My diet:

Beta-glucan (β-glucan)

No E-numberThickeners & gumsOrigin: Plant
Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganYes

Oat, barley and yeast beta-glucans are not animal ingredients.

Gluten-freeDepends

Oat beta-glucan is gluten-free only when the oats are. Barley beta-glucan contains gluten. Yeast beta-glucan does not.

HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoYes

It is a fiber, not a sugar.

Low-FODMAPDepends

Oat fiber is often tolerated in a normal serving. A concentrated scoop can still ferment.

The short answer
Beta-glucan is the soluble fiber in oats and barley that the FDA's heart-disease claim is about, at 3 grams a day. Barley versions contain gluten. Yeast versions are a different fiber and do not carry that claim.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberNone
Comes fromPlant
What it doesThickeners & gums
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledBeta-glucan, β-glucan

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDANot evaluated as an additive
🇪🇺 European UnionNot evaluated as an additive
🇨🇦 Health CanadaNot evaluated as an additive
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Oat and barley beta-glucan is a food fiber, not an E-number. The FDA allows a health claim that soluble fiber from oats, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. The claim is built around 3 grams a day of that fiber (21 CFR 101.81). Yeast beta-glucan does not qualify for that claim. Europe authorizes its own wording for oat and barley beta-glucan and does not treat the fiber as an additive.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

In a bowl of oatmeal the beta-glucan is what turns the liquid silky. Extracted, it is a cream-colored powder that thickens a drink and adds fiber.

Where it comes from: Beta-glucan on a food label is usually the soluble fiber from oats or barley, a chain of glucose units linked in a way that makes a soft gel. Yeast and mushroom beta-glucans are a different shape and show up in supplements more than in bread.

Why it’s in food

  • Supports the oat heart-health claim when the dose is high enough
  • Thickens a smoothie
  • Adds fiber to a cereal bar
  • Improves the texture of some gluten-free breads when the source is oat

Often found in

Oatmeal and oat branBreakfast cerealsCereal barsSome breadsSmoothiesSoup

Also listed as: Beta-glucan, β-glucan, Oat beta-glucan, Barley beta-glucan, Oat bran soluble fiber

Health & gut impact

Heart-disease claimBenefit

The FDA's oat claim needs soluble fiber from oats, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, at a level that adds up to 3 grams a day of beta-glucan.

21 CFR 101.81

Source decides the dietUnder study

Barley beta-glucan brings gluten with it. Oat beta-glucan does not, unless the oats were contaminated with wheat, barley or rye.

FDA gluten-free rule and the oat claim

What can I use instead?

Psyllium husk

Ratio: Use less and add more water

Best for: Gel in a gluten-free loaf

Inulin

Ratio: Expect more gas

Best for: A different prebiotic fiber

Related

More thickeners & gums:

Acetylated distarch adipate E1422Acetylated distarch adipate (E1422) is a modified starch used in frozen foods and sauces. It is allowed. The US name on the label is usually just modified food starch, and it still counts as carbohydrate.Generally safeAgar-Agar E406Agar-agar (E406) is a seaweed gel that sets firmer than gelatin. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free, keto and kosher, and is the easiest plant swap for gelatin.Generally safeArrowroot (Arrowroot starch)Arrowroot is a tasteless starch from a tropical rhizome. It is vegan and gluten-free, it makes a clear gel, and it is not keto.Use in moderationCalcium alginate (Seaweed salt) E404Calcium alginate (E404) is a seaweed-based gel that sets in cold liquid when it meets calcium. It's the basis of vegan spheres and cheese analogues. It's vegan, gluten-free and safe.Generally safe

Common questions

Does every beta-glucan help cholesterol?

The FDA claim is for soluble fiber from oats, and a related barley claim exists. A yeast or mushroom beta-glucan is not that ingredient.

Is beta-glucan gluten-free?

Oat beta-glucan can be, if the oats are. Barley beta-glucan is not.

Is Beta-glucan safe?

Generally safe (92/100). Oat and barley beta-glucan is a food fiber, not an E-number. The FDA allows a health claim that soluble fiber from oats, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. The claim is built around 3 grams a day of that fiber (21 CFR 101.81). Yeast beta-glucan does not qualify for that claim. Europe authorizes its own wording for oat and barley beta-glucan and does not treat the fiber as an additive.

Is Beta-glucan vegan?

Yes. Oat, barley and yeast beta-glucans are not animal ingredients.

Is Beta-glucan gluten-free?

Depends. Oat beta-glucan is gluten-free only when the oats are. Barley beta-glucan contains gluten. Yeast beta-glucan does not.

Spotted a mistake on this page? Report it ›

Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 101.81
  • FDA gluten-free rule and the oat claim