High Risk · Confidence 98%

Can coeliacs eat barley?

Barley contains gluten and must be avoided on a strict gluten-free diet unless a product is specifically formulated and labelled gluten-free.

Quick answer

Barley is a gluten-containing grain. It must be avoided unless a product is specifically labelled gluten-free.

Why it matters

Barley is a gluten-containing grain.

Ingredients to watch

• barley
• barley flour
• barley malt
• pearl barley

Common gluten source: Barley grain

Cross-contamination

May appear in stocks, soups, and malt-derived ingredients.

Restaurant & dining advice

Barley may appear in soups, stocks, and beer without obvious labelling.

Shopping in Australia

Check ingredient lists for barley, barley malt, and malt extract.

Safer alternatives

Products without barley or malt ingredients.

Evidence source: Coeliac Australia food-risk guidance · Region: AU