Barley flour: properties, uses, pros, cons, safety

Definition

Barley flour is obtained by milling the kernels of barley Hordeum vulgare (family Poaceae). It can be produced from dehulled/pearled barley (more refined) or from barley retaining more outer fractions (a more “whole” profile), with differences in fibre, ash and technological performance. Functionally, barley is known for beta-glucans, soluble fibres that increase viscosity and influence texture and dough behaviour. It contains gluten (barley) and is therefore not suitable for gluten-free diets.

Production process

The typical process includes cleaning and sorting, optional dehulling/pearling to reduce the husk and outer layers (for a lighter flour), tempering to controlled moisture, then milling (roller or stone) and sifting to achieve the target particle size. In some supply chains, barley may be toasted before milling to develop aroma. Key controls include moisture, microbiological load, particle size, beta-glucan content (if specified), and foreign-body/pest management.

Key constituents

The matrix contains mainly starch, barley proteins (gluten in the regulatory sense), dietary fibre (insoluble + soluble), low levels of lipids, and variable micronutrients. The most distinctive soluble fraction is beta-glucans, which can increase viscosity and contribute to moister/denser crumb and a “softer” texture in some preparations. Trace phenolic compounds are present, more evident in less refined flours.

• Starch: the main energy source (carbohydrates). From a health perspective, it can be more or less “rapidly available” depending on particle size, processing (baking/extrusion/cooking) and the finished food matrix; in highly refined or sweetened products it may support a less favourable glycaemic profile if not balanced by fibre, protein and fats.

• Barley proteins (gluten): contribute to protein content but do not form a wheat-like elastic network; for health, they are a key constraint for people with coeliac disease or anyone avoiding cereals containing gluten.

• Insoluble fibre: supports bowel regularity and satiety by increasing stool bulk; rapid increases or high doses can cause bloating/discomfort in sensitive individuals.

• Beta-glucans (soluble fibre): can increase viscosity in the gut and—within a balanced diet and at adequate intakes—are associated with potential support for satiety and a more “stable” glycaemic response; actual impact depends on the true beta-glucan level and the portion of the finished product. Higher doses may increase gas/bloating in predisposed individuals.

• Lipids (trace amounts): usually have limited nutritional impact in flour; level and profile depend on refining degree and germ presence.

• Micronutrients (minerals and B-group vitamins, variable): typically higher in less refined flours; they contribute to overall nutritional profile, but practical impact depends on inclusion level in the recipe and portion size.

• Phenolic compounds (trace): mostly associated with outer layers; may contribute to the matrix’s antioxidant potential, but practical effects depend on amount, processing and dietary context.

Identification data and specifications

Physico-chemical properties (indicative)

Main uses

Food

Used in breads and baked goods in blends (to add flavour and increase fibre), in biscuits/cookies, flatbreads/crackers, and in preparations such as porridges, soups and as a thickening component. In breadmaking, barley flour tends to reduce loaf volume and openness at high inclusion levels because barley gluten does not develop a wheat-like elastic network and because beta-glucans bind water and increase viscosity. Therefore, it is commonly used in blends with wheat or other flours, with hydration and time adjustments.

Industrial use

Used in dry bakery mixes and fibre-oriented products, soups and instant preparations. Industrial drivers include standardised particle size, moisture and beta-glucan content, plus consistent sensory performance.

Nutrition and health

Barley flour provides mainly carbohydrates (starch) and—if less refined—a meaningful share of fibre, including beta-glucans (soluble fibre). In balanced recipes, beta-glucans may support satiety and a more “stable” glycaemic response, but real outcomes depend on dose, portion size and the finished product.

Pros
It can increase fibre intake and introduce soluble fibres (beta-glucans) useful for fibre-positioned formulations and moister textures. It also provides a characteristic cereal flavour that can enrich breads and biscuits when used in blends.

Cons
It contains gluten and is contraindicated for coeliac disease. Technologically, it can produce more viscous doughs and lower volume, requiring process tuning; variability of beta-glucan levels between batches can complicate standardisation if raw material is inconsistent.

Serving note
Serving size depends on the finished product and the percentage of barley flour in the recipe. For impact assessment, consider the effective beta-glucan intake (if relevant) and the overall meal composition.

