Does Barley Tea Have Potassium? Unpacking the Mineral Content

November 13, 2025 •

5 min read

According to nutrition data, roasted barley contains significant levels of potassium, but the amount that makes it into your cup of tea depends on the brewing method. This essential mineral, crucial for fluid balance and blood pressure regulation, is indeed present in barley tea, making it a hydrating beverage with an added mineral bonus.

Quick Summary

Barley tea contains trace amounts of potassium, which is leached from the roasted barley grains during the steeping process. The concentration of potassium can vary depending on the preparation method, with barley water typically containing more due to longer cooking times. The potassium contributes to the tea's hydrating and electrolyte-balancing properties.

Key Points

Source of Potassium: Barley tea contains trace amounts of potassium, which is extracted from the roasted barley grains during the steeping process.
Method Matters: The amount of potassium is generally higher in barley water, which is made by boiling the grains for a longer period, compared to steeped barley tea.
Blood Pressure Support: The potassium in barley tea helps balance sodium levels, contributing to healthy blood pressure regulation.
Hydration Benefits: As an electrolyte, the potassium assists with fluid balance, making barley tea a hydrating beverage, particularly during warm weather.
Kidney Health Considerations: Individuals with chronic kidney disease should monitor their potassium intake and consult a doctor, as high levels can be dangerous.
Caffeine-Free Alternative: Barley tea is naturally caffeine-free, offering a healthy, low-calorie beverage option with added minerals and antioxidants.

The Origin of Potassium in Barley Tea

Barley tea, known in Japan as mugicha and Korea as boricha, is an infusion made from roasted barley grains. The potassium found in the tea originates from these grains. Whole barley grains are naturally rich in a variety of minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and calcium. However, the extraction of these minerals into the water depends on the brewing process. Steeping roasted barley kernels will infuse a certain amount of the grain's mineral content into the water, with the final concentration influenced by factors such as steeping time, temperature, and the amount of barley used.

For example, while a cup of cooked pearl barley contains a significant amount of potassium, a cup of brewed barley tea will contain only trace amounts, as not all the mineral content is extracted. The mineral content found in the steeped tea, while not high, still provides a mild dose of electrolytes that contribute to hydration, especially during hot weather. It is this mineral-rich profile, combined with its caffeine-free status, that makes it a popular summer drink.

How Brewing Affects Potassium Levels

There are two main methods for preparing a barley-based drink: steeping roasted barley for tea and boiling raw barley for barley water. The mineral content, including potassium, will differ between these methods.

Steeping roasted barley: This is the quicker, more common method for making barley tea. Since it is a shorter process, less of the grain's total mineral content is leached into the final drink. This results in a brew with a lower, yet still present, potassium level.
Boiling raw barley: This longer process, used to make barley water, involves simmering the raw grains in water until they become soft. The extended cooking time allows for a greater release of minerals from the grain into the water, resulting in a higher concentration of potassium and other minerals in the final product.

For those seeking the maximum mineral benefit, consuming barley water is more effective, but even the milder barley tea offers some advantages. The potassium present in barley tea assists the body in managing fluid balance by helping to excrete excess sodium, which can in turn support healthy blood pressure.

The Role of Potassium in Health

Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that plays a vital role in the body's normal functions. Its benefits extend beyond simple hydration.

Blood Pressure Regulation: Potassium works by balancing the level of sodium in the body. Diets high in potassium and low in sodium can help lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Heart Health: This mineral is critical for maintaining a regular heart rhythm and proper muscle function throughout the body, including the heart.
Fluid Balance: As an electrolyte, potassium is key to regulating the fluid balance in and around cells, which helps with hydration and prevents swelling.
Nervous System Support: Proper nerve function and muscle contractions depend on adequate potassium levels in the body.

For healthy individuals, consuming barley tea contributes to their daily potassium intake, though it is not a primary source. Individuals with specific health conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), should monitor their potassium intake, as improper consumption of barley water might lead to rising potassium levels.

