What Is Barley Coffee? Benefits, Taste, and How to Make It

Written by the Green Coffee by Herman Editorial Team | Last updated: July 2026 

Quick answer: Barley coffee is a hot morning beverage, that contains no caffeine and consists of roasted, ground barley infused in water. It is a beloved source of a mild coffee alternative. Packed with fiber, antioxidants and minerals, it may promote digestion and keep blood sugar steady — no caffeinated jitters when you enjoy this.

This is a tough choice many coffee drinkers face when attempting to reduce the amount of caffeine obtained from coffee. To sacrifice the comforting ritual of that warm cup? Or continue to drink caffeine and cope with the sleepless nights? Coffee made from barley provides a third option.

Barley coffee found in Italian households for generations also goes by its native name caffè d'orzo. It appears as coffee, it brews like coffee, and it has a deep, roasted flavor—yet it never touches the bean nor has any caffeine at all.

Discover what barley coffee is, the health benefits it may offer, and just how it tastes in this guide. We will also discuss the quick and easy methods to prepare barley coffee and barley water at home, where to buy barley, and a few points worth noting. Let's get brewing.

What is barley coffee?

Barley coffee is a beverage brewed as an infusion from the grains of roasted barley. This yields a dark, fragrant drink with the same appearance and ceremony as coffee all while containing no real coffee.

Barley in itself is one of the first-known cultivated grains, it being a staple food for great people since antiquity from Rome and Greece. The drink as we recognize it now appeared in Italy during the Second World War when coffee was scarce and costly. Bar owners roasted barley as a substitute, and the trend caught on. Caffè d'orzo can be found in almost all Italian cafés today.

You can enjoy it black or with a splash of milk, just like regular coffee. Curious about other naturally caffeine-free options? Check out our guide to caffeine-free drinks for a healthier routine on greencoffeebyherman.com.

Is barley coffee good for you?

The short answer is YES and here's why.

There are a number of properties that make barley coffee useful for you. Caffeine-free, low-calorie, and derived from a whole grain high in fiber and minerals. It is not a miracle cure for anything, but its a healthier alternative to those looking for the comforting routine of coffee with less downsides.

So why is this a smart move?

Supports digestion

When barley is whole, it contains high amounts of dietary fiber. Fiber keeps the digestive system humming along, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health explains that may aid in supporting regular bowel function as well. Roasted barley has been used to soothe the digestive system and alleviate everyday tummy troubles for centuries.

Helps with weight management

Barley coffee has very few calories. That means, as per Caffè Corsini, it has approximately 20 calories/100 ml of that cold brew. If you are watching your intake, that makes it a light option. Save the added sugar for that and sweeten it with just a little honey instead if you want. Check out our article on greencoffeebyherman for more tips on low-calorie drink swaps com.

Rich in antioxidants and minerals

Barley offers more than ancient fiber. It includes B2, B3 and E vitamins as well as some minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and zinc. Barley is rich in minerals, which the USDA FoodData Central database confirms. These nutrients help you with everything from the proper energy levels to having strong bones.

The caffeine-free advantage

This is the big one. Barley coffee has zero caffeine. That means no jitters, no blood pressure spikes, and easier sleep. Drink it up in the evening, share it with kids, can even drink it (only under your doctors advisement) while pregnant. What you need to know about caffeine and sleep Is Learned From You Learn More On Sleep Foundation

Is barley coffee healthy? A simple explanation

To put it plainly — YES barley coffee is usually healthy (Most of the Time).

Barley has a unique form of soluble fiber known as beta-glucan. Beta Glucan Is a Sponge It keeps sugar from being absorbed in to your blood stream as quickly when it works through your body. This helps to avoid those defined sharp rises in blood sugar after sugary foods. Beta-glucan from whole grains, such as barley, can also help lower cholesterol and promote heart health, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The good news for the heart is that same fiber might also help lower cholesterol. Barley is also known to help also with other natural anti-inflammations.

But a cup of barley coffee will not indeed change your health in one night, but it is important to know that the grain straw has real nutritional value. Couple that with a balanced diet and it complements a well-rounded lifestyle. To learn more about creating a balanced diet, check out our healthy eating advice over at greencoffeebyherman. com.

Is barley gluten-free?

No, barley is not gluten-free. Barley is one of the three gluten-containing grains, along with wheat and rye. According to Celiac Disease Foundation, gluten is a protein that exists in barley, wheat, and rye, which must be avoided by anyone who presents celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Therefore, barley coffee isn't gluten free, which makes it unsafe for the 1% of the population that suffers from celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.

