Farro vs Pearl Barley

A side-by-side guide to substituting Pearl Barley for Farro (or vice versa).

Quick answer

Pearl Barley works as a 1:1 swap for Farro in most recipes.

Side-by-side

Farro

Base unit: cup

Read the full guide: Farro

Pearl Barley

Conversion: 1:1 substitution (use the same amount)

Tags: none

Notes: Virtually interchangeable; barley is slightly softer and cooks at the same pace. Both have nutty flavor and excellent texture.

Read the full guide: Pearl Barley

Calculate the exact swap for your recipe in seconds.

Open calculator →

When to use Pearl Barley instead of Farro

Virtually interchangeable; barley is slightly softer and cooks at the same pace. Both have nutty flavor and excellent texture. The conversion is 1:1 substitution (use the same amount).

Common questions

Can I substitute Pearl Barley for Farro?

Yes — Virtually interchangeable; barley is slightly softer and cooks at the same pace. Both have nutty flavor and excellent texture. Ratio: 1:1 substitution (use the same amount).

What's the conversion ratio for Farro to Pearl Barley?

1:1 substitution (use the same amount). For other quantities, use the SubSwap calculator.

Are Farro and Pearl Barley interchangeable?

They are similar in most uses, but Virtually interchangeable; barley is slightly softer and cooks at the same pace..

Is Pearl Barley a better substitute than other options for Farro?

Pearl Barley is one of the options SubSwap lists for Farro. The 'best' choice depends on your recipe — see the full list of Farro substitutes.

Looking for more Farro substitutes beyond Pearl Barley?

See all Farro swaps →

Related ingredients

Farro Pearl Barley Freekeh Spelt Berries Wheat Berries Wild Rice Butter Egg Buttermilk Rice Milk Flour