Barley

Where to Buy Barley in the UK: Top Stores, Types, Cooking Tips and Buying Guide

Introduction: Why barley deserves a spot in your pantry

If you’ve ever wondered where to buy good-quality barley in the UK, you’re in the right place. Barley is that quietly versatile grain that slips into soups, salads, risottos, breads and even breakfasts without stealing the spotlight. It’s hearty, filling, and—let’s be honest—a bit of a kitchen superhero. In this guide I’ll walk you through the best places to buy barley in the UK, the types to look for, how to cook it using easy imperial measurements, and tips to get the most value for your money.

Why choose barley? The benefits that matter

Barley brings texture and a nutty flavour to dishes, but it’s more than just taste. It’s a source of fibre, pairs beautifully with vegetables and meats, and keeps well in the cupboard. If you’re looking to bulk up soups, add chew to salads, or swap out rice for something a little more interesting, barley is a simple switch that pays off. Plus, it’s often cheaper by the pound than many other grains—so your wallet gets a small win too.

Types of barley and how to pick the right one

Pearl barley

Pearl barley is the most common type you’ll find in supermarkets. It’s been polished to remove the husk and some bran, which shortens cooking time and gives a softer bite. Use pearl barley in soups, stews, or grain bowls. A general rule is 1 cup of pearl barley to 3 cups of water, simmered for roughly 25 to 40 minutes until tender. Bags commonly come in 1 lb or 2 lb sizes.

Hulled (whole) barley

Hulled barley keeps the bran layer intact, so it’s more nutritious and chewier than pearl barley. Expect longer cooking times—plan for 1 cup of hulled barley with about 3 1/2 cups of water and simmer 45 to 60 minutes. Hulled barley is a great choice if you want maximum fibre and a nuttier flavour.

Flaked barley and barley flour

Flaked barley cooks faster and is perfect for porridge or baking. Barley flour brings that subtle sweetness to breads and pastries when mixed with other flours. These formats are handy if you want barley texture without long simmer times or if you bake often.

Where to buy barley in the UK: supermarkets and chains

Tesco

Tesco typically stocks pearl barley and sometimes hulled barley in both the grain aisle and the health food section. You’ll find small bags around 1 lb plus larger multi-pack options online. Tesco is often the go-to for convenience—check the online store if your local branch is out.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s carries pearl barley and occasionally flaked barley in its grocery range. If you prefer branded or organic options, their larger stores and website are good places to look. Typical pack sizes include 1 lb bags that are easy to stash in the cupboard.

Asda

Asda sells pearl barley and sometimes barley in multi-lb packs for shoppers looking to buy in bulk. Their stores often have value packs that are budget-friendly, and online listings make it easy to compare prices.

Morrisons

Morrisons usually stocks pearl barley, plus branded organic options in selected branches. Keep an eye out for promotions and seasonal offers that can make a big difference when buying by the pound.

Waitrose

Waitrose is a reliable source for higher-end and organic barley. You’re more likely to find speciality packets like hulled barley or flaked barley here. Prices might be a bit higher, but you also get more variety and premium-quality labels.

Ocado

Ocado is a great online spot for speciality grains and organic options. They partner with many brands, so you can find pearl, hulled, flaked barley and barley flours—often in 1 lb, 2 lb, or larger sacks. Delivery makes it easy to stock up without lugging bags home.

Health-food and bulk suppliers

Holland & Barrett

Holland & Barrett is a familiar name for those seeking health-focused grains. You’ll often find hulled barley, flaked varieties and smaller packs of barley flour. It’s a good place for organic or speciality-labelled options.

Planet Organic and independent wholefood shops

Planet Organic and local wholefood shops often carry high-quality hulled barley, flaked barley and occasionally locally milled barley flour. These shops are perfect if you prioritise organic sourcing or want to support small suppliers.

Farm shops and local mills

Don’t underestimate local farm shops and mills. They sometimes sell barley in 1 lb to 10 lb bags and can offer varieties sourced from nearby farms. Buying locally can mean fresher stock and the chance to ask questions about how the grain was grown.

