How Many Calories in Barley Soup: 6 Eye-Opening Nutritional Facts You’ll Be Amazed to Discover!

There are a variety of factors that can affect the number of calories in barley soup, including the type of barley used, the other ingredients in the soup, and how it is prepared. 

Barley itself is relatively low in calories, with about 70 calories in a cup of cooked barley. However, when soups or stews made with barley are flavored with high-calorie ingredients like meats, cheeses, or cream, the calorie content can increase significantly. 

For example, a cup of beef and barley soup made with cream and cheese can have over 300 calories. To reduce the calorie content of barley soup, choose leaner cuts of meat, use low-fat milk or broth instead of cream, and limit the amount of cheese used. If you like thicker soups, our recipe for corn flour soup for weight loss uses the same principle. 

You can also add plenty of vegetables to barley soup to boost its nutrient and fiber content without adding many calories as per the guidance of a registered dietitian in Lahore.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard serving of vegetable barley soup contains roughly 95 to 140 calories, so it is one of the lighter hearty meals you can make.
  • Plain cooked barley is about 70 calories per cup, and around 145 calories per cup of the pearl variety once it has absorbed liquid.
  • Chicken barley soup comes to about 183 calories a bowl, while a beef version can reach 400 to 600 calories for a full bowl.
  • Cream, cheese and fatty cuts of meat are what drive the calorie count up, not the barley.
  • Sodium is the number to watch: a serving can carry 491 to 722mg, so low-sodium stock makes a real difference.
  • Barley’s beta-glucan fibre is linked to lower cholesterol, better blood pressure and longer-lasting fullness.

How Many Calories Are in Homemade Barley Soup?

NutrientAmount per Serving% Daily Value*
Calories in barley soup95-140 kcal5-7%
Total Fat0.76-1 g1-2%
Saturated Fat0.2-0.3 g1-2%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium491-722 mg21-31%
Total Carbohydrate17.91-22 g6-8%
Dietary Fiber3.7-5.2 g13-19%
Sugars0.2-4.3 g
Protein4-5 g8-10%
Source: fatsecret

There are approximately 140 calories in barley soup. This soup is hearty and filling, and makes a great wintertime meal. 

Barley soup is packed with nutrients, including fiber, protein, and vitamins A and B. It’s also low in fat and cholesterol-free. To make this soup even healthier, try using low-sodium broth and adding plenty of vegetables.

Barley Calories

Calories in Barley Soup

One cup of cooked barley contains approximately 145 calories. Barley is a good source of dietary fiber and provides essential vitamins and minerals, including selenium, potassium, and magnesium. 

Including barley in your diet may help to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Barley is a versatile grain that can be used in a variety of recipes. Try adding it to soups, stews or casseroles, or use it as a rice substitute, in the same way our comparison of corn versus wheat for weight loss looks at swapping one staple grain for another. 

You can also find barley flour at most health food stores, which can be used to make healthy breads and other baked goods.

How Healthy Is Barley Soup?

Barley soup is a healthy and filling meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This type of soup is packed with nutrients and fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied after eating. 

Additionally, barley soup can be a good source of protein and other essential nutrients. However, it is important to choose a recipe that uses healthy ingredients in order to make sure that your soup is as nutritious as possible. When made with healthy ingredients, barley soup can be a delicious and health-promoting meal.

How Many Calories Is In a Bowl Of Homemade Chicken Barley Soup?

A bowl of homemade chicken barley soup contains approximately 183 calories, which makes it far lighter than most chicken dishes; for comparison, see whether chicken tikka is good for weight loss. The specific calorie content will vary depending on the ingredients and recipe used. For example, a recipe that includes higher amounts of chicken or barley will result in a soup with more calories.

Additionally, adding toppings such as cheese or sour cream will also add to the calorie count. Overall, homemade chicken barley soup is a relatively low-calorie option, making it a good choice for those watching their intake.

Calories In Beef Barley Soup

beef barley calories

A bowl of beef barley soup can be a hearty and filling meal, but how many calories are in it? This hearty soup is traditionally made with beef, barley, vegetables, and stock. A typical serving size of beef barley soup is one cup.

The number of calories in barley soup will vary depending on the recipe and ingredients used. However, a general rule of thumb is that one cup of this soup contains approximately 200-300 calories. This means that a full bowl of this soup could have 400-600 calories.

Beef barley soup is generally a healthy choice, as it is high in protein and fiber and low in fat. However, the calorie content should be considered when making this dish part of a balanced diet. 

To reduce the number of calories in barley soup, use leaner cuts of beef and low-fat stock. You can also add extra vegetables to bulk up the soup and make it more filling.

As with all foods, the best way to eat a healthy and balanced diet is to include a variety of foods from all food groups, which is exactly how your diet affects your health over the long run. 

This will help you get the nutrients your body needs without consuming too many calories. If you are looking for a hearty and filling soup that is still relatively low in calories, beef barley soup is a good option. 

Just be sure to watch the ingredients used and portion size to keep the calorie count in check.

Is Barley Soup Good For Cholesterol?

Yes, barley soup can be good for cholesterol. This is because barley contains beta-glucan, a type of soluble fibre that can help reduce cholesterol levels in the body. It is the same fibre that makes oats good for weight loss, and Harvard’s Nutrition Source guide to whole grains explains why intact grains like barley behave so differently from refined ones. Another soluble fibre worth knowing about is ispaghol husk for weight loss

Additionally, the soup can also help to keep you full and satisfied, which can prevent overeating and weight gain.

barley calories

Is Barley Soup High In Carbs?

No, barley soup is not high in carbs. In fact, it’s a great source of fiber and protein. Barley soup can be a healthy and filling meal option for those watching their carb intake.

Nutrition Facts Of Barley Soup

  • Calories in barley soup are low, making it a healthy choice for those watching their weight.
  • Barley soup is a good source of fiber, which can help to keep you regular and may reduce your risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions.
  • Barley soup is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron and potassium, though if your levels stay low it is worth knowing which doctor to consult for iron deficiency.
  • Barley soup can be made with different types of meat or vegetables, depending on your preference.
  • Barley soup can be served hot or cold, making it a versatile dish for any time of year.
  • Barley soup can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty winter soup or a light summertime dish, barley soup is a nutritious and delicious option. Pair it with a plate of broccoli in a weight loss diet or follow these best weight loss tips from a dietitian for the bigger picture. So next time you’re in the mood for soup, give this healthy recipe a try.

Barley soup is filling for very little, which makes it one of the more useful things to have before a heavy meal. Using that deliberately rather than by accident is the sort of small structure a weight loss plan adds.

Ayesha Nasir, Registered Dietitian in Lahore
Written and reviewed byAyesha NasirRegistered Dietitian (PNDS) · MPhil Food & Nutrition

Ayesha Nasir is a Registered Dietitian with the Pakistan Nutrition and Dietetic Society, practising in Lahore since 2017. She holds an MPhil in Food and Nutrition from the College of Home Economics, Lahore, and works with clients on weight loss, weight gain, PCOS, child nutrition and sports nutrition, building every plan around everyday Pakistani food. She sees clients at her DHA Phase 3 clinic and online across Pakistan.

Published on

Similar Posts