Calories in Barley Tea: Nutritional facts for Barley Tea Types

One hundred grams (equivalent to 100 mL) of unsweetened barley tea contains 2-4 calories, depending on the brew's concentration. A commercial barley tea drink from 7-Eleven contains 4 calories per 100 mL.

One kilogram (1 L or 33.8 fl oz) of unsweetened barley tea contains 20-40 calories.

The calorie content of one barley tea depends on the brand and serving size. A bottled Barley Tea Drink from 7-Eleven contains 4 calories per 100 mL. An instant Korean Barley Tea mix from Dongsuh (15 g serving) contains 10 calories before being mixed with a full cup of water. In Korean restaurants that serve Boricha, a complimentary glass (240 mL or 8 fl oz) is unsweetened and contains 4 calories. A bottle of Ito En Mugicha (Japanese Barley Tea) contains 0 calories.

Barley tea provides some health benefits like aiding digestion and providing antioxidants due to its composition of roasted barley and various plant compounds. Barley tea, known as Boricha in Korea and Mugicha in Japan, is a popular infusion with a history of traditional use. A list of the health benefits of barley tea are shown below.

• Contains Antioxidants: Roasted barley contains antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, which are extracted into the tea during brewing. These compounds help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals (Dvorakova M, et al., 2008, "Antioxidant properties of barley tea").
• Aids in Digestion: In traditional East Asian medicine, barley tea has long been used as a digestive aid to help soothe the stomach and relieve indigestion.
• Promotes Sleep: Barley contains tryptophan and melatonin, and the tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it a calming beverage that may help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
• Antibacterial Properties: Some research suggests that barley tea may have antibacterial properties, specifically in its ability to inhibit the adhesion of certain bacteria, like Streptococcus mutans, to tooth surfaces, which could be beneficial for oral health (Ide K, et al., 2011, "Anti-kolbe activity of barley tea").
• Supports Hydration: As a caffeine-free, water-based beverage, barley tea is an excellent way to stay hydrated throughout the day.
• May Support Cardiovascular Health: Barley contains beta-glucans, although the amount extracted into tea is small. The grain itself is known to help lower cholesterol. The antioxidants in the tea may also contribute to heart health.
• Provides Trace Minerals: While not a rich source, barley tea contains trace amounts of minerals like selenium and manganese, which are infused from the barley grains.

Barley tea has been known to cause some unwanted effects like potential gluten reactions and reduced iron absorption due to its barley base. A list of the downsides of barley tea are shown below.

• Contains Gluten: Barley is a gluten-containing grain. Therefore, barley tea is not suitable for individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity and can trigger adverse reactions in these populations.
• May Reduce Iron Absorption: Barley contains phytates and polyphenols, which can bind to non-heme iron (from plant sources) and reduce its absorption when consumed with a meal. Individuals with iron deficiency should consider drinking barley tea between meals rather than with them.
• Acrylamide Content: The roasting of barley grains can produce acrylamide, a chemical compound that is a potential carcinogen. While the levels in brewed barley tea are very low and considered safe for consumption by regulatory bodies, it is a compound of note (European Food Safety Authority, 2015, "Scientific Opinion on acrylamide in food").

Yes, unsweetened barley tea is a good and healthy beverage for individuals who can tolerate gluten. It is a caffeine-free, virtually calorie-free drink that provides hydration and contains a variety of beneficial antioxidants derived from the roasted barley grains. Its traditional use as a digestive aid and its potential to promote relaxation and sleep make it a comforting beverage. While it is not a significant source of vitamins or minerals in the amounts infused into the tea, its antioxidant properties are a key benefit. A review on the health benefits of barley by Idehen E, et al. (2017), "The potential of barley in the development of functional food products," while focused on the whole grain, discusses the beneficial compounds like beta-glucans and phenolics that are also present in trace to small amounts in the tea. There is no specific suggested consumption rate, but drinking 1 to 3 cups of unsweetened barley tea daily is a common and healthy practice in many cultures.

The calories in barley tea are consistently very low to negligible across all unsweetened types, whether prepared from loose roasted kernels, tea bags, or in a ready-to-drink bottled form. All these versions contain between 0 and 5 calories per 8 fl oz serving. This is because the tea is an infusion, and only trace amounts of carbohydrates from the barley grain are extracted into the water. The only significant calorie change occurs when sweeteners are introduced. Sweetened barley tea can have a calorie count ranging from 40 to over 100 calories per serving, depending entirely on the amount of sugar, honey, or syrup added. Instant barley tea mixes can also be high in calories if they are pre-sweetened. Therefore, the lowest calorie barley tea is always the plain, unsweetened version, while the highest calorie versions are those with added sugar.

Yes, the calories in unsweetened barley tea are considered extremely low. A standard serving of 8 fl oz (240 mL) contains a calorie range of 0 to 5 calories. For example, popular bottled Japanese barley tea brands like Ito En's Mugicha list 0 calories per serving. A Korean barley tea drink from 7-Eleven contains 4 calories per 100 mL, which is under 10 calories for an 8 fl oz serving. Because the beverage is made by infusing roasted barley in water and then discarding the grains, only trace amounts of caloric nutrients are transferred to the final drink, making it a virtually calorie-free beverage.

Barley tea is a beverage and is not used as an ingredient in savory main dishes. Its flavor profile, which is nutty, slightly bitter, and reminiscent of roasted grain, does not lend itself to incorporation into stews, stir-fries, or other main courses. It is consumed alongside main dishes as a refreshing, hydrating drink, particularly in Korean and Japanese cuisine, but it is not a component of the dishes themselves.

The origin of barley tea is ancient, with its roots in East Asia, particularly in Japan, Korea, and China. Barley itself is one of the first cultivated grains, and the practice of roasting it to create a beverage likely developed centuries ago as a simple, affordable, and caffeine-free alternative to traditional tea (Camellia sinensis). In Japan, the beverage, known as Mugicha, has been consumed since the Heian period (794-1185). Samurai warriors were known to drink it for its replenishing qualities. In Korea, Boricha has been a staple in households for generations, often made by roasting barley at home and boiling it to create a large batch of tea to be stored in the refrigerator and consumed throughout the day.