables in the seasoning base.
Can I pair this with familiar kid friendly proteins?
Yes. Chicken, mild sausage, and even simple shrimp work well, and you can serve crusty bread on the side for kids who like to dip.
What if my child is sensitive to spicy food?
Stretch the rice with extra broth or water, choose a mild protein like chicken, and skip added hot sauce to make it gentle enough for sensitive eaters.
Is the rice easy for kids to eat and digest?
Yes. The long grain rice cooks up soft but not mushy, which is easy for kids to chew and enjoy as a one bowl meal.
Can I pack leftovers in a lunchbox the next day?
Yes. Leftovers reheat well and work nicely in a thermos, which makes it convenient for school or after school lunches.
What if my family has a member with a dietary restriction at the same meal?
Cook the base, then divide it. One portion gets chickpeas or vegetables for a vegetarian, and another gets shrimp, chicken, or sausage for omnivores.
Is this safe to serve at a family gathering with kids running around?
Yes. It is a stovetop dish with no open flame dining surface, and you can serve it family style alongside a salad and bread for a balanced meal.
Can I use this for casual family dinners and not just special occasions?
Absolutely. The 35 minute cook time and one pot format make it a realistic choice for regular weeknight family meals.
What if my child does not like visible vegetables?
The real vegetables in the mix soften into the rice as it cooks, so the flavor comes through without large pieces, which many kids accept easily.
How do I cook Zatarain's Jambalaya on the stovetop?
Bring 2 1/2 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, stir in the rice mix and 1 pound of your chosen protein such as shrimp, chicken, or sausage, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 25 minutes until the rice is tender.
Can I make this in a thermos without a stove?
Yes. You can use the thermos style method by combining the mix with hot water and your protein in a preheated thermos, sealing it, and letting it sit until the rice absorbs the liquid, which is great for camping, lunch at work, or dorm cooking.
How long does the box take to cook from start to finish?
Total time is about 35 minutes including prep and simmer, which makes it a realistic option for busy weeknights.
What proteins pair well with this Jambalaya mix?
Shrimp is the classic choice, but it also works well with kielbasa, summer sausage, hot Italian sausage, Aidell's Andouille, ham steak, chicken, and even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Is this mix compatible with hot sauce and seasoning add ins?
Yes. It is commonly paired with Slap Ya Mama hot seasoning for extra heat, Tabasco sauce at the table for spice lovers, and a drizzle of olive oil to keep the rice moist.
What is included in the box and what do I need to buy separately?
The 8 oz box contains the long grain rice and Creole seasoning blend with real vegetables. You provide water, a protein such as shrimp, and any optional add ins like olive oil, hot sauce, or sausage.
Is this product safe for people with common food sensitivities?
It is certified gluten free, contains no MSG added, no artificial flavors, no artificial colors, and has no dehydrated meat broth in this version, which makes it a cleaner base for many diets.
How long can I store the box in my pantry?
The mix is shelf stable, so it can be stored in a cool, dry pantry as a reliable backup meal for everyday cooking or emergency use.
What is the difference between Jambalaya mix and plain rice with Creole seasoning?
Jambalaya mix combines the long grain rice and the full Creole seasoning profile with real vegetables in one box, while plain rice plus separate seasoning requires you to measure, balance flavors, and buy vegetables on your own.
