Chicory Root Is a Gut-Healthy Plant That Can Mimic Coffee

If you've seen chicory root coffee at the grocery store and been confused about what it actually is, you're not alone. While many have embraced eating the leaves of chicory plants—tightly packed heads of bitter leaves like endive and radicchio—you might not yet be familiar with using chicory root in foods and drinks.

While the root of chicory is edible, it's not really something you roast with olive oil and salt and just eat straight-up like you do the leaves. Instead, the bitter root is typically roasted, ground and used as either an additive to foods or a coffee alternative.

Here's what you need to know about chicory root, its uses and its potential health benefits.

What Is Chicory Root Fiber?

"Chicory roots are the roots of the chicory plant that are known for being high in fiber," says Kelli McGrane, M.S., RD, owner of Kelli McGrane Nutrition, LLC. "Specifically, chicory roots are rich in a type of fiber called inulin, which is often referred to as chicory root fiber." Chicory root fiber is often added to commercial food products as a way to increase fiber, says McGrane.

Health Benefits of Chicory Root

"One of the benefits of inulin is that it's a prebiotic, meaning that it can support the growth of beneficial bacteria (called probiotics) in your gut," explains McGrane. "This is important, as good gut health has been linked with weight loss, digestive health, improved immune function and optimized nutrient absorption."

One thing to note here is that many types of fiber function as prebiotics, so any high-fiber diet—one that's rich in plant foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds—will offer similar gut health benefits.

Like some other types of fiber, "chicory root fiber has also been shown to be good for relieving constipation and improving blood sugar control, especially in individuals with diabetes," adds McGrane.

Chicory root also contains small amounts of vitamin B6, manganese and potassium, although you're unlikely to eat enough of it to really get significant amounts of these nutrients.

What Is Chicory Root Coffee?

Chicory root has an intensely rich and bitter flavor—think of how bitter even endive and radicchio leaves are—which is why we typically don't eat it on its own. But this flavor profile makes chicory root a great coffee substitute.

"Chicory root coffee is a beverage that's made from chicory roots that have been ground, roasted and brewed," says McGrane. "On its own, chicory root coffee has a similar taste and color as traditional coffee but is a bit woodier."

Nestlé sells a beverage called Ricoré, which is 60% chicory and 40% coffee. This kind of coffee-chicory mixture may have started in France, where chicory grows natively, and spread to other countries, including the U.S. While this tradition likely started as a way to stretch coffee grounds—which are more expensive than chicory root—some people now do it as a way to lessen the caffeine content of a cup of coffee.

Is Chicory Root Coffee Good for You?

While 100% chicory root coffee is delicious and caffeine-free, it doesn't contain any fiber or many other nutrients, since the grounds are strained out of the finished drink. There's nothing wrong with that, but keep in mind that you won't get the same benefits from chicory root coffee as from the root itself.

Chicory root coffee can be particularly good for you if you want to avoid caffeine and don't like the taste of decaffeinated coffee. Like all fluids, chicory coffee contributes to your daily water needs, and there are no known negative side effects of enjoying moderate amounts every day. Combining chicory root coffee with regular coffee creates a lower-caffeine beverage.

Potential Downsides to Chicory Root

"As chicory root fiber cannot be digested, eating too much of it can cause gas and bloating," says McGrane. "Individuals with irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, in particular, may be more likely to experience GI side effects from chicory root fiber."

It's important to note that the same can be said for many types of fiber. These negative effects tend to happen when you eat a lot of fiber all at once—although those with IBS may get negative effects with much lower amounts of fiber, including chicory root.

Food companies are not required to list the amount of chicory root, often called inulin, added to packaged foods, such as cereal and granola bars, yogurt and flavored water. If you are particularly sensitive to fiber, check the ingredient list for chicory root and inulin.

The Bottom Line

Like all foods, chicory root is not a magic bullet for good health. However, including some nutritious packaged foods with chicory root fiber as part of a balanced eating plan can provide the benefits of prebiotic fiber. Too much inulin can lead to uncomfortable results, however. If you're curious about the rich, woody taste of chicory root coffee, give it a try. You'll get a caffeine-free drink that helps satisfy your fluid needs, too.