About chicory

Chicory root fiber is a soluble dietary fiber extracted from the root of the chicory plant (Cichorium intybus). It consists primarily of inulin, a type of fructan composed of linear chains of fructose molecules with a terminal glucose unit. This prebiotic fiber resists digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract and is fermented by beneficial bacteria in the colon, primarily Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. It is widely used as a functional food ingredient and dietary supplement to increase fiber intake, support digestive health, and modulate gut microbiota.

Official resources

Fact sheets from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements related to this ingredient group.

Dietary Supplement Label Database

Ingredient group data in NutriNav is aligned with the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD).

DSLD group id
1196

Compare All Forms

6 forms

Compare supplement forms of chicory by absorption quality and what your body actually gets from each:

High Moderate Low
Form Absorption Steps to absorb Notes Action
chicory — — — View →
Chicory fiber — — — View →
Chicory Root Fiber

Prebiotic fiber for digestive & gut health

  • UNII: JOS53KRJ01
  • CAS: 9005-80-5
  • Label category: Natural (Chicory)
— — — View →
High-Performance (HP) Inulin

Prebiotic fiber for digestive & gut health

  • CAS: 9005-80-5
  • Label category: natural
— — — View →
Native Inulin

Prebiotic fiber from chicory root. Supports digestive health...

  • UNII: JOS53KRJ01
  • CAS: 9005-80-5
  • Label category: natural
— — — View →
Oligofructose

Prebiotic fiber that supports digestive health and healthy g...

  • CAS: 9004-80-2 (for inulin-type fructans, includes oligofructose)
  • Label category: natural
— — — View →

Also appears on labels as

Additional names seen on supplement labels for forms of this ingredient (beyond the main aliases above).

Alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-[beta-D-fructofuranosyl](n-1)-D-fructofuranoside, Chicory root fiber (HP), Chicory Root Inulin, FOS, Fructan, Fructo-oligosaccharides, High-polymer inulin, HP Inulin, Inulin-type fructans (short-chain), Inulin from Chicory, Long-chain inulin, Oligofructose-enriched inulin (when blended), Prebiotic fiber, Short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scFOS)

Type: Herbs

Plant-based supplements derived from leaves, roots, flowers, or other plant parts. Often used in traditional medicine systems.

Absorption: Many herbs require specific extraction methods or co-factors (like piperine for curcumin) for optimal absorption.

Interactions: Herbs can have significant drug interactions. Some herbs have blood-thinning effects. Consult healthcare provider before use.

Potential Benefits

Benefits associated with chicory forms:

And 4 more benefits...

Potential Side Effects

Side effects associated with chicory forms: