Beso (በሶ): Ethiopian Roasted Barley Flour

Beso (በሶ) is Ethiopian roasted barley flour. Mixed with water or milk, it becomes a quick, filling drink that Habesha families have started their mornings with for generations. It is also spelled besso, and some call it beso powder or beso flour.

Add Beso (500 g) to cart
See the product page

What does beso taste like?

Rich, nutty and toasty, from barley that is roasted before it is ground. Ours also has cinnamon and peanuts, which add warmth and body.

How do you drink beso?

Mix it with water or milk, stir, and it is ready in seconds. Use more beso for a thicker drink and less for a thinner one, and sweeten it if you like.

Beso smoothie

Beso also makes a thick, filling smoothie. Try our strawberry beso smoothie: milk, ice, strawberries and beso, blended in a few minutes.

What is in our beso?

Roasted barley flour, cinnamon and peanuts. That is all.

Allergy note: our beso contains peanuts.

Questions about beso

Is beso the same as barley flour?

Beso is made from barley, but the barley is roasted before it is ground. That roasting is what gives beso its nutty, toasty flavor and lets you drink it straight from the jar without cooking.

Is beso vegan?

Yes. Our beso has no animal ingredients. Mix it with water or a plant milk to keep the drink vegan. See more in our Ethiopian vegan food guide.

Does beso contain gluten?

Yes. Barley contains gluten, so beso is not suitable for a gluten-free diet.

How do I store beso?

Keep it sealed in a cool, dry place, away from the stove and direct sunlight.

Where can I buy beso?

Order Yegna Mart beso online. Ours is produced in Ethiopia, packed fresh in Canada, and shipped across Canada and the U.S.

Add Beso (500 g) to cart
See the product page

Keep exploring

Pair it with our other breakfast staple, genfo flour for genfo, or see every spice we carry in our Ethiopian spice guide.