Comparison: Barley Tea vs. Other Beverages


Beverage	Potassium Content	Caffeine Status	Primary Benefits	Considerations
Barley Tea (Steeped)	Trace amounts (typically low)	Caffeine-Free	Hydration, electrolytes, antioxidants, mild minerals	Low calorie, gluten-containing
Barley Water (Boiled)	Higher amounts than steeped tea	Caffeine-Free	Maximum mineral content, more diuretic effect	More time-intensive preparation
Green Tea	Trace amounts	Contains Caffeine	High in antioxidants, metabolism boost	Caffeine sensitivity, teeth staining
Coconut Water	Very High	Caffeine-Free	Excellent natural electrolyte source, hydration	Higher in sugar and calories than barley tea
Sports Drink	Varies, typically moderate	Depends on product	Rapid electrolyte replenishment, high sugar	Often high in sugar and artificial ingredients
Water	None	Caffeine-Free	Essential for hydration, no calories	No mineral supplementation unless filtered

Potential Risks for Individuals with Kidney Disease

While barley tea and barley water offer numerous health benefits for the general population, individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions must exercise caution due to the potassium content. Healthy kidneys effectively regulate the body's potassium levels by excreting any excess through urine. However, impaired kidney function can lead to a dangerous buildup of potassium in the blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia.

Some medical professionals caution that the diuretic effect and potassium from barley-based drinks could be problematic for those with kidney disease. It is crucial for individuals with kidney issues to consult a doctor or dietitian before incorporating barley water or large amounts of barley tea into their regular diet. A controlled intake is often recommended, as an improper or excessive amount could exacerbate complications.

Conclusion

Yes, barley tea does have potassium, though in moderate amounts. The mineral is leached from the barley grains during the brewing process and its concentration is affected by the preparation method, with longer boiling yielding more. This presence of potassium contributes to the tea's hydrating and electrolyte-balancing properties, making it a beneficial beverage for promoting cardiovascular and overall health. However, for those with kidney disease or gluten sensitivity, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before consumption to ensure it is a safe choice.

How to Make a Mineral-Rich Barley Infusion

For those who want to maximize the mineral benefits of barley, here is a simple recipe to create a nutrient-rich infusion at home:

Rinse one-fourth cup of pearl barley thoroughly under cold water.
Boil the rinsed barley in 3 cups of water.
Simmer the mixture for about 20-25 minutes, or until the water is reduced by about one-third and the grains are tender.
Strain the liquid to separate the barley grains.
Enjoy the barley water either warm or chilled. For added flavor, you can include a slice of lemon or a pinch of cinnamon.

This method produces a more concentrated and mineral-dense beverage compared to simply steeping roasted barley tea bags. It's a simple way to create a low-calorie, mineral-rich, and caffeine-free drink. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/barley-tea-nutrition-benefits-and-side-effects

Frequently Asked Questions

The potassium content in a cup of barley tea is generally very low, containing only trace amounts. For example, some nutritional data suggests as little as 4mg or 30.6mg of potassium per serving, depending on the brew strength.

Barley water is a better source of potassium. It is made by boiling the grains for a longer duration, which extracts more minerals from the barley compared to the quick steeping process used for tea.

Yes, barley tea contains potassium which helps balance sodium levels and can support healthy blood pressure. However, it should be part of a balanced diet and is not a treatment on its own. Always consult a healthcare provider for managing high blood pressure.

Yes, in addition to potassium, barley tea contains trace amounts of other minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, which also contribute to overall health.

For healthy individuals, consuming normal amounts of barley tea is unlikely to cause a significant increase in potassium levels. The body is equipped to regulate the potassium levels from dietary sources. An excessive intake might pose a risk for those with impaired kidney function.

Barley tea can be a good way to rehydrate, especially for moderate activity. It contains electrolytes like potassium, which aid in fluid balance. For intense physical activity, more concentrated electrolyte sources may be necessary.

Individuals with kidney disease or compromised kidney function should consult their doctor before regularly consuming barley tea or barley water. The potassium content could be problematic for those with impaired kidney function who need to limit their mineral intake.