The impact of xanthan gum (XG), sodium alginate (ALG), and carrageenan (CGN) on the gelatinization, rejuvenation, microstructure, and noodle quality of highland barley was investigated. The XG-HBS mixture demonstrated superior dilatancy, gelatinization viscosity, and dynamic moduli compared to ALG and CGN, suggesting that XG enhances starch water absorption and swelling. Furthermore, LF-NMR results indicated that hydrophilic colloids reduced T