When can babies eat Barley?
From 6 months
Start with: Thick, creamy puree.
Barley is a nutritious grain known for its high fiber content and nutty flavor. It is an excellent source of molybdenum, manganese, and selenium. Its high soluble fiber (beta-glucan) content helps regulate blood sugar and supports healthy digestion. It is a wonderful grain for adding bulk to soups and stews or creating a creamy, comforting porridge.
How to serve Barley, by age
- 6mo
From 6 months: Thick, creamy puree.
Serve as a smooth puree. Cook pearled barley with a 4:1 water-to-grain ratio until very soft. Blend thoroughly with breast milk or formula. Barley puree has a slightly thicker, stickier consistency than oat porridge, so you may need more liquid to achieve a silky texture.
- 9mo
From 9 months: Soft, chewy whole grains in sauce.
Offer well-cooked, soft whole grains of pearled barley mixed into a 'carrier' food like a vegetable stew or yogurt. At this stage, the baby can handle the slightly chewy texture. It is a great addition to soft-cooked lentil dahl or vegetable soups.
- 12mo
From 12 months: Firm yet tender whole grains.
Toddlers can enjoy barley in risottos (often called 'barleyotto'), salads, or as a side dish. It is a perfect substitute for rice and provides a more satisfying, chewy texture that helps develop jaw strength and advanced chewing skills.
Choking risk & safe preparation
Low choking risk
Whole barley grains are small and slippery. For infants, ensure they are cooked until very soft. Serving them in a thick sauce or mash prevents the grains from scattering in the mouth and reduces the risk of coughing.
Allergen information
This is one of the common childhood allergens. Introduce it on its own and watch for a reaction before mixing it with new foods.
Contains or relates to these allergens:
- Gluten
Nutrition & benefits
Rich in Beta-glucan fiber, which is essential for gut health. It is an excellent source of Selenium (12mcg), an antioxidant that protects cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system.
- Digestion-friendly
Per 100 g
- Energy
- 354kcal
- Protein
- 12.5g
- Fat
- 2.3g
- Fiber
- 17.3g
- Iron
- 3.6mg
- Vitamin C
- 0mg
See all nutrients (24)
Macronutrients
- Energy
- 354 kcal
- Protein
- 12.5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 73.5 g
- Fat
- 2.3 g
Key Minerals
- Iron
- 3.6 mg
- Calcium
- 33 mg
- Zinc
- 2.8 mg
- Sodium
- 12 mg
- Potassium
- 452 mg
- Magnesium
- 133 mg
- Phosphorus
- 264 mg
- Selenium
- 37.7 mcg
- Copper
- 0.5 mg
- Manganese
- 1.9 mg
Vitamins
- Vitamin A
- 1 mcg
- Vitamin C
- 0 mg
- Vitamin D
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin B6
- 0.3 mg
- Vitamin B12
- 0 mcg
- Vitamin E
- 0.6 mg
- Vitamin K
- 2.2 mcg
- Folate
- 19 mcg
- Thiamin (B1)
- 0.7 mg
Other
- Fiber
- 17.3 g
Source: USDA FoodData Central
Pairs well with
Recipes with Barley
Frequently asked
Is barley safe for babies with a wheat allergy?
Not necessarily. Barley contains proteins similar to wheat (gluten). If your baby has a diagnosed wheat allergy or Celiac disease, consult your pediatrician before introducing barley.
What is the difference between pearled and hulled barley?
Hulled barley is the whole grain with only the outermost shell removed; it is very high in fiber but takes a long time to cook. Pearled barley has been polished to remove the bran; it is softer and easier for babies to digest.
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