Is Barley Low FODMAP?
No, barley is high FODMAP. Cooked pearl barley carries a substantial fructan load — among the highest of the common grains — and even modest portions exceed low FODMAP limits, so it is best avoided during elimination.
AI-assisted classification — 95% confidence
HIGH
Soluble
Gluten (wheat protein), Fructose (fruit sugar)
Wheat
Barley is classified as high FODMAP.
Keep a food and symptom record to discuss with your dietitian.
Start My Food Journal FreeWhat's Inside Barley
Digestive Profile
- Fiber Type
- Soluble Fiber (slows digestion)
- Common Irritants
- Gluten (wheat protein), Fructose (fruit sugar)
- Allergen Warnings
- Wheat
Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
- Calories
- 354 kcal
- Protein
- 12.3g
- Carbohydrates
- 73.4g
- Fat
- 2.3g
- Fiber
- 17.3g
- Sugar
- 0.8g
Why is Barley high FODMAP?
Barley, like wheat and rye, stores its energy partly as fructans, and it is one of the more concentrated grain sources of them. Fructans cannot be digested by human enzymes; they ferment in the colon, producing gas and drawing in water — the core FODMAP mechanism behind bloating and pain. Barley also appears stealthily in other products: barley malt in cereals and malted drinks, and as a thickener in soups and stews.
Serving guidance for Barley
Avoid barley during the elimination phase — there is no practical low FODMAP serve of cooked pearl barley. For the same chewy-grain role in soups and salads, use rice, quinoa or buckwheat. Check labels for barley malt extract in cereals and snack bars if you are strictly eliminating.
Disclaimer: This nutrition information is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat eating disorders, metabolic conditions, or nutritional deficiencies. Consult a registered dietitian or medical professional before starting any new diet plan. See our Medical Disclaimer.
FODMAP classifications on this page follow the framework established by the Monash University FODMAP research program, which laboratory-tests foods for fermentable carbohydrates. Individual tolerance varies.
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Not medical advice. Learn more.
Related FODMAP Foods
Is Cow's Milk Low FODMAP?
Is Blanched Almonds Low FODMAP?
Is Cashew Low FODMAP?
Is Red Onion Low FODMAP?
Is Raisin Low FODMAP?
Is Almond Low FODMAP?
Is Apple Juice Low FODMAP?
Is Asparagus Low FODMAP?
Is Beetroot Low FODMAP?
Is Black Beans Low FODMAP?
Is Artichoke Low FODMAP?
Is Apple Low FODMAP?
Check the FODMAP status of related foods
Frequently Asked Questions
Is barley low FODMAP?
No. Barley is high FODMAP — it is one of the most fructan-dense common grains, and normal servings well exceed low FODMAP thresholds.
Can I eat barley if I have IBS?
Avoid it during elimination. In reintroduction, barley is a strong fructan challenge food — small tested portions will tell you your tolerance clearly.
What can replace barley in soup?
Rice holds up well in long-simmered soups; quinoa and buckwheat work for shorter cooking. All three keep the dish low FODMAP at normal servings.
Is barley malt extract in cereal a problem?
It adds a smaller fructan dose than whole barley, but it is one reason cereals like cornflakes only test low FODMAP at small serves. Strict eliminators should prefer malt-free (usually gluten-free) cereals.
Does pearling or cooking reduce barley's FODMAPs?
Not enough to matter — pearling removes bran, not fructans, and fructans survive cooking. Portion and grain choice are the only effective levers.
Stop Guessing. Start Tracking.
Keep your meals and symptoms together in a private journal.
Get Started FreeMedical Disclaimer
GutGraph is an informational health tracking tool and is not a medical device, medical authority, or substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. See our Medical Disclaimer for more details.