Hi Vonda,

Thanks for your post (8 Sep 2010).You are correct that Barley is also listed on 'foods to avoid' containing gluten or related gluten-peptides for some 'strict' gluten-free diets.

Gluten is the complex natural 'storage protein' of Wheat and is used as an 'umbrella term', although it is not technically correct to include Barley, Rye, and Oats.

Barley also contains a natural 'storage protein' that is called 'Hordein', which is a 'gluten peptide', a less complex storage protein.

Complex Wheat gluten 'storage proteins' are called 'Glutenin' and 'Gliadin'.

In summary, it is fair to say that Barley, although not free from gluten-related protein peptides;  Barley is free of the type of the two complex glutens that binds Wheat flour.

YBIC, Bruce Warner