Canarygrass caryopses have higher concentrations of all eight essential amino acids than does wheat or corn, and are higher in sulfur-containing amino acids than pea or fieldbean. In spite of this encouraging nutritional profile, the value of canarygrass in human food has not been adequately explored.

The primary market for canary is currently birdfeed, but other uses, including human food have been proposed. As a birdfood, the florets are sold and the birds dehull the florets before consumption. It is widely recognized as a superior canary-feed.

Crude Protein:            16.6%
Crude Fat:                5.9%
Crude Fiber:              6.0%
Moisture:                 12%