Barley Bread
Our grandparents' bread and one of the safest choices for people with diabetes and insulin resistance: its glycemic index is very low (34), and it is rich in soluble beta-glucan fibre, which forms a natural barrier in the gut that helps prevent sugar spikes.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
The best choice for an everyday breakfast; it gives you calm, steady energy for many hours without a sudden energy crash.
Best preparation methods
Make sure you buy it from bakeries that use real wholegrain barley flour, and eat it with a boiled egg and olive oil for a complete breakfast.
Important Nutritional Note
For people with diabetes or insulin resistance, it is always recommended to consider the total glycemic load (GL) of the meal rather than relying on the glycemic index alone.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (50 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 240 kcal | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 8.5 g | 4.2 g |
| Carbohydrate | 47 g | 23.5 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 37.8 g | 18.9 g |
| Fat | 1.5 g | 0.8 g |
| Dietary fibre | 9.2 g | 4.6 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Grains & starches with a glycemic index (20), it ranks 1 (lowest first). This is one of the lowest-GI foods in its group.
Smart alternatives from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is Barley Bread good for weight loss?
It can be included in moderation: it contains 9.2 g of fibre per 100 g, which supports fullness, and a 50 g portion gives 120 kcal.
How does Barley Bread affect blood sugar?
Its glycemic index is 34 (Low), a clinically reviewed estimate rather than a laboratory measurement. A typical 50 g portion has a glycemic load of 6.4 (Low), so the effect of this portion on blood sugar is limited.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Barley Bread?
A typical 50 g portion of Barley Bread provides about 120 kcal, 4.2 g protein, 23.5 g carbohydrate, 0.8 g fat and 4.6 g fibre.
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.