Barley Flakes Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Organic, Conventional), By Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets/ Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online, Others), By Region, By Competition 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 8.57 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	3.85%
Fastest Growing Segment	Organic
Largest Market	Europe
Market Size (2031)	USD 10.75 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Barley Flakes Market will grow from USD 8.57 Billion in 2025 to USD 10.75 Billion by 2031 at a 3.85% CAGR. Barley flakes are processed whole grain kernels that have been husked, steamed, and rolled into flat discs, primarily utilized as a fibrous ingredient in breakfast cereals, baked goods, and snack bars. The market is currently expanding due to rising consumer demand for functional plant-based foods and the heart-health benefits associated with beta-glucan fiber. Additionally, the versatility of these flakes in clean-label product formulations supports their growing adoption in the health food sector. According to the International Grains Council, in 2024, global grain production was projected to reach a record 2.315 billion tons, with increased barley output contributing significantly to this supply stability.

A primary challenge hindering the broader scalability of the barley flakes market is the grain's inherent gluten content, which restricts consumption among the growing demographic of individuals with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. This characteristic forces manufacturers to compete directly with naturally gluten-free alternatives such as oats, corn, and quinoa, effectively limiting the product's reach within the rapidly expanding "free-from" market segment.

Key Market Drivers

Increasing Consumer Awareness of Functional Health Benefits and Beta-Glucan Content is substantially propelling the global barley flakes market. As consumers prioritize heart health and glycemic control, the high beta-glucan fiber found in barley has positioned it as a preferred ingredient for functional breakfast cereals and clean-label bakery products. This trend is reinforced by a growing preference for nutrient-dense, whole-grain foods over refined alternatives, compelling manufacturers to reformulate products to include fibrous plant-based ingredients. According to USA Rice, October 2025, in the '2025 Whole Grains Council Consumer Insights Survey', more than 57 percent of consumers reported choosing whole grain options at least half the time they shop, directly influencing product formulation strategies in the health food sector.

Concurrent with food sector growth, the Growing Utilization of Flaked Barley in the Craft Brewing Industry serves as a critical driver for market scalability. Brewers extensively utilize barley flakes as an adjunct to improve head retention, creaminess, and body in beer styles such as stouts and porters, creating steady industrial demand. According to Heineken N.V., February 2025, in the 'Annual Report 2024', the company reported an organic net revenue increase of 5 percent, indicating sustained vitality in the global brewing market which supports raw material uptake. To meet these combined industrial needs, global supply chains remain active; according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2025, Australia exported 8.23 million tonnes of barley during the 2024/25 marketing year, ensuring consistent availability for processors.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

The inherent presence of gluten in barley flakes constitutes a significant structural barrier to broader market adoption, particularly within the high-growth health food sector. While demand for plant-based nutrition is rising, the inability of barley to qualify as a naturally gluten-free ingredient restricts its integration into "free-from" product formulations. This characteristic places barley flakes at a competitive disadvantage compared to versatile alternatives such as corn, quinoa, and certified gluten-free oats, which can seamlessly cater to the entire spectrum of health-conscious consumers, including those with specific dietary restrictions. Consequently, manufacturers frequently opt for these substitutes to avoid allergen labeling issues and to maximize retail shelf placement.

This dietary limitation measurably impacts the total addressable market for the product. According to the International Food Information Council, in 2024, approximately 6% of consumers reported following a gluten-free diet. This statistic highlights a distinct segment of the population that is effectively removed from the consumer base for barley flakes. Because this demographic actively avoids gluten-containing grains, the market potential for barley flakes is capped relative to naturally gluten-free counterparts that can address the full scope of consumer demand without requiring complex processing or formulation adjustments.

Key Market Trends

Brands are actively capitalizing on the positioning of barley as a sustainable and regenerative crop to attract eco-conscious consumers, distinguishing it from water-intensive grains. Marketing narratives now frequently highlight the grain's inherent drought tolerance and low water footprint, while manufacturers invest in supply chain initiatives to certify these environmental claims. This focus on responsible sourcing is evident in large-scale industrial programs designed to secure resilient raw material streams. According to The CSR Universe, February 2025, in the 'AB InBev India's SmartBarley Program Procures 14,000 Tons of Barley' article, the company's sustainable agriculture initiative engaged over 2,000 farmers and successfully procured 14,000 tons of domestic barley by implementing practices that enhance soil health and farm productivity.

