Wheat vs. Barley — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 20, 2023
Wheat is a cereal grain primarily used for making bread, pasta, and pastries, while barley is often used for malt production, animal fodder, and certain soups and stews. Wheat grains are generally finer, while barley grains are more elongated and robust.
Difference Between Wheat and Barley
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Wheat is a cereal grain that forms the basis of staple foods like bread and pasta. It is generally ground into fine flour for various culinary uses. Barley, on the other hand, is often malted for use in alcoholic beverages and can be used in soups and stews as pearl barley.
In terms of nutritional content, wheat generally has more gluten, making it ideal for baked goods that require a certain texture and elasticity. Barley is rich in dietary fiber and nutrients but contains less gluten, which makes it less suitable for many types of baking.
Cultivation practices also vary between wheat and barley. Wheat is often grown in a wider range of climates and tends to be more heat-tolerant. Barley is generally grown in cooler climates and is more tolerant to drought conditions.
Lastly, the processing and end-uses of wheat and barley differ. Wheat is usually refined into various types of flour, from all-purpose to whole grain. Barley is often available as hulled, pearled, or as malt in various forms, including syrups and powders.
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Bread, pasta, pastries
Malt production, soups, stews, animal fodder
ADVERTISEMENT
Grain Shape
Generally finer
More elongated and robust
Gluten Content
Higher gluten content
Lower gluten content
Climate Tolerance
More heat-tolerant
More drought-tolerant
Nutritional Profile
Rich in protein and certain nutrients
Rich in fiber and certain nutrients
Compare with Definitions
Wheat
A cereal grain used primarily for bread-making.
Wheat is the main ingredient in this loaf of bread.
Barley
Used as animal fodder and in soups and stews.
Pearl barley is a key ingredient in this stew.
Wheat
A staple food in many cultures.
Wheat products like pasta are staples in Italian cuisine.
Barley
Available in hulled, pearled, and malt forms.
I bought some malted barley for brewing.
Wheat
The seed of the wheat plant, ground to make flour.
Wheat is milled to produce different types of flour.
Barley
A cereal grain often used for malt production.
Barley is essential for making beer.
Wheat
Wheat is a grass widely cultivated for its seed, a cereal grain which is a worldwide staple food. The many species of wheat together make up the genus Triticum; the most widely grown is common wheat (T. aestivum).
Barley
A grain rich in fiber and nutrients.
Barley is good for digestive health.
Wheat
A cereal which is the most important kind grown in temperate countries, the grain of which is ground to make flour for bread, pasta, pastry, etc.
Barley
Barley (Hordeum vulgare), a member of the grass family, is a major cereal grain grown in temperate climates globally. It was one of the first cultivated grains, particularly in Eurasia as early as 10,000 years ago.
Wheat
Any of various annual cereal grasses of the genus Triticum of the Mediterranean region and southwest Asia, especially T. aestivum, widely cultivated in temperate regions in many varieties for its commercially important edible grain.
Barley
A hardy cereal with coarse bristles extending from the ears, cultivated especially for use in brewing and stockfeed.
Wheat
The grain of any of these grasses, ground to produce flour used in breads, pasta, and other foods.
Barley
A grass in the genus Hordeum native to temperate regions, having flowers in terminal, often long-awned spikes and widely cultivated for its grain.
Wheat
(countable) Any of several cereal grains, of the genus Triticum, that yields flour as used in bakery.
Barley
The grain of H. vulgare or its varieties, used in malt production and as food for livestock and humans.
Wheat
(uncountable) A light brown colour, like that of wheat.
Barley
A cereal of the species Hordeum vulgare, or its grains, often used as food or to make beer and other malted drinks.
Wheat
Wheaten, of a light brown colour, like that of wheat.
Barley
(Singapore) seed of Job's tears Coix lacryma-jobi
Wheat
A cereal grass (Triticum vulgare) and its grain, which furnishes a white flour for bread, and, next to rice, is the grain most largely used by the human race.
Barley
A valuable grain, of the family of grasses, genus Hordeum, used for food, and for making malt, from which are prepared beer, ale, and whisky.
Wheat
Annual or biennial grass having erect flower spikes and light brown grains
Barley
A grain of barley
Wheat
Grains of common wheat; sometimes cooked whole or cracked as cereal; usually ground into flour
Barley
Cultivated since prehistoric times; grown for forage and grain
Wheat
A crop grown in a variety of climates worldwide.
Wheat fields stretch for miles in the Midwest.
Barley
A crop commonly grown in cooler climates.
Barley fields are common in northern regions.
Wheat
A source of high gluten content.
Wheat flour is preferred for baking due to its high gluten content.
Common Curiosities
Is Barley high in gluten?
No, barley has a lower gluten content compared to wheat.
What is Barley?
Barley is a cereal grain commonly used in malt production and as animal feed.
Where is Barley commonly grown?
Barley is usually grown in cooler climates.
Is Wheat high in gluten?
Yes, wheat generally has a high gluten content.
Where is Wheat commonly grown?
Wheat is commonly grown in a variety of climates, including warm areas.
What are the nutritional benefits of Wheat?
Wheat is rich in protein and certain nutrients like fiber and vitamins.
Is Wheat good for animal feed?
Wheat can be used as animal feed, though it's generally more expensive than other options like corn.
Can Wheat be used for brewing?
Wheat can be used in brewing, especially for wheat beers.
What is Wheat?
Wheat is a cereal grain primarily used for making bread and pasta.
What are the nutritional benefits of Barley?
Barley is rich in dietary fiber and nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
Can Barley be used in baking?
While possible, barley is less commonly used in baking due to its lower gluten content.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Classification vs. Prediction
Next Comparison
Prada vs. GucciAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
