Processed rice products include a variety of products derived from rice, including white rice, brown rice, and milling byproducts. This culinary evolution is in line with the development of the rice processing industry and the promotion of rice utilization. Based on the Korean Standard Industrial Classification, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs categorizes these products into bakery products, rice cakes, noodles, processed rice, soups/porridges, alcoholic beverages, beverages, other processed grain products, and grain milling (rice flour). Since the enactment of the Rice Processing Industry Act in 2011, comprehensive policy support has been provided to increase rice consumption and strengthen the foundation of the rice processing industry.
 

Interestingly, rice consumption for direct consumption is declining, while consumption for processing is increasing. This shift can be attributed to changes in family structure, the increase in single-person households, and the spread of Western-style eating habits. The annual consumption of rice for processing has steadily increased since 2014, reaching 691,422 tons in 2022, a surge of 11,265 tons from the previous year. Along with this trend, a new material called "powdered rice" suitable for milling has been developed. Unlike traditional rice, powdered rice has a starch structure similar to that of wheat. It is milled into a powder immediately after harvesting, enabling the production of bread, noodles and snacks using the flour process.
One notable variety is "Baromi 2," which was developed by the Rural Development Administration. Bread made with this rice flour has a moist and chewy texture compared to regular rice flour. Powdered rice is not limited to rice cakes; it is also used in bread, noodles, cookies, and fish cakes. As per capita rice consumption continues to decline, powdered rice is emerging as a groundbreaking alternative. Notable examples include SPC Samlip's powdered rice bread and Seongsimdang's rice chiffon. Easily digestible gluten-free noodles using powdered rice have also been developed, such as Harim's Spicy Chicken Broth Ramen and Iga Natural Noodle. Haitai Confectionery has developed powdered rice snacks such as Oh Yes Rice and Black Sesame, and Hojeongga has developed Korean rice Yakgwa, which have been well received by consumers.

Among the processed rice products, rice cakes reigned supreme in 2022, with a consumption volume of 185,079 metric tons, or 26.9% of the total processed rice products. The surge in demand for convenient foods due to COVID-19, coupled with increased health consciousness, has fueled interest in easily digestible rice cakes. This growing fascination is also supported by the government's active policy to promote rice consumption. The future of rice is expected to witness further transformations to meet the evolving needs and tastes of consumers through the conversion of raw materials into processed products.