How much potassium is in barley water? Understanding the Nutritional Value

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Barley grain itself contains hundreds of milligrams of potassium per 100g, with hulled barley typically having a higher concentration than pearled barley. But how much potassium is in barley water once it's cooked? The exact amount can vary significantly based on the preparation method, specifically straining and cooking time.

Quick Summary

The potassium level in barley water depends heavily on how it is prepared, varying from approximately 115 to 135 mg per serving for many homemade strained versions. The original grain's high potassium is only partially released into the water, with the remaining solids containing the majority of the mineral content.

Key Points

Variable Content: The potassium level in barley water is not fixed and varies based on the type of barley and preparation method.
Straining is Key: The most significant factor is straining; unstrained barley water includes the grains, offering much more potassium than the liquid alone.
Hulled vs. Pearled: Hulled barley is a whole grain and provides a higher initial mineral content than pearled barley, potentially leading to a more potassium-rich beverage.
Electrolyte Benefits: Despite lower levels compared to the whole grain, barley water contributes a helpful amount of potassium for fluid balance and heart health.
Homemade vs. Store-bought: Making barley water at home gives you full control over the ingredients and process, allowing you to maximize or adjust its potassium content.

The Core Nutritional Profile of Barley Water

Barley water is a traditional beverage made by simmering barley grains in water. Its nutritional makeup, including its potassium content, is a function of the barley type used (hulled or pearled), the cooking duration, and whether the final liquid is strained or consumed with the grains. The grain itself is a mineral powerhouse, but since potassium is water-soluble, it leaches into the cooking water, transferring some of its electrolyte benefits to the drink.

Factors Influencing Potassium Content

Several key factors determine the final concentration of potassium in your glass of barley water:

Type of Barley: Hulled barley (whole grain) retains more of its nutrients than pearled barley, which has had the bran layer removed. This means that barley water made from hulled barley may start with a higher potential for potassium extraction.
Straining: The single most significant factor is whether you strain the cooked grains. Because the majority of the minerals remain locked within the grain's fibers, unstrained barley water contains more potassium per serving than its strained counterpart.
Cooking Time: The longer the barley simmers, the more time water-soluble nutrients, including potassium, have to leach out of the grains and into the liquid.
Water-to-Barley Ratio: Using less water during cooking will result in a more concentrated liquid, thus a higher potassium content per ounce.

Quantifying Potassium in a Serving

Research and nutritional analyses show varying potassium levels based on how barley water is assessed:

Strained Homemade Barley Water: One recipe analysis for a strained, homemade version found approximately 134.4 mg of potassium per serving. This value represents the minerals successfully extracted from the grains.
Traditional Recipe (with Additives): A nutritional table for a traditional British-style recipe including lemon and honey found 114.6 mg of potassium in one 299g serving. This demonstrates that the final content can vary based on preparation style and additives.
Whole Barley Grain: To provide perspective, one cup of raw, pearled barley contains a much higher 560 mg of potassium. A 100g portion of raw hulled barley boasts 452 mg. This clearly shows that the majority of the mineral remains in the solid grain after straining.

A Simple Recipe for Maximizing Potassium

To create a nutrient-rich barley water, focus on extracting the most from the grain. A simple and effective recipe is:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup hulled barley
4 cups water
Juice of half a lemon (optional, for flavor)

Instructions:

Rinse the barley thoroughly under cool water to remove any debris. Soaking the barley overnight can help to reduce antinutrients and potentially increase mineral bioavailability, though it's not essential.
Add the rinsed barley and 4 cups of water to a saucepan. For better potassium extraction, consider using a stovetop pressure cooker or Instant Pot method to maximize cooking time under pressure.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook partially covered for 40–50 minutes, or until the barley is very soft.
Strain the liquid into a clean container, reserving the cooked barley for use in salads or soups. The resulting liquid will be a cloudy, nutrient-dense beverage.
Add optional lemon juice to taste and chill before serving. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Comparison of Potassium in Popular Beverages

To put the potassium content of barley water into context, it's useful to compare it with other well-known hydrating and nutrient-rich drinks. The table below provides a general overview, though specific values can vary by brand and preparation.


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Potassium (mg)	Notes
Strained Barley Water	1 cup (approx. 240g)	115–135	Content depends heavily on preparation.
Coconut Water	1 cup (240ml)	400–600	A very high source of natural electrolytes.
Orange Juice	1 cup (240ml)	~496	Excellent source, but can be high in sugar.
Milk (1% low-fat)	1 cup (240ml)	~366	Good source, also provides calcium.
Tomato Juice	1 cup (240ml)	~527	Excellent source, often contains high sodium.
Water	1 cup (240ml)	0–10	Depends on mineral content, typically negligible.

Conclusion

In summary, while barley grain is an excellent source of potassium, the amount transferred to barley water is more modest, particularly when strained. A single serving of homemade barley water typically contains well over 100 mg of potassium, making it a valuable contributor to daily mineral intake, especially for those seeking to reduce their sodium-to-potassium ratio. By opting for hulled barley and cooking it for a longer duration, one can maximize the potassium extracted. For those with specific dietary needs, such as individuals with kidney conditions, it is crucial to monitor potassium levels carefully and consult a healthcare provider, but for most people, this ancient beverage remains a healthy, hydrating choice. For more nutritional information, you can visit the Office of Dietary Supplements website at https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-HealthProfessional/.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a single serving of barley water alone will not meet your entire daily potassium requirement (4,700 mg for adults). It serves as a good supplement to a diet rich in other potassium sources like vegetables, fruits, and legumes.

Hulled barley is better for making potassium-rich water. As a whole grain, it contains more minerals, and soaking and simmering it for a longer time will extract more potassium into the liquid.

Yes, you can increase the potassium by using hulled barley, increasing the cooking time, or by consuming the water unstrained along with the cooked grains.

A significant amount of potassium remains in the cooked barley grains, especially if the water is strained. These grains can be added to stews, salads, or used as a side dish to consume the remaining nutrients.

Barley water provides a modest amount of potassium compared to many commercial electrolyte drinks or natural sources like coconut water or orange juice. However, it is a healthy, natural, and low-sugar alternative.

For people with pre-existing kidney issues or those on dialysis, consuming high-potassium foods and drinks like barley water should be done with caution. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before adding it to your diet.

The daily value (DV) for potassium is 4,700 mg for adults and children aged 4 and older, but actual recommendations vary. Most Americans do not meet this intake through diet alone.