Early version. Nutrient values from USDA FoodData Central; dietitian review in progress. Not medical advice.

Barley vs millet: which is healthier?

They are about equally nutrient-dense: barley scores 33/100 and millet 29/100, so pick by your goal. Both can be part of a healthy diet; the table below shows where each one is stronger. Source: USDA FoodData Central.

Barley

33/100Lower nutrient density

123 kcal per 100 g. 1 cup cooked: 157 g

Millet

29/100Lower nutrient density

119 kcal per 100 g. 1 cup cooked: 174 g

Which to pick for your goal

  • Fewer caloriesAbout even123 vs 119 kcal per 100 g
  • More proteinMillet2.3 vs 3.5 g per 100 g
  • More fiberBarley3.8 vs 1.3 g per 100 g
  • Less sugarAbout even0.3 vs 0.1 g per 100 g
  • More potassiumBarley93 vs 62 mg per 100 g
  • Less saturated fatAbout even<0.1 vs 0.2 g per 100 g

Nutrition side by side

Per 100 g and per typical portion. Bold marks the better value for each row.
NutrientBarley, 100 gMillet, 100 gBarley, 157 gMillet, 174 g
Calories123 kcal119 kcal193 kcal207 kcal
Protein2.3 g3.5 g3.5 g6.1 g
Carbohydrates28 g24 g44 g41 g
Sugars0.3 g0.1 g0.4 g0.2 g
Fiber3.8 g1.3 g6 g2.3 g
Fat0.4 g1 g0.7 g1.7 g
Saturated fat<0.1 g0.2 g0.1 g0.3 g
Vitamin C0 mg0 mg0 mg0 mg
Vitamin A0 µg0 µg0 µg0 µg
Potassium93 mg62 mg146 mg108 mg
Iron1.3 mg0.6 mg2.1 mg1.1 mg
Calcium11 mg3 mg17 mg5.2 mg
Magnesium22 mg44 mg35 mg77 mg
Sodium3 mg2 mg4.7 mg3.5 mg

Last updated . Scores use the HowHealthyIs Score method.

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