Best Farro Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Farro in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. Virtually interchangeable; barley is slightly softer and cooks at the same pace. Both have nutty flavor and excellent texture.
Ran out of Farro mid-recipe? Don't panic — you have options. This guide covers 3 tested Farro substitutes that actually work in cooking and baking, complete with exact ratios so you don't have to guess. Whether you need to save money at the store or keep things plant-based, there's a swap here for you. The top pick is Pearl Barley — it's the closest match for most recipes. Virtually interchangeable; barley is slightly softer and cooks at the same pace. Both have nutty flavor and excellent texture.
Want exact ratios calculated for your specific recipe? Use the free SubSwap calculator.
Get ratios for Farro →All Farro Substitutes (3 options)
Virtually interchangeable; barley is slightly softer and cooks at the same pace. Both have nutty flavor and excellent texture.
Softer, less chewy texture but similar cooking time. Use in salads and pilafs where farro's chew is not critical.
Cooks much faster (15 min) and expands more. Use ¾ cup quinoa per 1 cup farro; lighter texture and subtle flavor better for salads.
As an Amazon Associate, SubSwap earns from qualifying purchases.
Tips for Substituting Farro
For most recipes, Pearl Barley is the best starting point. Virtually interchangeable; barley is slightly softer and cooks at the same pace. Both have nutty flavor and excellent texture. Going plant-based? Quinoa is a vegan-friendly option that work well in most recipes. Watching your grocery budget? Brown Rice is the most wallet-friendly swap and does a solid job in most uses. If you need a gluten-free alternative, Quinoa fits the bill without the gluten.
Common Questions About Farro Substitutes
The best substitute for Farro is Pearl Barley. Use the same amount. Virtually interchangeable; barley is slightly softer and cooks at the same pace. Both have nutty flavor and excellent texture.
This guide lists 3 Farro alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
Quinoa is a great plant-based alternative to Farro. Cooks much faster (15 min) and expands more. Use ¾ cup quinoa per 1 cup farro; lighter texture and subtle flavor better for salads.
Also commonly substituted
Related ingredients
New ingredients and substitutions added regularly. Get notified first — no spam.
SubSwap is free. If it saved your recipe, consider buying me a coffee ☕
☕ Buy me a coffee