Yes. You should always rinse it before you use it. The reason is that it has an outer natural coating called saponin, which gives it a bitter soap like flavor. Many people actually think they don't like the taste of quinoa, when it's actually just that they haven't washed it. I use a fine-mesh sieve (or strainer) to rinse it. Some people even show allergic like reactions to the saponin but can eat quinoa itself. So once it is thoroughly washed, they have no issues. However you should always consult a doctor to make sure it isn't the actual quinoa seed itself you are allergic too.