Can I Drink Roasted Barley Tea Every Day for Health?

December 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Roasted barley tea is so commonly consumed in countries like Japan and Korea that it is often served instead of water. This widespread practice leads many to wonder: can I drink roasted barley tea every day and is it safe to do so?

Quick Summary

Roasted barley tea is generally safe for daily consumption for most people, offering antioxidant and digestive benefits, but those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease must avoid it.

Key Points

Generally Safe: For most people without gluten sensitivities, daily consumption of roasted barley tea is considered safe and beneficial.
Rich in Antioxidants: The tea provides a powerful dose of antioxidants, which help protect against cell damage and inflammation.
Caffeine-Free Hydration: As a caffeine-free and calorie-free beverage, it is an excellent alternative to water for staying hydrated throughout the day.
Digestive Aid: Its natural antacid properties and fiber content can help soothe the stomach and support healthy digestion.
Avoid If Gluten-Intolerant: Due to its gluten content, individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance must avoid barley tea.
Potential for Bloating: Drinking excessive amounts might lead to digestive discomfort like gas or bloating in some individuals.
Consider Medications: Those on diabetes or heart medication should consult a doctor before making it a daily habit due to potential interactions.

What is Roasted Barley Tea?

Roasted barley tea, known as mugicha in Japan and boricha in Korea, is a popular herbal infusion made from roasted barley grains. Unlike traditional teas, it contains no caffeine, making it a suitable beverage at any time of day. The roasting process gives the tea a distinct nutty and toasty flavor that can be enjoyed hot or, more commonly in Asian countries, chilled as a refreshing drink. The preparation is simple: roasted barley kernels or tea bags are steeped or boiled in water, infusing the water with its unique flavor and beneficial compounds.

The Health Benefits of Drinking Roasted Barley Tea Daily

For most individuals, incorporating roasted barley tea into a daily routine can offer a range of health advantages. These benefits come from the grain's natural properties and the compounds released during the roasting process.

Antioxidant Power

Roasted barley is a rich source of antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Cellular Protection: By neutralizing these harmful molecules, the antioxidants in barley tea can help prevent oxidative stress, a process linked to aging and various chronic diseases.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Some antioxidants in barley tea, such as vanillic and chlorogenic acids, have shown anti-inflammatory properties.

Digestive Health Support

Barley tea is well-known for its positive effects on the digestive system.

Natural Antacid: It can act as a natural antacid, helping to relieve symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux.
Promotes Regularity: The tea contains fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation, though more is obtained from eating the grain itself.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Regular consumption of barley tea may support heart health in several ways.

Improved Blood Flow: Studies have indicated that drinking barley tea may increase blood fluidity, which can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Reduced Cholesterol: Some research suggests that the beta-glucans and tocols found in barley can help lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels.

Promoting Better Sleep

Since barley tea is naturally caffeine-free, it can be consumed in the evening without disrupting sleep patterns. Some compounds, such as melatonin and tryptophan, are found in barley and may promote relaxation and better sleep quality.

Potential Risks and Precautions for Daily Consumption

While generally safe, there are some considerations to keep in mind, especially when consuming roasted barley tea every day.

The Gluten Concern

Barley is a gluten-containing grain. Therefore, anyone with celiac disease, a gluten sensitivity, or a grain allergy must avoid roasted barley tea completely. For these individuals, consumption can trigger serious adverse reactions.

The Acrylamide Issue

Acrylamide is a compound that can form in some starchy foods, including barley, during high-temperature cooking processes like roasting. While studies on acrylamide's cancer-causing effects have yielded mixed results, some sources suggest that darker-roasted barley may contain less acrylamide. To minimize intake, it is recommended to opt for deeply roasted varieties or control the roasting process yourself.

Digestive Discomfort

For some people with sensitive digestive tracts, the high fiber content (primarily in barley water, but some compounds can be present in the tea) can cause bloating or gas, especially when consumed in large quantities. Moderation is key to avoid this.

