Caffè d'orzo
Italian caffeine-free roasted barley drink, popular as coffee substitute.
Caffè d'orzo, also known simply as orzo, is a caffeine-free roasted grain beverage from Italy, made from ground barley. It originated in Italy and is traditionally considered a coffee substitute for children, gaining popularity during World War II and the post-war era as a cheap alternative to rationed coffee.
- type
- Hot drink
- origin
- Italy
- main ingredient
- Ground barley
- caffeine content
- Caffeine-free
- also known as
- Orzo, barley coffee
- traditional preparation
- Espresso machines or orziera (special moka pot)
Lore & Background
Caffè d'orzo is an espresso-style drink made from ground barley, widely available in Italian coffee vending machines and traditionally given to children as a coffee substitute. In Italian cafes, it is prepared using traditional espresso machines, while Italian families often use an orziera, a special moka pot adapted for barley.
During World War II and the post-war era, caffè d'orzo and chicory became popular substitutes for coffee due to rationing and food shortages. In countries like Spain, where the post-war period was very long, barley remains associated with being a cheap coffee surrogate. In Italy, dozens of roasters produce caffè d'orzo, and it remains a very popular drink.
Outside Italy, consumption of caffè d'orzo as a healthy drink is slowly increasing, especially in Germany. Variations exist in Latin America, where café de cebada or Cevada is often more of a roasted barley tea. Instant versions are sold under brands such as Caro, Pero, Barleycup, and Ecco.
Reader's Guide
Caffè d'orzo holds significance as a traditional Italian beverage that provided a caffeine-free alternative to coffee, especially for children, and became a vital substitute during wartime rationing. Its enduring popularity in Italy, with dozens of roasters, reflects its cultural role. The drink's spread outside Italy, particularly in Germany and Latin America, shows its adaptability as a healthy, caffeine-free option. The use of specialized equipment like the orziera highlights its unique preparation method distinct from coffee. The post-war memory in countries like Spain underscores how economic necessity shaped culinary habits. Today, its slow growth in markets like Germany indicates a shift toward health-conscious consumption, while instant versions make it accessible globally. The drink's legacy is tied to both Italian tradition and broader historical contexts of scarcity and adaptation.
Did You Know?
- Caffè d'orzo is made from ground barley and is caffeine-free.
- In Italy, it is traditionally considered a coffee substitute for children.
- During World War II and the post-war era, it became popular due to coffee rationing.
- Outside Italy, instant versions are sold under brand names like Caro, Pero, Barleycup, and Ecco.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caffè d'orzo?
It is a hot Italian drink made from roasted, ground barley that looks and tastes like coffee but contains no coffee beans at all. You'll also see it listed simply as orzo or barley coffee.
Does Caffè d'orzo contain caffeine?
No, it is entirely caffeine-free because the base ingredient is barley, not coffee. That's why it has long been the go-to 'coffee-like' drink for kids in Italian households.
Why did Caffè d'orzo become so popular in Italy?
During World War II and the post-war years, coffee was scarce and heavily rationed, so households turned to cheap roasted barley as a practical stand-in. The habit stuck, and orzo remained a staple even after coffee supplies normalized.
How do you prepare Caffè d'orzo at home?
You can run the ground barley through a regular espresso machine just like a normal coffee shot, or use a dedicated moka-style brewer called an orziera. Either method yields a concentrated, nutty, coffee-like cup.
What is the main ingredient in Caffè d'orzo?
The sole key component is roasted ground barley, which is toasted to bring out a toasty, slightly bitter flavor that resembles coffee. No chicory, coffee, or other fillers are required.
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