GDPR Compliance Risk
Ben's Original (Uncle Ben's) is a US-based service subject to the CLOUD Act. EU organizations using this service risk non-compliance with GDPR data transfer requirements.
Ben's Original, formerly known as Uncle Ben's, is a well-established brand in the United States offering a variety of rice products. Known for its convenience, the brand provides quick-cooking and pre-cooked rice options that cater to busy lifestyles. The product line includes a range of rice types, such as white, brown, and specialty varieties, all of which are gluten-free and rich in essential nutrients. The brand emphasizes sustainable sourcing practices, ensuring that its products are responsibly produced. Ben's Original products are packaged in microwaveable containers, allowing for easy preparation and serving. The target audience includes individuals and families seeking convenient meal solutions without compromising on nutritional value. It is important to note that Ben's Original is a US-based company, and any user data associated with its products is stored under US jurisdiction, subject to laws such as the CLOUD Act and FISA 702. Pricing varies based on product type and packaging size, typically available in grocery stores and online retailers.
Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like Ben's Original (Uncle Ben's) has become a significant legal risk for EU organizations. The US CLOUD Act gives American authorities the power to access data held by US companies, regardless of where that data is physically stored — even if it's in an EU data center.
While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) adopted in 2023 provides a new legal basis for transfers, privacy experts and legal scholars have raised concerns about its long-term viability. The framework could face the same fate as its predecessors (Safe Harbor and Privacy Shield), both of which were struck down by the Court of Justice of the EU.
For organizations that want to eliminate compliance risk entirely, switching to a European-based food & beverages is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Ben's Original (Uncle Ben's), all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.
US authorities can access your data stored by Ben's Original (Uncle Ben's), even if servers are located in Europe.
Non-compliant data transfers can result in fines up to 4% of annual global revenue under GDPR Article 83.
3 GDPR-compliant European alternatives available with full EU data residency.
European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency
by Taj Foods
At Taj, we believe that cooking is not just about feeding the body but nourishing the soul. For over 40 years, Taj has been built upon the concept of love -
Why switch?
Consider
by Natco
Discover Natco, a premium EU-based food company offering a range of high-quality products. Perfect for those seeking authentic European alternatives to US brands.
Why switch?
Consider
by ... or just get a rice cooker
"... or just get a rice cooker" is a versatile household cleaning appliance from Europe, designed to simplify your cooking routine while ensuring your kitchen remains spotless. This rice cooker is equipped with a non-stick inner pot, making it easy to clean and maintain. Its automatic keep-warm function ensures your meals are ready to serve whenever you are. With multiple cooking presets, you can prepare a variety of dishes effortlessly, and the included steam basket adds to its versatility. The removable and washable lid further enhances its ease of use, allowing for thorough cleaning. Compact in design, it fits neatly into any kitchen space, and its energy-efficient operation helps reduce your electricity bills. Made from BPA-free materials, it prioritizes your health and safety. Ideal for busy individuals and families who value convenience and efficiency in meal preparation, this rice cooker is also perfect for those who appreciate European quality and design. The product complies with EU data protection regulations, ensuring that any data related to its smart functions is securely hosted within the EU, offering peace of mind regarding privacy and data sovereignty. Pricing is competitive, reflecting its quality and functionality, making it an excellent investment for your kitchen.
Why switch?
Consider
| Service | HQ Location | GDPR Native | EU Data Centers | CLOUD Act Free | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
🇺🇸Ben's Original (Uncle Ben's) | United States | No | Partial | No | - |
| 🇪🇺Taj Foods | EU | Yes | Yes | Yes | paid |
| 🇪🇺Natco | EU | Yes | Yes | Yes | paid |
| 🇪🇺... or just get a rice cooker | EU | Yes | Yes | Yes | paid |
Ben's Original (Uncle Ben's) is a US-based service operated by Ben's Original (Uncle Ben's). While it may have some GDPR compliance measures, as a US company it is subject to the CLOUD Act, which allows US authorities to access data stored by US companies regardless of where the data is physically located. This creates a fundamental conflict with GDPR requirements for data protection.
The main GDPR risks include: (1) Data transfers to the US may lack adequate protection since the Schrems II ruling invalidated Privacy Shield, (2) US authorities can demand access under the CLOUD Act, (3) Your organization may face GDPR fines up to 4% of annual revenue for non-compliant data transfers, and (4) User consent may not be sufficient to legitimize transfers given the systematic access by US authorities.
The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Ben's Original (Uncle Ben's) include Taj Foods, Natco, ... or just get a rice cooker. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.
Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from Ben's Original (Uncle Ben's) using their data export tools, (2) Create an account with your chosen EU alternative, and (3) Import your data into the new service. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative to make the switch as smooth as possible.
Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Ben's Original (Uncle Ben's). While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (2023) provides a new legal basis, its long-term stability is uncertain. Many EU data protection authorities recommend using EU-based alternatives to avoid compliance risks entirely.
Last updated: January 26, 2026
