Near East makes authentic grain dishes that are easy to make at home and taste great. Check out their rice and couscous mixes today!

The History of Near East

Near East began with a family-owned grocery store in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1963. Armenian immigrants George and Hannah Kalajian, began serving home-cooked meals at their store counter, including Hannah’s Armenian-style rice pilaf. The dish was a huge hit, and Hannah began packaging it by hand for sale in the store. As word of the great tasting rice pilaf spread, the Kalajians began selling it to other distributors and moved production from their kitchen to a real production facility.

Today, the company can be found in supermarkets everywhere and online retailers, including Thrive Market. They sell 25 different flavors and grain blends.

Near East Company Mission

Near East use the very best ingredients in all of their products. They continue to have the same spirit and attention to detail that made the original rice pilaf blend a success at their grocery store luncheonette almost 60 years ago. That means that every box of Near East has real spices. There is never any MSG in their food, and most items are Kosher.

In addition to being great tasting, Near East’s food is produced with high ethical standards. They are proud to work with Fair Trade USA to ensure that the farmers who grow their products are treated well and paid fairly.

Benefits of Near East

When you open up a box from Near East, you know that you’re getting only the best. Their mixes are:

Made with simple, natural herbs and spices
Fair Trade sourced
Ready to eat in as few as five minutes

Top Near East Products

Your search for an easy, flavorful meal is over.

Near East Couscous Mix, Roasted Garlic and Olive Oil

A couscous mix that’s easy to make and good for you. What’s not to love? Near East’s blend is flavored with organic ingredients like garlic, olive oil, onions, parsley, and precooked semolina. From the box to your plate, it’s five minutes to make. Each box has two grams of dietary fiber and seven grams of protein.

Near East Rice Pilaf Mix

The recipe that started it all. The Original Rice Pilaf blend still holds true to Hannah Kalajian’s first recipe. It’s made with parboiled long grain rice, toasted orzo, and a mix of herbs and spices that includes garlic and turmeric. Each box is made with only 100% natural ingredients and is Certified Kosher.

Near East Couscous Mix, Toasted Pine Nut

Made with the same tasty wheat couscous as the Roasted Garlic and Olive Oil blend, but with toasted pine nut, leeks, and several additional spices in the mix. You’re just five minutes away from a great tasting meal!

Facts and Ideas on Healthy Grains

Discover how Near East’s grain blends can help to power your body.

What Exactly are Carbohydrates?

Grain meals like the ones that Near East puts together are great sources of healthy carbohydrates. Read on to discover what benefits that means for your body.

Basic Information on Quinoa

Near East uses only Fair Trade sourced quinoa in their blends. Learn the story of this “ancient grain” and check out some healthy recipes that utilize it.

Differences Between Rice and Quinoa

How is quinoa different from a typical bowl of rice? Is it healthier? Get the answers you’re looking for!

Near East, Rice Pilaf Mix - Original