barley
Grains
Is barley high in sulfites?
Is barley high or low in sulfites? 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 sulfites food checker matters
Sulfites are preservatives found in wine, dried fruits, and processed foods. They can trigger asthma symptoms, headaches, and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Dried fruits are often high in sulfites unless labeled 'unsulfured'
- Wine, especially white, commonly contains sulfites
- Fresh foods are naturally sulfite-free
- Check medication labels - some contain sulfites
- Look for 'contains sulfites' on labels (required above 10ppm)
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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Sulfites Guide
Everything you need to know about sulfites sensitivity and smart food choices.
Sulfites are preservatives found in wine, dried fruits, and processed foods. They can trigger asthma symptoms, headaches, and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
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 Sulfites sensitivity:
View all safe options
These foods have moderate levels and may be tolerated in small amounts:
These foods are high in sulfites and may trigger symptoms:
View full list
If you're sensitive to Sulfites, consider these strategies:
- 1Dried fruits are often high in sulfites unless labeled 'unsulfured'
- 2Wine, especially white, commonly contains sulfites
- 3Fresh foods are naturally sulfite-free
- 4Check medication labels - some contain sulfites
- 5Look for 'contains sulfites' on labels (required above 10ppm)
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 barley high in Sulfites?
Sulfites: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat barley if I'm sensitive to Sulfites?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Fructans, Gluten, and Lectin next for a fuller picture.