Corn vs Barley:
Which Is Gluten-Free?
A grain showdown that matters: corn is naturally gluten-free, while barley is one of the three core gluten grains celiacs must always avoid.
Corn is the safer celiac choice — Corn is gluten-free, while Barley contains gluten.
Verdicts last reviewed July 2026 · based on FDA gluten-free labeling rules and Celiac Disease Foundation guidance
Corn
Yes, corn is naturally gluten-free. Fresh corn, cornmeal, corn flour, corn tortillas, popcorn, and grits are all safe.
Watch out for:
- Cornbread mixes often contain wheat flour
- Corn chips fried in shared oil
- Corn tortillas on shared equipment
Barley
No. Barley is one of the three gluten-containing grains (along with wheat and rye) and is never safe for people with celiac disease.
Watch out for:
- Malt, malt extract, malt syrup and malt vinegar are all barley-derived
- Common in beer and breakfast cereals
- Barley grass and barley malt flavoring also contain gluten
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