Discount supermarkets and bulk buying

Aldi and Lidl

These discounters rotate stock frequently, and availability of barley can be hit-or-miss. When barley is on the shelves, prices tend to be competitive. If you spot a multi-lb pack, it’s often worth picking up for the price-conscious shopper.

Amazon UK and online bulk suppliers

Amazon UK carries a wide range of barley brands and pack sizes, from 1 lb bags to larger 10 lb sacks. It’s useful when you want to compare many brands quickly. For serious bulk buyers, there are specialist grain merchants who sell by the 10 lb or 25 lb sack—ideal for brewing or batch cooking.

How to compare prices, pack sizes and quality

Price per pound is the simplest comparison if you’re shopping across stores. Look for pack sizes that match your usage—1 lb is great if you’re trying barley for the first time; 5 lb to 10 lb makes sense if you cook with it weekly. Check packaging for descriptors like “hulled,” “pearled,” “organic,” and cooking instructions. Quality can vary by brand; when in doubt, try a small bag first and note the texture and cook time you prefer.

How to read barley labels

Labels will list the type of barley, cooking time, and sometimes country of origin. “Pearled” or “pearled barley” means faster cooking, while “hulled” or “hulled barley” means a whole-grain product with longer cooking time. Organic certification is usually displayed on the front if applicable. If a label mentions “malted,” that’s typically intended for brewing rather than cooking.

Cooking barley: basic ratios, tips and quick recipes

Basic stovetop method

A reliable starting point is 1 cup of pearl barley to 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 25 to 40 minutes until tender. For hulled barley try 1 cup barley to 3 1/2 cups water and simmer 45 to 60 minutes. Drain any excess and fluff with a fork. Hungry yet?

Barley risotto

Use pearl barley like you would Arborio rice: sauté onions, add 1 cup pearl barley, then ladle in 3 to 4 cups of warm stock gradually until tender—about 35 minutes. Finish with butter and grated cheese for a creamy result with extra chew.

Hearty barley soup

Barley shines in soups. Add 1/2 cup of barley to your favourite vegetable or beef broth early in the simmer so the barley softens and the broth thickens. Simmer for 30 to 45 minutes depending on type, then season and serve with crusty bread.

Barley salad

Cook 1 cup of pearl barley, cool it, then toss with chopped herbs, lemon, olive oil, and roasted vegetables for a filling salad. It’s a great make-ahead option for lunches.

Storage and shelf life

Store barley in an airtight container in a cool, dark spot. In that setup, pearl barley can last a year or more; hulled barley's higher oil content in the bran means it’s best used within about 6 months to keep the freshest flavour. If you buy large sacks, consider decanting into smaller jars so you only open what you need.

Buying barley for brewing or feed

If your goal is brewing or animal feed, you’ll want barley specified for those uses. Brewing barley (often malted) is treated differently than cooking barley and usually sold by the 10 lb or larger sack. Feed barley is a different grade and not recommended for culinary uses. Always check the label so you get the right grain for your project.

Organic and sustainable options

Many UK retailers now carry organic barley. Look for certified organic labels if you want crops grown without synthetic pesticides. Buying from local mills or farm shops can also reduce food miles and give you a clearer idea of the farming practices behind the grain.

Quick checklist for smart barley shopping

Here’s a quick checklist to keep in your pocket: decide which type you need (pearled vs hulled), choose a pack size that suits your cooking frequency, compare price per pound, check for organic or special claims, and read the label for cooking time. That little list will save you time and help avoid impulse buys.

Final thoughts before you head to the shops

Barley is one of those pantry items that rewards experimentation. Pick a type, buy a small bag first, and try it in a soup and a salad. You’ll soon know whether you prefer the quick, creamy bite of pearl barley or the nuttier, chewier texture of hulled barley. Once you’ve found your favourite, look for bulk deals from supermarkets, online retailers or local mills to save by the pound.

Conclusion

Whether you shop at big supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons and Waitrose, or prefer online suppliers such as Ocado and Amazon UK, there’s a barley option to suit every budget and kitchen. Health-food stores like Holland & Barrett and Planet Organic offer speciality and organic choices, while farm shops and bulk suppliers can be a great route for larger quantities. Armed with this guide—types, cooking ratios, where to buy and storage tips—you’re ready to make barley a regular, delicious part of your cooking routine.