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Beta-glucan (barley)

Beta-glucan (barley) suppliers and sourcing guide

Barley beta-glucan is the soluble, mixed-linkage glucose polymer in the cell walls of the barley kernel (Hordeum vulgare), found throughout the grain rather than mainly in the bran. Concentrates are made by dry milling and air-classifying barley to enrich the fiber, or by extracting milled barley with water and enzymes and recovering the glucan by alcohol precipitation. Buyers choose by beta-glucan percentage and molecular weight, which sets viscosity.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Category
Fibers
Also known as
barley beta-glucan · barley betafiber · Hordeum vulgare · mixed-linkage beta-glucan
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of beta-glucan (barley)

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Extracted barley beta-glucan concentrate

    Enzyme-treated, water-extracted and alcohol-precipitated; typically 70% or more beta-glucan.

  • Sieved or air-classified barley meal

    Dry-milled barley fraction enriched in beta-glucan, with starch and protein still present.

  • High beta-glucan barley flour

    Flour from barley varieties bred for higher beta-glucan content.

  • Molecular weight grades

    High-molecular-weight grades thicken strongly; partially hydrolyzed grades stay thin in drinks.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Beta-glucan content
Mixed-linkage beta-glucan by the enzymatic McCleary method (AOAC 995.16), on a dry basis.
Molecular weight or viscosity
Average molecular weight by size-exclusion chromatography, or solution viscosity.
Moisture, protein and ash
Proximate analysis showing how much of the powder is not beta-glucan.
Gluten (hordein)
Barley contains gluten; extracted grades may be tested by ELISA, but standard wheat-calibrated kits can misread barley hordein.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS.
Microbiology
Total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms or Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli and Salmonella.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep barley beta-glucan in sealed, lined bags or drums in a cool, dry place; the powder is hygroscopic and can cake. Re-seal opened containers. Suppliers set a best-before or retest date for unopened packaging.

Lots and expiry dates

Beta-glucan percentage and molecular weight vary with barley variety and process, so check both on each COA if you dose by beta-glucan grams. Record the barley origin and treat every lot as a gluten-containing grain ingredient unless the supplier documents otherwise.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • GRN 207, for barley fiber notified by Cargill for use in food in general except infant formula and meat and poultry products, closed on Dec 19, 2006 with FDA having no questions.

    Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 101.81 defines barley betafiber, one of the beta-glucan sources named in that section, as an enzyme-treated whole grain barley extract with at least 70 percent beta-glucan soluble fiber on a dry weight basis.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's list of dietary fibres reviewed and accepted by its Food Directorate lists barley beta-glucan concentrate, extracted from barley grain with an aqueous-enzymatic process, as an accepted novel fibre.

    Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 101.91 names barley among the gluten-containing grains for gluten-free labeling.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Beta-glucan (barley) suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking beta-glucan (barley) suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell beta-glucan (barley)? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of beta-glucan (barley) can brands buy?

Common forms include extracted barley beta-glucan concentrate, sieved or air-classified barley meal, high beta-glucan barley flour and molecular weight grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for beta-glucan (barley) include?

Expect beta-glucan content, molecular weight or viscosity, moisture, protein and ash, gluten (hordein), heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should beta-glucan (barley) be stored?

Keep barley beta-glucan in sealed, lined bags or drums in a cool, dry place; the powder is hygroscopic and can cake. Re-seal opened containers. Suppliers set a best-before or retest date for unopened packaging.

What is the regulatory status of beta-glucan (barley)?

GRN 207, for barley fiber notified by Cargill for use in food in general except infant formula and meat and poultry products, closed on Dec 19, 2006 with FDA having no questions. 21 CFR 101.81 defines barley betafiber, one of the beta-glucan sources named in that section, as an enzyme-treated whole grain barley extract with at least 70 percent beta-glucan soluble fiber on a dry weight basis. Health Canada's list of dietary fibres reviewed and accepted by its Food Directorate lists barley beta-glucan concentrate, extracted from barley grain with an aqueous-enzymatic process, as an accepted novel fibre. 21 CFR 101.91 names barley among the gluten-containing grains for gluten-free labeling.

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