Safety (allergens, contraindications)

Allergen: gluten (barley). Contraindicated for coeliac disease and gluten-free diets. As with all flours, pest control, contaminant management, moisture control and correct storage are important. In individuals sensitive to soluble fibres, rapid increases can increase bloating; inclusion should be aligned with individual tolerance.

Storage and shelf-life

Store in a cool, dry place, tightly closed and away from strong odours. Moisture is the most critical factor (clumping, reduced flowability). Stock rotation and barrier packaging improve sensory consistency and performance.

Labelling

Declare “barley flour” and state the allergen barley/gluten according to applicable rules. Any fibre claims or beta-glucan references must be supported by specifications and relevant thresholds for the finished product.

Functional role and rationale for use

It provides a starch base and contributes to texture and moisture through soluble fibre (beta-glucans). In bakery it is typically a functional blend component to increase fibre and add flavour, but requires technical management because it does not provide the same elastic structure as wheat.

Formulation compatibility

In breadmaking, it is usually used in blends and often needs higher hydration; longer resting can help beta-glucan hydration. In biscuits and crackers, viscosity effects are less critical and can support a fuller texture. In soups and porridges it can act as a natural thickener; dispersion management is important to avoid lumps.

Safety, regulatory and quality

GMP/HACCP management supports control of contamination, traceability, pests and batch consistency. Clear specifications for moisture, particle size and (if targeted) beta-glucans reduce variability and process issues.

Conclusion

Barley flour (Hordeum vulgare) is a gluten-containing flour characterised by soluble fibres (beta-glucans) that influence viscosity and texture. It is useful in blends to increase fibre and add flavour, but it requires process tuning to avoid overly dense doughs and reduced volume. The main driver is raw material consistency (beta-glucans, refining level) and correct hydration/process management.

Barley is among the most cultivated cereals in the world with 22.905 billion$ (1).

More recently, some barley cultivars have been selected by brewers to obtain malt.

In barley there are functional ingredients interesting for human health such as beta-glucans, polysaccarids, the main components of the soluble part of dietary fiber. Their characteristic is to facilitate the regular function of the gastrointestinal tract, the homeostasis of glucose and the regulation of energy in the human body (2). They can prevent oncogenesis due to the protective effect against powerful genotoxic carcinogens (3).

But while a high beta-glucan content is positive for human health, the brewing industry that uses malt, needs a low concentration of beta-glucans as high levels can negatively affect malt filtration.

In addition, phenolic compounds found in barley, as well as producing an antioxidant effect in the human body, have probiotic and gastroprotective effects (4).

Another interesting aspect of the other ingredients present in barley concerns the effect that fermented barley extract produces on the colon mucosa. It has been noted that this extract can relieve constipation (5).

With regard to barley flour, the main characteristic concerning human health is the antioxidant property confirmed by numerous studies (6).

Barley flour studies

References_____________________________________________

(1) FAO 2019

(2) Baldassano S, Accardi G, Vasto S. Beta-glucans and cancer: The influence of inflammation and gut peptide. Eur J Med Chem. 2017 Dec 15;142:486-492. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.09.013. Epub 2017 Sep 15. PMID: 28964548.

(3) Akramiene D, Kondrotas A, Didziapetriene J, Kevelaitis E. Effects of beta-glucans on the immune system. Medicina (Kaunas). 2007;43(8):597-606. PMID: 17895634.

(4) Evaluation of the effect of malt, wheat and barley extracts on the viability of potentially probiotic lactic acid bacteria under acidic conditions. Charalampopoulos D, Pandiella SS, Webb C  Int J Food Microbiol. 2003 Apr 25;82(2):133-41.

(5) Lim JM, Kim YD, Song CH, Park SJ, Park DC, Cho HR, Jung GW, Bashir KMI, Ku SK, Choi JS. Laxative effects of triple fermented barley extracts (FBe) on loperamide (LP)-induced constipation in rats. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019 Jun 21;19(1):143. doi: 10.1186/s12906-019-2557-x. PMID: 31226979; PMCID: PMC6587300.

(6) Holtekjølen AK, Bævre AB, Rødbotten M, Berg H, Knutsen SH. Antioxidant properties and sensory profiles of breads containing barley flour. Food Chem. 2008 Sep 15;110(2):414-21. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2008.02.054. Epub 2008 Feb 26. PMID: 26049234.