Ingredient

Barley flour

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Barley flour is used as a thickening agent in soups and stews, and as …

What is Barley flour?

Barley flour is made from milled barley grains. Barley is a cereal grain that has been cultivated for thousands of years and is a staple food in many parts of the world. The milling process can vary, producing flours with different textures and properties.

Is Barley flour vegan?

Barley flour is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Barley flour gluten-free?

Barley flour contains gluten, which is a component of cereals containing gluten.

What is Barley flour used for?

Barley flour is used as a thickening agent in soups and stews, and as an ingredient in baked goods such as bread, biscuits, and cakes.

Is Barley flour safe?

Barley flour is a food ingredient, not a food additive, and is not listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.

Why it's used

Barley flour is used as a thickening agent in soups and stews, and as an ingredient in baked goods such as bread, biscuits, and cakes. It can also be used to add a nutty flavour and chewy texture to foods. In some products, it may contribute to browning and crust formation.

Health notes

Barley flour is a food ingredient, not a food additive, and is not listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. It is a source of dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Like other grains, it contains gluten. Evidence from peer-reviewed reviews suggests that the fibre in barley may contribute to digestive health and help manage blood sugar levels. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have not classified barley flour itself as carcinogenic.

Allergen info

Barley flour contains gluten, which is a component of cereals containing gluten. Cereals containing gluten are one of the 14 allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.

Foods that contain Barley flour

Compare products →
Amazon links are paid links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. About these links

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: 17 October 2026

Note: This site presents label data from Open Food Facts for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.