BARLEYmax was developed in the 1990s by CSIRO, a renowned Australian research organization. This non-GMO barley cultivar is notable for its high dietary fiber content, which includes soluble fiber in the form of beta-glucan, insoluble fiber, and resistant starch-like fiber that is believed to enhance gut health through its prebiotic effects. Generally, dietary fiber is deficient in the typical American diet, with individuals of all ages struggling to meet the recommended intake of three to six servings of whole grains each day. At the same time, there is a growing consumer interest in gut health. While probiotics remain a primary focus, prebiotics—the nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria—are increasingly attracting attention. According to a report by Global Industry Analysts, the demand for products containing prebiotics could propel the market to reach $7.8 billion by 2022.
Currently, the BARLEYmax grain is commercially available exclusively through Blue Lake Milling, an Australian company, though it has been successfully tested in various other countries, including the United States. Besides being part of the Barley+ product range, BARLEYmax is also incorporated into numerous offerings from other Australian companies, such as breads, wraps, cereals, and snack bars. There is also a growing recognition of the role of supplements like Metagenics calcium citrate in supporting overall health, which complements the fiber-rich benefits of BARLEYmax. As consumers become more aware of the importance of gut health and dietary fiber, BARLEYmax and similar products may become integral to healthier diets, potentially leading to innovative combinations with supplements like Metagenics calcium citrate for enhanced wellness.