Barley at a glance

Category
Cereal Grain
Also called
Barley flour, Hordeum vulgare
Commonly found in
Breads, Breakfast cereals, Puddings, Porridges
Diets reviewed
26 diets

What is Barley?

Barley is a versatile cereal grain that has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is used in a variety of culinary applications including the production of bread, breakfast cereals, stews, and beer. Barley is known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture, making it a popular ingredient in comfort foods and beverages. However, it contains gluten, a protein that can cause adverse reactions in individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Also known as:

Barley flourHordeum vulgare

Diet Compatibility

Gluten FreeAvoid

Barley is a cereal grain typically found in breads, breakfast cereals, puddings, porridges, stews, soups, and beer. Barley and all of its derivatives contain gluten.

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Low FODMAPAvoid

Barley and barley flour are high FODMAP at a normal serving size. Barley grass has not yet been tested. Need a substitute for barley? Try sprouted pearl barley. Many of the FODMAPs are removed during the sprouting process.

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Barley FreeAvoid

You have chosen to avoid this ingredient.

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Alpha-Gal FriendlySafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Alphagal diet.

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Corn FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Corn Free diet.

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Dairy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Dairy Free diet.

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Egg FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Egg Free diet.

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Fish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Fish Free diet.

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Garlic FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Garlic Free diet.

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GERD FriendlySafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gerd diet.

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Lactose FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lactose Free diet.

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Lupin FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lupin Free diet.

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Milk FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Milk Free diet.

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Nightshade FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Nightshades diet.

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Oat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Oat Free diet.

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Onion FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Onion Free diet.

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Peanut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Peanut Free diet.

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PescatarianSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Pescatarian diet.

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Rye FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Rye Free diet.

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Sesame FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Sesame Free diet.

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Shellfish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Shell Fish Free diet.

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Soy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Soy Free diet.

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Tree Nut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Tree Nut Free diet.

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VeganSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Vegan diet.

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VegetarianSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Vegetarian diet.

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Wheat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Wheat Free diet.

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Compatibility ratings are general guidelines and may vary by individual. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.

Why People Avoid Barley

People avoid barley primarily because it contains gluten, which can trigger adverse reactions in individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Gluten can damage the intestinal lining in people with celiac disease, leading to nutritional deficiencies and a host of symptoms. Additionally, some people may choose to avoid barley for dietary preferences or allergies unrelated to gluten.

Potential Reactions

  • Digestive discomfort
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individual reactions can vary. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about specific ingredients.

Foods That Commonly Contain Barley

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Related to Barley

Other ingredients people often check alongside Barley.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Spoonful reviews ingredients

  • Evidence-based. Diet compatibility ratings are compiled from peer-reviewed nutrition guidance, dietary association recommendations, and ingredient composition data.
  • Continuously updated. Our ingredient database is refreshed as new sources and product data become available.
  • Transparent uncertainty. When an ingredient's safety depends on serving size, preparation, or sub-ingredients, we mark it “caution” rather than forcing a binary answer.
  • Not medical advice. Ratings are general guidance. Always consult a registered dietitian for personalized recommendations.

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