barley
Grains
Is barley high in oxalates?
Is barley high or low in oxalates? 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 oxalates food checker matters
Oxalates are compounds found in many plant foods that can bind with calcium to form crystals. High oxalate intake may contribute to kidney stones in susceptible individuals and can cause other symptoms in those with oxalate sensitivity.
- Stay well-hydrated to help prevent oxalate crystal formation
- Pair high-oxalate foods with calcium-rich foods to bind oxalates
- Cooking and boiling can reduce oxalate content in some foods
- Spread oxalate intake throughout the day rather than one large dose
- Consider probiotics - some gut bacteria break down oxalates
Sensitivities
What barley contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where barley fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about barley
Barley is a gluten grain, so people often ask if barley is safe on a gluten-free diet: it is not. It carries the same gluten problem as wheat plus a heavy fructan load, which is why barley in soup, barley malt in cereals and the barley behind most beer can quietly set off both coeliac and IBS symptoms.
Watch for
- Contains gluten, so barley is off-limits for coeliac disease and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, the same as wheat and rye
- Very high in fructans, a FODMAP that ferments in the gut and commonly causes bloating, gas and cramping even in people with no gluten issue
- Hides in plain sight as barley malt, malt extract, malt vinegar and beer, so a "wheat-free" label does not mean barley-free
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Oxalates Guide
Everything you need to know about oxalates sensitivity and smart food choices.
Oxalates are compounds found in many plant foods that can bind with calcium to form crystals. High oxalate intake may contribute to kidney stones in susceptible individuals and can cause other symptoms in those with oxalate sensitivity.
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 Oxalates sensitivity:
View all safe options
These foods have moderate levels and may be tolerated in small amounts:
These foods are high in oxalates and may trigger symptoms:
View full list
If you're sensitive to Oxalates, consider these strategies:
- 1Stay well-hydrated to help prevent oxalate crystal formation
- 2Pair high-oxalate foods with calcium-rich foods to bind oxalates
- 3Cooking and boiling can reduce oxalate content in some foods
- 4Spread oxalate intake throughout the day rather than one large dose
- 5Consider probiotics - some gut bacteria break down oxalates
Pro tip: Keep a food diary to track your reactions. The Triggerbites app makes this easy with automatic pattern detection.
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Get the AppFAQ
Is barley high in Oxalates?
Oxalates: higher signal - consider smaller servings or swaps.
Can I still eat barley if I'm sensitive to Oxalates?
Best to avoid or test carefully with a small amount.
What else should I check?
Check Fructans, Gluten, and Lectin next for a fuller picture.