Barley and oats are among the major cereal grains grown in Canada and are rich sources of soluble dietary fiber, including b-glucan, making them valuable ingredients for functional foods. The beneficial role of soluble dietary fiber in human nutrition is well documented and has led to a growing demand for the incorporation of b-glucan from oats and barley in food products. High b-glucan solubility and molecular weight (MW) distribution result in increased viscosity in the human intestine, which promotes health benefits such as lower cholesterol and improved glycemic response. The cholesterol lowering properties of b-glucan have been recognized by food agencies such as Health Canada (18), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (37), and the European Food and Safety Authority (16), and these agencies all have sanctioned health claims for b-glucan from oats and barley. The role of b-glucan in improving glycemic response has also been documented in numerous scientific papers