Phytochemicals in red and purple bran rice have potential health benefit to humans. The phytochemicals in brans of 32 red and purple global rice varieties are determined. The description of the origin and physical traits of the whole grain (color, length, width, thickness and 100-kernel weight) of this germplasm collection are provided along with data of total flavonoid and total phenolic contents, oxygen radical absorbance capacity and total proanthocyanidin contents. The contents and proportions of individual oligomers, from degree of polymerization of monomers to 14-mers, and polymers in bran of these 32 rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties are presented (DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.04.004)