good god that's expensive for a ball of rice and a spoonful of protein. when i went to japan a few years ago they were like $1.50 each. I would eat like 6 a day at that price (and sometimes did when there)

Me too, thats why I'm shocked - I don't see the average american eating rice as a meal/snack and two, paying 5+ or the benefit.

But then again there are alternatives, e.g. Chipotole which I think is the only mainstream popular segment of rice in a meal to taco bell.