Barley Grass: What It Is and How to Use It
Barley grass is the young green leaf of the barley plant (Hordeum vulgare), harvested while it's still tender and green — weeks before the grain heads form — then dried and powdered for smoothies and green drinks. You'll find barley grass powder at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805, in our bulk herb section.
Available in Bulk
We carry barley grass in our bulk herb section, so you can grab the exact amount you want — from a spoonful to try in your morning smoothie to a full bag for daily use. Our staff can help you find the bin and bag up whatever quantity works for you.
What We Carry
We stock barley grass in fine powder form — the classic preparation for stirring into water, juice, or smoothies. We also carry it in cut and sifted dried leaf form for those who prefer to brew it as a tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does barley grass taste like?
Mildly grassy and slightly sweet — gentler than wheatgrass, which surprises people who expect an intense flavor. In a fruit smoothie it nearly disappears; stirred into plain water it tastes like a light green tea with a fresh, grassy note. Most people find it one of the easiest green powders to drink.
What is barley grass used for?
It's used as a nutrient-dense green food — people stir it into smoothies, juices, and water as an easy way to add more greens to their day. Traditional and modern herbal references describe young cereal grasses as nourishing, mineral-rich foods. Think of it as a convenient green vegetable in powdered form rather than a medicine.
What's the difference between barley grass and wheatgrass?
They're very similar — both are young cereal grasses harvested at the same tender stage, with comparable mild grassy flavors and uses. Barley grass is often described as slightly milder and sweeter than wheatgrass. Many people choose based on taste preference or simply whichever is available; nutritionally they're in the same ballpark.
Is barley grass gluten-free?
This is a common question with a nuanced answer. The young grass leaves themselves don't contain the gluten found in the grain, but cross-contamination during harvesting and processing is possible. People with celiac disease or serious gluten sensitivity should look for barley grass specifically labeled and tested gluten-free rather than assuming bulk powder qualifies.
Did you know? Young cereal grasses like barley grass have been used as food since ancient times — the Roman gladiators were reportedly called hordearii, or "barley men," because barley was such a central part of their diet (source: widely cited in classical histories, including Pliny the Elder's Natural History).
Visit William's Natural Foods at 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA — open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Our staff are happy to help you find barley grass in the bulk section and suggest smoothie combinations to try it in.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.