Is Chinese Pearl Barley Gluten-Free?

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

Over 1% of the global population has celiac disease, making accurate food labeling critical for those on a gluten-free diet. The name "Chinese pearl barley" is a significant source of confusion, but despite its name, this grain is safe for gluten-free consumption, as it is actually Job's Tears.

Quick Summary

This article explains that Chinese pearl barley, also known as Job's Tears, is a naturally gluten-free grain. It distinguishes it from true barley, which contains gluten, and provides identification tips and safe grain alternatives.

Key Points

Not True Barley: Chinese pearl barley is a common misnomer for Job's Tears, a completely different, gluten-free grain.
Check Labels Carefully: Always look for the terms "Job's Tears," "Coix Seed," or the botanical name Coix lacryma-jobi on product packaging to ensure it is gluten-free.
Distinctive Appearance: Job's Tears have a more elongated, teardrop shape and a noticeable brown groove, unlike the rounder regular barley.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: To avoid risks, purchase products certified as gluten-free, especially if bought from bulk bins.
Consider Safe Alternatives: Quinoa, brown rice, and millet are excellent, unequivocally gluten-free grains to use in place of regular barley.
Understand the Terminology: The confusion lies in the name; "Chinese pearl barley" refers to a different seed, not a processed form of gluten-containing barley.

Understanding the Name: Why the Confusion?

The name "Chinese pearl barley" is a misnomer that causes significant confusion for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. While regular pearl barley is a variety of true barley (Hordeum vulgare) and contains gluten, "Chinese pearl barley" is an entirely different plant called Job's Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi). The seeds of Job's Tears are similar in appearance to conventional pearl barley, leading to the interchangeable and misleading name. This botanical distinction is the critical piece of information for anyone managing a gluten-free diet.

Identifying Chinese Pearl Barley vs. True Barley

When shopping, it is crucial to know how to identify the correct, gluten-free grain. Chinese pearl barley, or Job's Tears, can be identified by its distinctive characteristics.

Shape: Job's Tears are often described as having a more elongated, teardrop or oval shape, compared to the rounder, more uniform shape of regular pearl barley.
Color: While both are typically off-white, Job's Tears may have a slightly darker, more grayish hue and a noticeable brown groove along the grain.
Labeling: Look for packages explicitly labeled as "Job's Tears," "Coix Seed," "薏米 (yì mǐ)," or "薏苡仁 (yì yǐ rén)" in Chinese. If the packaging only says "pearl barley," proceed with caution, especially if there is no mention of its botanical name.

Common Culinary Uses of Chinese Pearl Barley

Chinese pearl barley is a versatile ingredient used in many Asian culinary traditions. Its nutty, slightly sweet, and mild flavor profile makes it suitable for a variety of dishes. It is particularly popular in:

Soups and Broths: Its texture holds up well in soups, adding a hearty and nutritious element.
Sweet Dessert Drinks: When boiled with rock sugar, it creates a refreshing and popular dessert drink.
Porridges: It can be cooked into a comforting and nourishing porridge, sometimes with other ingredients like mung beans.
Salads and Stir-Frys: Cooked Job's Tears can be added to salads or stir-frys as a gluten-free substitute for other grains.

Comparison Table: Chinese Pearl Barley vs. True Barley


Feature	Chinese Pearl Barley (Job's Tears)	True Barley (Hordeum vulgare)
Gluten Content	Gluten-Free	Contains Gluten
Botanical Name	Coix lacryma-jobi	Hordeum vulgare
Shape	Teardrop or oval	Round, uniform
Appearance	May have a brownish groove	Light-colored, polished
Common Uses	Soups, dessert drinks, porridge	Soups, stews, baked goods, beer
Label Terms	Job's Tears, Coix Seed, 薏米	Barley, Pearl Barley, Malt

Potential for Cross-Contamination

While Chinese pearl barley is naturally gluten-free, the risk of cross-contamination always exists, especially when purchased in bulk or from stores that sell both gluten-containing and gluten-free grains. When in doubt, it is safest to choose products that are certified gluten-free. This is especially important for those with celiac disease, where even trace amounts of gluten can cause significant health issues.

Safe Gluten-Free Grain Alternatives

For those who find the name confusing or have trouble sourcing certified Chinese pearl barley, there are many other excellent gluten-free grains available. These alternatives offer a range of textures and nutritional benefits:

Quinoa: A complete protein and a quick-cooking grain that is a great source of fiber.
Brown Rice: A versatile staple that can be used in numerous dishes.
Millet: A mild, nutty-flavored grain that is rich in nutrients.
Sorghum: A hardy grain that can be cooked whole or ground into flour.
Amaranth: An ancient grain that is packed with protein and minerals.

Conclusion

The short answer to the question "is Chinese pearl barley gluten-free?" is yes, but with a critical distinction. The grain sold as Chinese pearl barley is actually Job's Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi), which is naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. However, the misleading name and the existence of true, gluten-containing pearl barley necessitate careful purchasing and label-reading. By understanding the botanical difference and learning to identify the correct grain, you can confidently incorporate this healthful ingredient into your gluten-free diet while avoiding any potential risks. For additional resources and information on celiac disease, visit Beyond Celiac, a reputable organization providing extensive information on living a gluten-free life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chinese pearl barley is not true barley but is instead the common name for Job's Tears, or Coix Seed (Coix lacryma-jobi), a naturally gluten-free grain.

Chinese pearl barley (Job's Tears) has a more elongated, teardrop shape with a distinct brown groove, while regular pearl barley is rounder and more uniform. It is also essential to check the package for the name "Job's Tears" or "Coix Seed".

In Chinese, Job's Tears are commonly known as 薏米 (yì mǐ) or 薏苡仁 (yì yǐ rén). Looking for these characters on packaging can help confirm the correct product.

Yes, people with celiac disease can safely consume Chinese pearl barley (Job's Tears) as it is naturally gluten-free. However, they should ensure it is certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

If a package is only labeled "pearl barley" and does not specify Job's Tears or Coix Seed, it is safest to assume it is true barley and contains gluten. It is best to avoid it on a gluten-free diet.

No, Job's Tears are typically sold as a whole grain. The term "Chinese pearl barley" is the primary source of confusion. Gluten-containing barley can be hidden in products like malt extract, malt vinegar, and beer.

Excellent gluten-free substitutes for barley include quinoa, brown rice, millet, sorghum, and amaranth. These offer safe and versatile options for various recipes.