Is Barley Tea Dehydrating? The Truth Behind a Hydrating Brew

November 13, 2025 •

3 min read

In Japan and Korea, barley tea is often enjoyed during the hot summer months to combat dehydration. The answer to whether is barley tea dehydrating is a definitive no, as this traditional brew is naturally caffeine-free and promotes healthy hydration. This makes it a great alternative to many caffeinated beverages that have a diuretic effect.

Quick Summary

Barley tea is a caffeine-free beverage that does not cause dehydration; instead, it is known to be hydrating and can help replenish fluids lost through sweat. It is a traditional East Asian drink often recommended for rehydration, particularly in the summer, because it lacks the diuretic effect of caffeine. It contains minerals like potassium that aid in maintaining fluid balance.

Key Points

Caffeine-Free: Unlike coffee and many standard teas, barley tea contains no caffeine, eliminating the diuretic effect that can lead to dehydration.
Promotes Hydration: Brewed with water, barley tea effectively contributes to your daily fluid intake and is recommended for rehydration, especially during hot weather.
Rich in Minerals: The tea contains electrolytes like potassium, which are essential for maintaining fluid balance in the body.
Flavorful Water Alternative: Its mild, toasty flavor makes it a more appealing option for people who struggle to drink enough plain water.
Blood Flow Benefits: Some studies suggest that barley tea may improve blood fluidity, which is beneficial for circulation and combating the effects of dehydration.
Safe for Most: As a caffeine-free beverage, it's suitable for children, pregnant women, and those with caffeine sensitivity, though it is not gluten-free.

Debunking the Dehydration Myth

Many people mistakenly believe all teas are diuretics and therefore dehydrating. However, this is primarily true for teas containing caffeine. Barley tea, also known as mugicha in Japan and boricha in Korea, is made from roasted barley grains and contains no actual tea leaves. As a result, it is completely caffeine-free. This key difference means it does not stimulate the kidneys to increase urine production, the mechanism through which caffeine leads to dehydration.

Unlike caffeinated beverages, barley tea acts similarly to water in its effect on the body's hydration status. In fact, due to its mineral content, it can be even more effective for rehydration under certain circumstances. A study comparing barley tea to mineral water showed that after drinking barley tea, blood flow improved, an effect that did not occur with mineral water. This further solidifies its role as a hydrating beverage, not a dehydrating one.

The Science of Barley Tea and Hydration

Several factors contribute to barley tea's hydrating properties:

Caffeine-Free Content: As a non-caffeinated beverage, it does not have a diuretic effect. This is the single most important reason it doesn't lead to dehydration.
Mineral and Electrolyte Source: Barley tea contains minerals such as potassium, which is an electrolyte vital for regulating the body's fluid balance. When you sweat, you lose both water and electrolytes. Drinking barley tea helps to replenish these lost minerals, supporting proper hydration.
Palatability and Consumption: For those who find plain water boring, barley tea offers a flavorful, calorie-free, and sugar-free alternative. Its toasty, nutty flavor can encourage higher fluid intake throughout the day, which is crucial for staying well-hydrated.
Blood Fluidity: Research has indicated that consuming barley tea may have a beneficial effect on blood fluidity, suggesting improved circulation. This can be particularly helpful during hot weather when dehydration can cause blood to thicken.

Barley Tea vs. Other Common Beverages: A Comparison


Feature	Barley Tea	Black Tea / Coffee	Sugary Soda	Sports Drink
Caffeine	None	High	None	None to Low
Diuretic Effect	No	Yes	No	No
Hydration	Highly Hydrating	Minimally Hydrating (offset by caffeine)	Can be dehydrating due to high sugar	Highly Hydrating (designed for rehydration)
Sugar Content	Zero	Variable (often added)	Very High	High
Calories	Zero	Variable (added milk, sugar)	High	Variable
Antioxidants	Rich Source	Rich Source	Minimal	Minimal

How to Make and Enjoy Your Barley Tea

Making barley tea is a simple process, and it can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Hot Brew Method

Bring 1 liter (about 4 cups) of water to a boil.
Add a standard barley tea bag or 2-3 tablespoons of roasted barley grains to the water.
Turn off the heat and let the barley steep for 5-10 minutes, or longer for a stronger flavor.
Remove the tea bag or strain out the grains. Serve hot and enjoy.

Cold Brew Method

Place barley tea bags or roasted grains in a pitcher of cold water.
Let it infuse in the refrigerator for several hours, or overnight, for a deep, rich flavor.
Strain and serve chilled. The cold version is especially popular in Japan and Korea during the summer.

For a different flavor profile, you can experiment by adding slices of lemon, fresh mint, or a cinnamon stick during the brewing process. Ensure any additions don't contain caffeine or high amounts of sugar if your goal is pure hydration.

Who Can Drink Barley Tea?

Since it is caffeine-free, barley tea is an excellent choice for a wide range of people, including:

Children
Pregnant and breastfeeding women
Individuals sensitive to caffeine
People who want to reduce their caffeine intake
Those needing a calming, caffeine-free beverage before bed

It's important to remember that barley contains gluten, so it is not suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Conclusion: A Refreshing and Hydrating Choice

To summarize, the answer to the question, "is barley tea dehydrating?" is unequivocally no. As a caffeine-free beverage, it lacks the diuretic properties that can lead to fluid loss associated with traditional teas and coffee. Instead, its preparation with water, combined with its natural mineral content, makes it a highly effective and flavorful option for staying hydrated. Whether served hot or cold, this popular East Asian brew is a safe, healthy, and refreshing addition to any daily routine, especially for those seeking a tasty alternative to water for optimal hydration.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, barley tea is not a diuretic. Because it is naturally caffeine-free, it does not cause increased urine production, which is the effect a diuretic has on the body.

No, barley tea is naturally caffeine-free. It is a tisane made from roasted barley grains, not from actual tea leaves, which contain caffeine.

While water is the ultimate source of hydration, barley tea can be a great, flavorful alternative. It contains electrolytes like potassium that can help replenish minerals lost through sweat, making it a good option for rehydration.

No, barley is a gluten-containing grain. Therefore, individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should avoid drinking barley tea.

Yes, you can. Since barley tea is caffeine-free and is even reported to have a calming effect, it is a great choice for a relaxing evening beverage that won't interfere with sleep.

For most people, drinking barley tea in moderation does not cause bloating. However, unstrained barley water can have a high fiber content and consuming too much might cause some digestive discomfort, including bloating, in sensitive individuals.

Yes, barley tea is a popular and safe drink for children in many cultures, like in Japan, where it is often given to young kids instead of plain water.