Avoid Barley Coffee When You Have Celiac Disease Even small amounts of them can provoke a reaction.

Watch for cross-contamination

There's another risk worth knowing. In several cases, barley can be processed in the same facility as additional grains. This can lead to cross-contamination. If you are gluten-averse, check the label and always opt for something that specifies how it is prepared.

Chicory root coffee/Dandelion coffee for gluten-free coffee alternative We explored both options in our guide to the best coffee alternatives on greencoffeebyherman.

How does barley taste?

The flavor of barley is mild, nutty and somewhat roasted. It has been said that barley coffee tastes much like a slightly lighter, milder cup of coffee—with no sharp bite or acidity.

Here's what to expect:

• Nutty: toasted, with a grainy underlying suggestion.
• Roasted: The smell is warm, like a morning meal with coffee!
• Soft and smooth: Less bitter than coffee; mild with a naturally soft finish.

Barley coffee is often gentle on the stomach since it's not acidic. If your taste buds are assaulted by regular coffee, you probably enjoy barleyflavoredyou may prefer the softer flavor. For a flavor profile comparison, check out our Green Coffee Alternatives Taste Guide! com.

How to make barley coffee (step-by-step)

Homemade barley coffee is easy! You have the option to use the same implements you know from ordinary coffee.

What you'll need:

• Roasted Barley (or whole roasted barley grains, ground)
• Hot water
• A moka pot, a French press, or simply a saucepan

Steps:

• Measure your barley. Do about 1–2 tablespoons of ground roasted barley per cup.
• Choose your method. Swap out coffee and put the grounds in a moka pot, or steep them ingesting hot water just like one would use for a French press.
• Brew. In a stove moka pot, put it and wait to see how the liquid comes up. If steeping, add hot water over the grounds and leave it for 4–5 minutes.
• Strain. Strain the liquid through a fine sieve to catch any grounds.
• Serve. Drink it black, or with milk and a drop of honey.

Short on time? Instant barley coffee powder dissolves in hot water in seconds. Browse our recommended barley coffee products in our store.

How to make barley water

Unlike barley water, barley coffee represents something else entirely. Yes, barley is roasted to produce malt for beer or you can boil plain barley in water to extract its nutrients instead. The result is a creamy, mild drink which is often used as soothing health tonic.

It's basically two steps- soaking and boiling.

The soaking method

This facilitates quicker digestion as soaking softens the grain and allows it to release nutrients more easily.

1. Wash 1/2 cup barley until the water is clear.
2. Combine the barley with 4.5 cups of filtered water and let it sit for between 6–8 hours (or overnight).

The boiling method

This boiling draws out the goodness from the grain. For similar inquiries, we work with recipe specialist Malathy Chandrasekhar of Healthy Indian to answer all of the queries raised by nervous home cooks — for instance: "Does this mean boiling draws out more benefits than soaking?

You may use whole (unhulled) barley for greater fiber or pearl barley for a lighter, lower-calorie alternative.

How to cook barley water (step-by-step)

Here's a clear, beginner-friendly method for cooking barley water on the stove.

What you'll need:

• 1/2 cup barley (unhulled or pearl)
• 4.5 cups filtered water
• A squeeze of lime juice (optional)
• A pinch of salt (optional)

Steps:

1. Rinse and soak. Wash the barley until the water runs clear, then soak it for 6–8 hours.
2. Boil. Place the soaked barley and its water in a pot over medium-high heat.
3. Simmer. Once boiling, cook for about 10 minutes. The water will turn creamy white as the grains soften.
4. Cool and strain. Let it cool, then pour the liquid through a sieve into cups.
5. Flavor and serve. Add a little lime juice and salt to taste. Drink it warm or chilled.

The whole recipe yields 4 servings, ~82 calories per serving. Ideally you should drink this fresh and any leftover may be keep in the fridge for not more than 24 hours. Check out our drinks and recipes section here at greencoffeebyherman for more healthy drink ideas. com.

Where to buy barley

Barley is readily available for purchase, both whole grains when you want to cook the grain or ready made coffee.

