pearl barley
Grains
Is pearl barley high in nitrites?
Is pearl barley high or low in nitrites? See its exact rating, how much counts as a portion, and its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility in one place.
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Sensitivity notes
Why nitrites food checker matters
Nitrites are preservatives commonly used in cured meats. Some people are sensitive to them, experiencing headaches, flushing, or other symptoms after consumption.
- Choose uncured or 'no nitrates/nitrites added' meat products
- Note that 'natural' nitrites from celery powder act the same way
- Fresh meat is nitrite-free
- Bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats are common sources
- Vegetables like celery and beets contain natural nitrates
Sensitivities
What pearl barley contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where pearl barley fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about pearl barley
Pearl barley is polished barley grain, and while it is not wheat, it is one of the three gluten grains, so it is unsafe for coeliac disease. It is also very high in fructans, which is why the barley in a soup, stew or mushroom orzotto is a classic hidden FODMAP trigger. Because it simmers for a long time in a big bowl of broth, those fermentable carbs end up throughout the dish.
Watch for
- Contains gluten: barley is a gluten grain even though it is not wheat, so it is off limits on a coeliac or gluten-free diet
- Very high in fructans, making it a frequent cause of bloating and gas that people wrongly pin on the vegetables in a soup
- Poor for SIBO, as the slow-fermenting grain feeds bacterial overgrowth
- A mild histamine liberator, a minor consideration if you are histamine sensitive
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Nitrites Guide
Everything you need to know about nitrites sensitivity and smart food choices.
Nitrites are preservatives commonly used in cured meats. Some people are sensitive to them, experiencing headaches, flushing, or other symptoms after consumption.
Sensitivity varies widely. What triggers one person may be fine for another. Track your reactions to find your personal threshold.
These foods are generally well-tolerated for Nitrites sensitivity:
View all safe options
These foods have moderate levels and may be tolerated in small amounts:
These foods are high in nitrites and may trigger symptoms:
View full list
If you're sensitive to Nitrites, consider these strategies:
- 1Choose uncured or 'no nitrates/nitrites added' meat products
- 2Note that 'natural' nitrites from celery powder act the same way
- 3Fresh meat is nitrite-free
- 4Bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats are common sources
- 5Vegetables like celery and beets contain natural nitrates
Pro tip: Keep a food diary to track your reactions. The Triggerbites app makes this easy with automatic pattern detection.
Want personalized tracking?
Download Triggerbites to log meals, track symptoms, and discover your unique triggers.
Get the AppFAQ
Is pearl barley high in Nitrites?
Nitrites: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat pearl barley if I'm sensitive to Nitrites?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Fructans, Gluten, and AIP next for a fuller picture.