Barley: what it contains and why it matters
Barley is a whole grain (jau). This page lists its nutritional content from published sources and explains which lab parameters it relates to.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-04
Nutritional content of barley
Per 100 g edible portion, from published composition data.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 315.7 kcal | ICMR-NIN |
| Protein | 10.94 g | ICMR-NIN |
| Carbohydrate | 61.29 g | ICMR-NIN |
| Total Dietary Fibre | 15.64 g | ICMR-NIN |
| Fat | 1.34 g | ICMR-NIN |
| Iron | 2.37 mg | ICMR-NIN |
| Magnesium | 88.33 mg | ICMR-NIN |
| Potassium | 284.14 mg | ICMR-NIN |
| Phosphorus | 215.35 mg | ICMR-NIN |
| Zinc | 1.95 mg | ICMR-NIN |
Which lab parameters does barley relate to?
Magnesium
Magnesium supports muscle and nerve function and helps build bone [WHO].
Understand your Magnesium result →See all magnesium-rich foods →
Iron
Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body [WHO].
Understand your Haemoglobin result →See all iron-rich foods →
Potassium
Potassium helps nerves and muscles work and helps balance the body's fluids [WHO].
Protein
Dietary protein provides the amino acids the body uses to build and repair tissue [WHO].
Vegetarian and dietary notes
Barley is a plant-based cereal grain suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets, but it contains gluten and is not suitable for individuals with gluten-related disorders.
Frequently asked questions
What types of dietary fibre are found in barley?
Barley contains 15.64 g of total dietary fibre per 100 g [ICMR-NIN], consisting of both insoluble fibre and soluble fibres such as beta-glucan, which forms a viscous solution in water.
Does barley contain gluten?
Barley naturally contains hordein, a prolamin protein that is part of the gluten protein group.
How much protein is present in barley?
Barley provides 10.94 g of protein per 100 g [ICMR-NIN], supplying amino acids utilized in the synthesis of structural proteins, hormones, and enzymes.
What is the mineral profile of barley regarding iron and magnesium?
Per 100 g, barley contains 2.37 mg of iron, an element required for hemoglobin formation, and 88.33 mg of magnesium [ICMR-NIN], a structural constituent of bone that acts as a cofactor in numerous biochemical reactions.
How much potassium does barley contain?
Barley provides 284.14 mg of potassium per 100 g [ICMR-NIN], a major intracellular cation that participates in maintaining cellular osmotic pressure and membrane potentials.
Sources
- ICMR-NIN — Indian Food Composition Tables 2017, National Institute of Nutrition. https://www.nin.res.in/
- WHO — World Health Organization — nutrition fact sheets. https://www.who.int/