Food barley is grain for the groats industry: pearl barley (polished whole grain), barley grits (crushed unpolished), barley coffee, malt extract, and barley flour. Test weight ≥630 g/l, kernel size (residue on 2.2 mm sieve) ≥60%. Protein 10–13%, starch 55–60%, fiber 4–5%. Barley is rich in beta-glucans — soluble fiber that reduces blood cholesterol levels (EFSA health claim approved). Beta-glucan content 3–7% — higher than wheat and rye. High in tocopherol (vitamin E) and B vitamins. GOST 28672-2019. Moisture ≤14.5%. Grain free from infestation by stored product pests, without musty, malty, or moldy odor. Packaging: grain trucks, bags. Regions: Central Black Earth Region, Volga, Urals. Pearl barley triples in volume when cooked. Cooked porridge calorie content is 109 kcal/100 g. Barley grits porridge cooks faster and is easier to digest due to its crushed form, while retaining hull vitamins. Groats storage: dry ventilated warehouses, shelf life 12–18 months.