Buckwheat vs Pearl Barley – Which is Healthier?

Our Verdict

When comparing buckwheat to pearl barley, we picked the buckwheat.

Why?

First, let’s note that pearl barley is barley and thus contains gluten, while buckwheat, despite the name, is not wheat (nor even a true cereal or grain, actually; it’s a flowering plant), and does not contain gluten. So, that’s a contingent point in buckwheat’s favor for a start, if you are avoiding gluten.

Next, in terms of macros, buckwheat has more protein, while pearl barley has more fiber and carbs. We’ll call this round a tie.

In the category of vitamins, buckwheat has more of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and choline, while pearl barley is not higher in any vitamins. A clear win for buckwheat.

Looking at minerals, buckwheat has more copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc, while pearl barley has more calcium, iron, and selenium; a 6:3 win for buckwheat.

Adding up the sections makes for a clear overall win for buckwheat, but by all means enjoy either or both (unless you have reason to avoid gluten, in which case, maybe skip the pearl barley!).

Want to learn more?

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Enjoy!