Barley flour vs Split Peas: Which One is Better for You?

Although barley flour and split peas belong to different food groups, while barley flour belong is a grain, and split peas belong to legumes food group, and it’s not that common to compare foods from different groups, people are often interested in these comparisons as well.

That’s why we decided to create an in-depth article that compares barley flour and split peas, their nutritional values, similarities, differences, macronutrients, and micronutrients – vitamins and minerals.

Generally speaking, foods from grains and legume food groups are both high in carbs and protein and valuable addition to a plant-based diet.

Now, let’s see how barley flour and split peas compare specifically.

Barley flour

Barley flour (Hordeum vulgare) is made from ground barley, which is a type of cereal grain that is grown in many parts of the world.

It is a good source of carbohydrates, dietary fibers, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. It is also rich in antioxidants and protein, making it a valuable food for vegetarians and vegans.

Barley flour is commonly used in baking, particularly in traditional dishes such as bread and porridge. It has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and can be used as a substitute for wheat flour in most recipes. It is also gluten-free and easy to digest, making it a great option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Barley flour is considered a functional food, as it has been shown to positively impact health when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet. It is also a sustainable crop, as it can be grown in poor soil conditions and is resistant to pests and diseases.

Barley flour is an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), and Vitamin B3 (Niacin).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine) and some Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and Vitamin E.

Split Peas

Split peas (Pisum sativum) are a type of legume that are native to the Middle East and have been grown for thousands of years.

They are made by splitting dried peas and removing the outer skin, resulting in a small, round, flat legume that is green or yellow in color.

Split peas are a popular ingredient in many dishes, such as split pea soup, and are highly valued for their nutritional content.

One of the main health benefits of split peas is their high protein content.

They are a good source of plant-based protein, making them a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Split peas are also high in fiber, which can help to improve digestion and lower cholesterol levels.

They are rich in nutrients such as iron, potassium, and B vitamins. They also contain several plant compounds that have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Split Peas are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine).

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin K and some Vitamin A, Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

Barley flour vs Split Peas Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing barley flour vs split peas.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of barley flour and split peas and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.

Barley flour vs Split Peas Calories

Most calories in raw grains and legumes come from carbs. Peanuts are an exception here, but they are often considered a nut instead of a legume because of their nutritional profile.

Comparing barley flour vs split peas for weight loss, barley flour is slightly lower in calories, with 345 calories per 100 grams, compared to 364 calories per 100 grams of split peas.

However, both barley flour and split peas can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight.

Barley flour vs Split Peas Protein

Legumes and most legume products, including barley flour and split peas, are important sources of plant-based protein.

Split Peas offer around 55% more protein than barley flour.

Split Peas have 23.1 grams of protein per 100 grams, while barley flour has 10.5 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Barley flour vs Split Peas Carbs

Counting carbs can be important for some people for different reasons, including blood sugar control, weight management, or athletic performance.

It’s also important for people on a keto diet, so let’s compare the carbs content in barley flour and split peas.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 17% higher in barley flour than in split peas. It have 74.5 grams per 100 grams, compared to 61.6 grams in split peas.

There’s less sugar in barley flour than in split peas, 78% precisely.

One handful of barley flour (28 grams) contains 0.2 grams of sugar, while the same amount of split peas contains 0.9 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in barley flour and split peas.

Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.

With 6.2 grams of fiber per portion, split peas are a better source of fiber than barley flour which offer 2.8 grams per portion.

Barley flour vs Split Peas Fats

Like most other grains and legumes, with the exception of lupins and peanuts, barley flour and split peas are low in fat.

Fats in barley flour and split peas are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in barley flour and split peas:

• Barley flour: 1.6 grams per 100 grams
• Split Peas: 3.9 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, barley flour is 25% lower in saturated fats.

Barley flour and split peas contain 0.3 grams and 0.4 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Barley flour vs Split Peas Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of barley flour and split peas.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.

Barley flour has a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B9 (Folate), and vitamin K.

However, split peas have a higher amount of vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and vitamin E.

Barley flour and split peas contain the same amount of vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins barley flour and split peas contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Barley flour vs Split Peas Minerals Content

Minerals are important for our body to function properly. We need only a small amount of minerals, so they are called micronutrients.

Some minerals, like iron, calcium, zinc or, iodine, are relatively hard to get on a plant-based diet, so it’s important to choose your foods thoughtfully. This part of the barley flour and split peas comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Barley flour is a better source of calcium, copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc than split peas.

On the other hand, split peas are a higher amount of magnesium, and selenium.

Barley flour and split peas contain the same amount of fluoride.

Check out the table below to learn how barley flour and split peas compare when it comes to mineral content.

The Final Word

Barley flour and split peas are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both barley flour and split peas are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.

Antioxidants found in grains and legumes can help to protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of certain diseases and the effects of aging.

Additionally, the fiber and other nutrients in these foods can support the health of the digestive system and may even help to prevent certain digestive cancers.

Legumes and grains are a versatile food that can be incorporated into any meal of the day, including breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be served hot or cold, making them a convenient and tasty addition to a variety of dishes.