Is Barley & Green Lentils Keto?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating a product for the ketogenic diet, we look at the source of carbohydrates first. The ingredient list for Barley & Green Lentils is simple: Water, barley, green lentils, extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt. While simplicity is usually a good sign, it doesn't change the macronutrient profile.

The primary offender here is barley. Barley is a cereal grain that is naturally high in starch. Unlike cauliflower or zucchini, which are low-carb vegetables, grains like barley are dense in carbohydrates. A single serving of barley can contain 30 to 40 grams of total carbohydrates, which immediately exceeds the daily limit of most keto diets (usually 20-50 grams).

On the other hand, green lentils are a bit of a gray area. While they are packed with protein, they also contain significant amounts of carbs. When combined with the barley in this product, the total net carb count becomes unmanageable for ketosis. The extra virgin olive oil is a fantastic addition for healthy fats, but it isn't enough to offset the massive carb load from the grains and legumes.

Nutritional Value

From a general health perspective, this product is quite nutritious. It is high in dietary fiber, which aids digestion, and it provides a complete protein profile when combining grains and legumes. However, for weight loss via ketosis, the sugar and starch content are the deciding factors.

Because this product relies on whole grains for its bulk, the calorie density is moderate to high, primarily coming from carbohydrates rather than fats. A standard serving likely contains over 30 grams of net carbs. On a keto diet, your body relies on fat for fuel; consuming 30+ grams of carbs will trigger an insulin response and switch your body back to glucose burning, effectively taking you out of ketosis. Therefore, despite the healthy ingredients, it does not fit the diet limits.