Is Barley Grass Gluten-Free?
Navigating the world of gluten-free nutrition can be complex, especially with ingredients like barley grass stirring up confusion. Known as the leafy part of the barley plant, barley grass has been a popular choice in juices, supplements, and greens powders due to its rich nutrient profile. However, understanding the gluten content in barley grass is super important for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. In this article, we will dive into the potential health benefits, uses, and side effects of barley grass and add some much-needed clarity to the question of whether or not it's safe for a gluten-free diet.
Understanding Gluten and Its Sources
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye — the grains people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity need to avoid.
Gluten is a group of proteins found in certain grains, including wheat, barley, and rye. It's known for causing health issues in individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity1.
Barley Grain vs. Barley Grass — What's the Difference?
The grain (the seed) has gluten; barley grass is the young leaf, harvested before gluten ever develops.*
While barley grain is a well-known source of gluten, barley grass (also known as barley leaf or barley greens) is the young leaf of the plant that does not contain any gluten. The critical factor is the harvest stage; barley grass is harvested before the grain develops and before gluten is present. However, cross-contamination can occur if the grass comes in contact with the barley seed or is processed in a facility that handles gluten-containing grains, so it's important to always use sources or brands that are third-party certified or tested.
Barley grass vs. barley grain
Root'd uses young barley grass — harvested before gluten develops — and tests every batch for gluten.*
Is Barley Grass Gluten-free?
Yes — when harvested correctly it's gluten-free, but choose certified, tested products to rule out cross-contamination.*
Barley grass itself is gluten-free when harvested correctly. This makes it a safe option for those following a gluten-free diet.* However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)2 doesn't regulate barley grass supplements as strictly as drugs, leading to potential variability in the safety and quality of barley grass products on the market. Individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease must read labels carefully and choose certified gluten-free products free from the risk of cross-contamination.
What to Look for in Gluten-Free Products:
Look for a gluten-free label, third-party testing and no fillers — the markers of a product you can trust.*
When choosing a gluten-free supplement, particularly those containing barley and oat grass, it's essential to look for a gluten-free label3. This certification indicates that the product has been tested and found to be 100% gluten-free. Additionally, check for third-party testing and opt for products free of fillers, additives, and artificial ingredients. Reputable multivitamin brands like Root'd follow strict guidelines to avoid gluten cross-contamination and ensure the safety of supplements.
How to spot a truly gluten-free supplement
Tap or hover any card to see what to check for.
How Root'd Ensures Gluten-Free Nutrition
Every batch of Root'd is tested by ISO-certified lab Eurofins — including for gluten.*
At Root'd, we eliminate the confusion and concern of selecting a gluten-free supplement. As a brand dedicated to purity and safety, our MULTIs are tested by an ISO-certified lab, Eurofins, to ensure they meet the highest quality standards. Each batch of Root'd is tested for gluten, among other things, ensuring that the final product is safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Feel free to check our test results on our transparency pages.
Want clean, gluten-free daily nutrition you can trust? Meet Root'd →
Meet His · Meet Hers · Meet Prenatal
We understand the importance of trust when it comes to dietary restrictions, so we go above and beyond to verify our products are genuinely free of gluten and other contaminants, giving you the peace of mind you need to focus on your health and wellness goals.
With Root'd, you can nourish your body with confidence, knowing that you're getting all the benefits of our nutrient-rich formulation without the worry of any side effects (just side benefits!)
Ready to explore a safe and nutritious gluten-free option? Use code GLUTENFREE for 15% off + free shipping on your first order. Shop now!
Choose your supply
15% off auto-applied with code GLUTENFREE
🔒 Free shipping · 60-day love guarantee · 1,000+ verified 5-star reviews
FAQs
Barley grass & gluten
Yes — barley grass itself is gluten-free when it's harvested before the grain (and its gluten) develops. To be safe, people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should choose certified, third-party-tested products to rule out cross-contamination.*
Barley grain is the mature seed and contains gluten. Barley grass is the young leaf of the same plant, harvested before the grain forms — so it doesn't contain gluten.*
Yes. Every batch of Root'd is tested by the ISO-certified lab Eurofins — including for gluten — so it's safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.*
Barley grass is naturally gluten-free, but because cross-contamination can happen during processing, people with celiac disease should stick to products that are certified gluten-free and third-party tested.*
Leave a comment