Barley malt refers to a thick, dark, slow-digesting sweetener made from sprouted barley. It has a malt-like flavor. Barley malt is to beer as grapes are to wine.

Malted barley has a high complement of enzymes for converting its starch supply into simple sugars; it also contains protein that is needed for yeast nutrition; and because of the flavor that it is suited for brewing. Likewise, barley malt extract which is usually available in powder and liquid forms, is used for medical purposes, as a bulking agent to promote bowel regularity.