Barley vs Corn Tortilla
Side-by-side macro comparison. Barley vs Corn Tortilla per their standard serving sizes.
Corn Tortilla
per 1 tortilla (24g)
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Barley | Corn Tortilla | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 193 cal | 52 cal | +271% Barley |
| Protein | 3.5g | 1.4g | +150% Barley |
| Carbs | 44g | 11g | +300% Barley |
| Fat | 0.7g | 0.6g | +17% Barley |
Differences shown relative to Barley. Positive = Barley has more.
Quick Take
Barley delivers 193 calories per serving with 3.5g protein, 44g carbs, and 0.7g fat. Corn Tortilla delivers 52 calories with 1.4g protein, 11g carbs, and 0.6g fat. The most meaningful difference: Corn Tortilla saves 141 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. Both deliver similar protein density.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Corn Tortilla gives you 141 more calories of headroom per serving — that's room for an extra snack, more vegetables, or a higher-protein second portion. If protein density matters more (which it does for preserving muscle on a deficit), Corn Tortilla delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Barley brings 193 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Barley delivers 3.5g of protein per serving, which directly feeds muscle protein synthesis. The best pick depends on whether you need more total calories or more usable protein.
For Keto / Low-Carb
Corn Tortilla fits cleanly into keto with only 11g carbs. Barley at 44g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20-30g carb budget.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Barley or Corn Tortilla?
Barley has more protein: 3.5g vs 1.4g per serving. That's a difference of 2.1g.
Which has fewer calories, Barley or Corn Tortilla?
Corn Tortilla has 52 calories per serving vs 193 calories in Barley — a difference of 141 calories.
Is Barley or Corn Tortilla better for keto?
Corn Tortilla is the better keto choice at 11g carbs per serving vs 44g carbs in Barley.
Is Barley or Corn Tortilla better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Corn Tortilla gives you more calorie flexibility (141 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Corn Tortilla delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Corn Tortilla.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Corn Tortilla
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Barley
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Corn Tortilla
Lower carbohydrate content fits keto and low-carb macros without burning your carb budget.
Both fit most balanced diets. These verdicts reflect macro-only comparisons — taste, satiety, cost, and personal preference also matter.
Find Your Personal Macros
The "right" food depends on your individual macro targets. Calculate yours in 60 seconds:
→ Calculate My Macros (Free)Related Comparisons
Other ways Barley and Corn Tortilla stack up:
Full Barley guide • Full Corn Tortilla guide • All comparisons