Interactions with Medication

Since barley tea can have an effect on blood sugar and cholesterol levels, it is important for individuals on related medications (such as those for diabetes or high cholesterol) to consult a doctor. There is a possibility of interactions that could affect the medication's efficacy.

Comparing Roasted Barley Tea with Other Daily Beverages


Feature	Roasted Barley Tea	Green Tea	Coffee
Caffeine	None	High to moderate	High
Calories	Virtually zero	Virtually zero	Virtually zero (black)
Flavor Profile	Nutty, toasty, mild	Grassy, vegetal, earthy	Bitter, roasted, acidic
Antioxidants	Present (phenolic acids, flavonoids)	High (catechins)	High (polyphenols)
Digestive Aid	Can soothe digestion	Can be astringent for some	Can cause acid reflux for some
Best Time to Drink	Any time, including evening	Morning to afternoon	Morning
Gluten Content	Contains gluten	Gluten-free	Gluten-free

Conclusion: So, Can You Drink Roasted Barley Tea Every Day?

For most people without gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, the answer is yes, you can drink roasted barley tea every day. It is a flavorful, caffeine-free, and calorie-free beverage that offers a variety of health benefits, from antioxidant protection to digestive support. As a common and widely consumed drink in East Asia, it has a long history of safe use. However, daily consumption should be approached with moderation, as with any food or drink. Listen to your body and be mindful of potential side effects like digestive discomfort or medication interactions. Those with gluten sensitivities and pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before making it a daily habit. Overall, incorporating this tasty and hydrating beverage into your routine can be a healthy and enjoyable choice. You can read more about its potential effects on health on the Healthline website: Barley Tea: Nutrition, Benefits, and Side Effects.

The Best Way to Brew Roasted Barley Tea

Making your own roasted barley tea is simple and allows you to control the flavor and strength.

Roast the barley (optional but recommended): If starting with raw barley kernels, roast them in a dry pan over medium heat for about 10 minutes until they turn a dark, even brown color. This deep roasting helps minimize acrylamide formation.
Boil the water: Bring a pot of water to a boil. A good ratio is 2 tablespoons of roasted barley for every 8 cups of water.
Steep the tea: Add the roasted barley kernels or tea bags to the boiling water. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes for a stronger brew, or steep for 5-10 minutes for a milder flavor.
Strain and cool: Strain out the barley kernels and let the tea cool to room temperature before chilling it in the refrigerator. Store in a clean, airtight container.

Enjoy your homemade roasted barley tea hot or cold!

Frequently Asked Questions

Roasted barley tea is naturally low in calories and caffeine-free, making it a healthy alternative to sugary drinks. Its high fiber content can help you feel full, which may aid in weight management when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

Yes, roasted barley tea is an excellent caffeine-free alternative to coffee. It offers a toasty, nutty flavor without the jitters or sleep disruption caused by caffeine, making it perfect for any time of day.

As a caffeine-free beverage, roasted barley tea will not disrupt your sleep. Some compounds found in barley, like melatonin and tryptophan, are believed to have a calming effect that may help you relax and sleep better.

While barley in food amounts is generally considered safe during pregnancy, certain barley products like barley sprouts are possibly unsafe. For pregnant or breastfeeding women, it is best to consult a healthcare provider before regularly consuming barley tea.

Roasted barley tea is made by steeping roasted kernels, while barley water is made by boiling raw barley kernels. Barley water often contains more of the grain's fiber and nutrients, as the kernels may be consumed or the water strained.

Yes, acrylamide can form during the roasting process. However, some studies suggest that roasting the barley to a deep, dark brown color can minimize the amount of acrylamide present. Choosing deeply roasted barley and limiting steeping time can also help.

Brewed barley tea should be stored in a clean, airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Unbrewed roasted barley kernels or tea bags should be kept in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.