pearl barley
Grains
Is pearl barley high in oxalates?
Is pearl 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 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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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 pearl barley high in Oxalates?
Oxalates: moderate signal - portion size matters.
Can I still eat pearl barley if I'm sensitive to Oxalates?
Try smaller portions and space it out.
What else should I check?
Check Fructans, Gluten, and AIP next for a fuller picture.