Roasted Barley Tea with Chicory: Health Benefits & Brewing Guide

Quick Answer (TL;DR)

Roasted barley tea with chicory combines Korean boricha with roasted chicory root for a toasty, naturally caffeine-free drink with a light, coffee-like depth. Here is the short version:

• Caffeine-free and gentle, so it suits evenings, all-day hydration, and pregnancy in moderation.
• Most benefits come from prebiotic fibre — inulin (chicory) and beta-glucan (barley) — plus antioxidants formed during roasting.
• Typical brew: about 1–2 tbsp grain (or 2–3 tea bags) per 1 litre of water; simmer 5–10 minutes hot, or cold-brew 6–8 hours.
• Important: barley contains gluten, so this tea is not suitable for people with coeliac disease.

At a Glance

If you've ever sipped a warm, nutty, golden-brown drink at a Korean restaurant and wondered what it was, you've likely had boricha, or Korean roasted barley tea. Now imagine that comforting, toasty flavour paired with the earthy depth of chicory root. The result? One of the most nourishing, caffeine-free beverages you can add to your daily routine.

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about roasted barley tea with chicory: its origins, health benefits, how to brew it perfectly, and where to buy the best quality ingredients in the US.

What Is Roasted Barley Tea with Chicory?

Roasted barley tea (boricha, 보리차) is a staple in Korean, Japanese, and Chinese households. Made by steeping roasted barley grains in hot or cold water, it has a rich, slightly smoky, nutty flavour, and contains no caffeine.

Chicory root, derived from the Cichorium intybus plant, has been used for centuries as a coffee substitute and digestive aid. When roasted and blended with barley, it adds a deeper, slightly bitter, coffee-like complexity to the tea, making it an ideal alternative for those cutting back on caffeine without sacrificing flavour.

Together, roasted barley and chicory create a warming blend that is:

• Naturally caffeine-free
• Rich in prebiotic fibre (inulin from chicory)
• A source of antioxidants formed during roasting
• Gentle on the digestive system

You can find quality roasted organic barley tea and organic grain options at SFMart.

7 Evidence-Backed Health Benefits of Roasted Barley Tea with Chicory

1. Supports Healthy Digestion

Both barley and chicory are valued for their digestive benefits. Chicory root contains inulin, a soluble prebiotic fibre that feeds beneficial gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Studies have linked inulin supplementation to increases in these beneficial bacteria, though the exact effect depends on the dose and the individual. 

Roasted barley similarly contains beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that helps regulate bowel movements, reduce bloating, and support a healthy gut microbiome.

Tip: Drinking a cup of barley chicory tea after meals can help ease post-meal sluggishness and support comfortable digestion.

2. A Caffeine-Free Coffee Alternative

If you're reducing caffeine — whether for better sleep, reduced anxiety, or pregnancy — roasted barley tea with chicory is one of the most satisfying substitutes available.

Chicory root's roasted form closely mimics the taste profile of coffee: slightly bitter, bold, and rich. Paired with barley's nutty warmth, the blend satisfies coffee cravings without the jitters, caffeine crashes, or sleep disruption.

Unlike decaf coffee, this blend is 100% naturally caffeine-free from the grain itself, with no chemical decaffeination involved.

3. A Source of Antioxidants

Roasted barley is a surprising antioxidant source. The roasting process creates melanoidins, compounds with free radical-scavenging properties similar to those found in roasted coffee.

Chicory root, meanwhile, contains chlorogenic acids and other polyphenols linked to reduced oxidative stress and inflammation. Regular consumption of antioxidant-rich beverages is associated with — though not proven to cause — a lower risk of some chronic conditions, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

4. May Help Support Blood Sugar Balance

Chicory's inulin fibre may slow the absorption of glucose in the gut, which can help smooth blood sugar rises after meals. Some clinical studies suggest chicory inulin may support better insulin sensitivity, but results vary and larger human trials are still needed, so this should be framed as a possible rather than proven effect.

Barley's beta-glucan is better established here: the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved a health claim that barley beta-glucan helps reduce the rise in blood glucose after a meal when consumed as part of the meal. (EFSA has also approved a separate claim that barley/oat beta-glucan helps maintain normal blood cholesterol.)

This makes roasted barley tea with chicory a sensible daily drink for those mindful of blood sugar or looking for a low-glycaemic beverage option.

5. May Support Liver Health

Traditional Korean medicine has long used boricha (barley tea) as a liver-supporting drink. Modern research is suggestive but early: barley extracts have shown hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) effects mainly in animal studies, with limited human data so far.

Chicory root has also been studied for its potential role in supporting liver enzyme activity and reducing liver inflammation. Together they may act as a gentle daily tonic, but tea alone is not a treatment for liver conditions.

Know more about your gut health here.

6. Promotes a Calming Evening Ritual

Struggling to wind down in the evenings? A warm cup of barley chicory tea before bed is a simple sleep ritual. With zero caffeine, it won't disrupt your sleep cycle the way late-night coffee or even some green teas can.

The ritual of a warm, caffeine-free drink can itself help signal the body to relax and prepare for rest, which is part of why so many people enjoy it in the evening.

7. Contributes Useful Minerals

Barley is a source of manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium — minerals involved in bone structure and many other body processes. The amounts that infuse into a cup of tea are modest, so it is best seen as a small, pleasant contribution rather than a primary source.

Chicory root also provides small amounts of calcium and phosphorus, making this blend a gentle, mineral-friendly beverage choice, especially for those on plant-based diets.

Nutrition Snapshot (per ~250 ml cup)

Figures are approximate and vary with brew strength, steeping time, and the specific product used.

Roasted Barley Tea vs. Green Tea vs. Chicory Coffee: How Do They Compare?

Caffeine at a Glance: How It Compares to Other Drinks

Values are typical ranges; actual caffeine depends on serving size, leaves/beans, and brew time.

How to Brew Roasted Barley Tea with Chicory: 3 Easy Methods

Method 1: Hot Brew (Traditional Korean Style)

• Add 2–3 barley chicory tea bags (or 1–2 tbsp loose grain) to a pot with 1 litre of water.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
• Remove the tea bags or strain the grains.
• Pour into cups and serve warm. Add a slice of ginger or a drizzle of honey to taste.

Method 2: Cold Brew (Refreshing Summer Version)

• Add 3–4 tea bags to a 1-litre glass jug of cold water.
• Refrigerate for 6–8 hours (or overnight).
• Remove bags, pour over ice, and enjoy. No sweetener needed — cold brewing naturally mellows the flavour.

Method 3: Stovetop Grain Method (Richest Flavour)

• Lightly dry-toast 3–4 tbsp of roasted barley grains in a pan for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add 1 litre of water and boil for 15–20 minutes.
• Strain and serve hot or chilled.

Brewing Methods Compared

Storage & Shelf Life

Who Should Drink Roasted Barley Tea with Chicory?

This tea is suitable for almost everyone:

• Pregnant women who want to reduce caffeine
• Children (mild and naturally sweet from roasting — a nice alternative to sugary drinks)
• People with IBS or digestive issues (chicory's inulin supports gut balance, though those with severe fructan/FODMAP intolerance should start slowly)
• Diabetics or pre-diabetics managing blood glucose
• Anyone reducing coffee without sacrificing flavour

⚠️ Allergy note: If you have a known chicory or ragweed allergy, consult your GP before drinking chicory blends.

⚠️ Gluten note: Barley naturally contains gluten, so this tea is not suitable for people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance. Choosing a product from a “gluten-free facility” does not make barley gluten-free — the grain itself contains gluten. (This corrects a common misconception.)