Barley (pearl) Substitute for Farro: Exact Ratio
Looking for a farro substitute? Barley (pearl) works as a direct replacement. Use 1:1 in any recipe that calls for farro. This swap works best for soups, salads, risotto.
Best Substitute
Barley (pearl)
1:1
Very similar chewy texture and nutty flavor. The most direct substitute for farro.
Tips When Replacing Farro in Recipes
Farro comes in three types: whole (longest cooking, most nutritious), semi-pearled (bran partially removed, faster), and pearled (fastest, least fiber). Most store-bought farro is semi-pearled. Soak whole farro overnight to reduce cooking time from 60 to 30 minutes.
What Is Farro and Why Substitute It?
An ancient Italian wheat grain (emmer wheat) with a hearty, nutty flavor and satisfying chewy texture. Farro is popular in Italian cuisine for soups, salads, and risotto-style dishes (farrotto). It is highly nutritious with good protein and fiber content.
Barley (pearl) is one of 5 alternatives you can use instead of farro. For a complete list of farro substitutes with ratios and cooking tips, visit the full farro substitute page.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Farro?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use barley (pearl) instead of farro?
Yes, you can use barley (pearl) as a substitute for farro. Use 1:1. Very similar chewy texture and nutty flavor. The most direct substitute for farro.
How much barley (pearl) equals farro?
Use 1:1 to replace farro with barley (pearl). Works best for soups, salads, risotto.
What is the best substitute for farro?
Barley (pearl) is a popular substitute for farro. Use 1:1 for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 5 alternatives on our farro substitute page.
Is barley (pearl) a vegan substitute for farro?
Yes, barley (pearl) is vegan and works as a plant-based alternative to farro. Use 1:1.