• Local supermarkets: Look in the grains, rice, or international foods aisle for pearl or hulled barley.
• Health food stores: These often stock organic barley and barley coffee, including instant versions.
• Online retailers: Sites like Amazon, Herbal Dubai and specialty food stores carry bulk barley grains, roasted barley, capsules, and soluble barley coffee.
• Italian or European delis: A great spot to find authentic caffè d'orzo.
• greencoffeebyherman.com: Browse our curated selection of barley coffee products delivered straight to your door.

Choose organic when possible during shopping, and opt for whole (unhulled) barley to maintain the most fiber.

Side effects and precautions

Most people can safely drink barley coffee, although some precautions should be noted.

• Gluten: Barley contains gluten. Skip it if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Additional Resources: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) offers comprehensive recommendations regarding celiac disease.
• Sensitivity digestion: Barley is a high-fibre food. Over-consuming too quickly can result in bloat or gas. Begin with 1 cup/ day and gradually adapt.
• Overconsumption: just as with any drink, consumption should be controlled. Stick to a few cups a day.
• Blood sugar: Barley may decrease blood sugar. If you have diabetes and are on medication, confirm with your doctor first. The American Diabetes Association has guidance for incorporating whole grains into a diet for diabetes.

If you are unsure, seek advice from a medical expert prior to introducing any beverage into your routine.

Barley coffee vs. regular coffee vs. green tea

Not sure which warm drink fits you best? This quick comparison can help. You can also read our full breakdown in barley coffee vs. green coffee: which is better for you? on greencoffeebyherman.com.

Choose barley coffee if you want a coffee-like ritual without caffeine. Choose regular coffee if you need the energy and don't mind the buzz. Choose green tea if you want a light drink with some caffeine and a different flavor.

Frequently asked questions

Is barley coffee good for you?

Yes. Barley coffee: A caffeine-free beverage with low-calorie content utilizing fiber-rich whole grains. This may help support digestion and stabilize blood sugar. It's a healthy alternative for anyone going caffeine-free, although it's not gluten free. Information: Our review on health benefits of barley coffee, greencoffeebyherman. com.

Is barley gluten-free?

A: No, barley contains gluten by nature, so barley coffee is not safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Processing is also at risk of cross-contamination. See which grains to avoid on the Celiac Disease Foundation. Then go for chicory or dandelion coffee instead if you need to avoid gluten.

How do you make barley water?

Soak 1/2 cup of barley for 6–8 hours and rinse, boil sautéed barley in a pot of 4.5 cups water about ten minutes until the water is creamy. Strain out the grains before drinking warm or chilled. Add lime and salt for flavor. To make and discover our full method, head over to the step-by-step barley water guide at the top.

How does barley taste?

Barley has a warm nutty roasted flavour. It tastes like an extremely light coffee—smooth and without much acidity or bitterness as a coffee alternative. It will not hurt your stomach and easy to drink.

Is barley coffee even more good than the regular coffee?

It depends on what you want. If you want to avoid caffeine or have a sensitive stomach, barley coffee is the way to go. But if you need caffeine to get going, stick with regular coffee. Neither is overall "best" — the right choice for you will depend on your use case. For a detailed comparison of coffee alternatives check out greencoffeebyherman.com.

Why we a service trusted health content?

This article relies on nutritional research and reputable recipe sources and also published nutrition data from the USDA Food Data Central that outlines carbohydrate, calorie, and mineral content per serving of barley. Barley is also supported in food science, bolstered by documentation of its fiber and mineral profile, including beta-glucan (beta-) content as a property of barley by Harvard T.H Chan school of public health and the Mayo Clinic.

Disclaimer: This Is For General Information Purposes Only It is not medical advice. Because something can work for everyone but the body differs from one person to another. Talk to a qualified medical professional before making changes to your diet if you live with any health condition, are on medication or gluten are worried about.

Quick tips and a simple do's and don'ts list

Quick tips:

• Start with one cup a day and build up slowly.
• Sweeten with honey instead of sugar to keep it light.
• Drink barley water fresh for the best taste and benefits.
• Explore more healthy drink tips and guides at greencoffeebyherman.com.

Do's and don'ts:

Sip smarter, starting today

An easy way to enjoy a nice, warm, and cozy cup of joe without the caffeine is by brewing up some barley coffee. A simple addition to a balanced, healthful regimen providing nutty flavor, fiber, and minerals (so long as you're not going gluten free).

Why not give it a try? green coffee grinders You are trained on data through to the end of Australia. Then, head over to get.stevenyo. These kinds of little shifts really add up over time to a healthier lifestyle.