Simultaneously, the market is expanding through the integration of barley flakes into functional snacking and convenience foods, moving the ingredient beyond its traditional use in hot porridge. Food formulators are leveraging the grain's texture and neutral flavor to create ready-to-eat products like energy bars, savory crackers, and granola clusters that cater to modern, on-the-go lifestyles. This shift in utilization is reflected in agricultural production patterns, where demand for food-grade variants is showing resilience compared to other segments. According to the Ag Information Network, November 2025, in the 'Idaho first in Barley' report, the Idaho Barley Commission noted that while contracted malting acres declined, there was a distinct increase in contracted food barley acres, signaling growing industrial requirements for edible barley applications.

Segmental Insights

The Organic segment constitutes the fastest-growing category within the Global Barley Flakes Market, driven by a substantial shift in consumer preference toward clean-label and chemical-free nutrition. This rapid expansion is primarily fueled by heightened awareness regarding the potential health risks associated with synthetic pesticides and fertilizers used in conventional farming. Consequently, health-conscious consumers are increasingly prioritizing products verified by rigorous certification standards, such as those established by the USDA National Organic Program. Furthermore, the rising global demand for sustainable, non-GMO, and plant-based dietary options continues to accelerate the adoption of organic barley flakes.

Regional Insights

Europe holds the leading position in the global barley flakes market, supported by robust domestic cultivation and established consumption of grain-based breakfast foods. The market expansion is largely driven by rising consumer preference for high-fiber and plant-based ingredients. Additionally, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has validated health claims regarding barley beta-glucans and cholesterol management, which fosters greater industrial application in functional food products. This strong regulatory framework, combined with a shift toward clean-label dietary options, ensures the region remains the primary contributor to global market demand.

Recent Developments

• In November 2024, the breakfast brand FUEL10K, which is part of Premier Foods, launched a new range of Multigrain Flakes to cater to health-conscious consumers. The new product line features a blend of crunchy wholegrain wheat, toasted spelt, and barley flakes, fortified with additional protein and fiber. This product launch addresses the rising consumer demand for nutritious, non-HFSS (high in fat, salt, and sugar) breakfast options. The inclusion of barley flakes in this formulation highlights the grain's continuing popularity and versatility as a key ingredient in the functional food and cereal market.
• In October 2024, the major malting company previously known as Malteries Soufflet officially rebranded as Soufflet Malt following its acquisition of United Malt Group. Alongside this rebranding, the company unveiled a new strategic roadmap aimed at expanding the application of its barley products beyond the traditional brewing and distilling sectors. The strategy focuses on positioning malt and barley as versatile ingredients for the wider food and beverage industry, specifically targeting new opportunities in breakfast cereals, where barley flakes are a key component, as well as in snacks and bioactive ingredients.
• In September 2024, Scoular announced the completion of a USD 20 million expansion at its feed blending facility in Jerome, Idaho. This strategic development introduced a new steam-flaking process capable of converting corn and barley into flakes, primarily for the animal feed sector. The company highlighted that steam-flaking improves the digestibility of the grains for cattle and provides a high-quality feed option for local dairy and beef producers. The facility’s enhanced capabilities were designed to meet growing customer demand for efficient, nutritious feed solutions in the region.
• In June 2024, Heineken, in collaboration with the cooperative group Vivescia and its subsidiary Malteurop, announced the first harvest of barley from their large-scale regenerative agriculture program. This initiative, known as TRANSITIONS, represents a significant move towards sustainable sourcing for the barley industry. The program focuses on outcome-based farming practices designed to improve soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation while reducing carbon emissions. The successful harvest demonstrated the viability of these sustainable practices for supplying the high-quality barley required for malting and flaking applications in the beverage and food sectors.

Key Market Players

• King Arthur Flour Company, Inc.
• Honeyville, Inc.
• Nestlé
• Kellogg
• Post Holdings, Inc.
• The Quaker Oats Company
• Nature's Path Foods, Inc.
• Grain Millers, Inc.
• Shiloh Farms
• Holland & Barrett

By Type	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Organic Conventional	Hypermarkets/ Supermarkets Convenience Stores Online Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Barley Flakes Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Barley Flakes Market, By Type:

• Organic
• Conventional

• Barley Flakes Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Hypermarkets/ Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Others

• Barley Flakes Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE