{"id":9728,"date":"2019-08-16T12:20:36","date_gmt":"2019-08-16T12:20:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fxnutrition.com\/?p=9728"},"modified":"2025-08-28T14:53:27","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T14:53:27","slug":"chicory-root-prebiotic-coffee-alternative","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fxnutrition.com\/blog\/chicory-root-prebiotic-coffee-alternative","title":{"rendered":"Chicory Root: A Prebiotic Coffee Alternative"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I sure hope you\u2019ve had some gut loving fun during the dog days of summer. Here at the Functional Nutrition Alliance we love to spend the season honoring our intestines with a variety of flavors that tickle the taste buds and<\/em> support great gut function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curb your coffee craving with chicory root!<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chicory root has been used throughout history as a coffee substitute. Find out how to make your own to complement or kick that morning cup of joe with one of our favorite recipes below<\/em>. In fact, you may have consumed chicory root if you\u2019ve tried to kick your coffee habit with a modern alternative (like Teechino or Dandy Blend) where chicory root is a key ingredient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fun fact and coffee aside, there\u2019s another reason you might know chicory. Have you ever eaten endive? It\u2019s that elegant edible that\u2019s so delicate it\u2019s sometimes wrapped in paper at the market. Endive and chicory are one in the same! The dainty leaves that you\u2019ll find shelved with the salad greens are what you\u2019ll find above ground while, surprise, the gnarly chicory root<\/em> is what grows below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, let\u2019s explore why chicory root is not just tasty when served up as a satisfying summer latte, but is also good for our gut\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A coffee alternative for gut health<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chicory root contains inulin. Inulin is a form of soluble fiber and a prebiotic food. This means that chicory root is not just food for you, but also food for your good gut bacteria (which ultimately makes it good for you too!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you feed the good bacteria in your gut the food they need, they produce by-products called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Research shows that increased SCFA\u2019s help reduce the risk of colon cancer and may help manage the symptoms of IBD and IBS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inulin is also liver loving in that it increases the flow of bile which helps break down fats more quickly and efficiently. As with our other soluble fiber favorites, it helps bulk stool and relieves constipation. *Sigh of gratitude* Some studies also support chicory root\u2019s ability to destroy harmful organisms like fungus and bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other plants like onions, asparagus, bananas, onions, and garlic also contain inulin (so eat those too!), but chicory root (along with Jerusalem artichokes) contain the highest concentrations of this precious prebiotic food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you go crazy with chicory, take note that it\u2019s often called \u201cthe stealth fiber\u201d because it doesn\u2019t have the usual fiber taste or texture. It can be easy to consume too much too quickly, leading to digestive distress like gas, bloating, and cramps. As always, start low and go slow<\/em> when you increase ingested consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last but not least, chicory root is related to ragweed, marigolds, and daisies. If you have a known allergy to these plants, use caution, or check with your dedicated healthcare provider before experimenting with this root remedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Life-Changing Chicory Coffee<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This recipe was shared by Caroline on the Functional Nutrition Alliance team. While I won\u2019t promise this is a perfect replication of your morning cup of coffee, chicory root paired with dandelion creates a close comparison. Don\u2019t tell \u2018joe\u2019 but you just might like it more. I find it has the bitter taste we often crave from coffee but with more sweet undertones. The carob chips or cocoa nibs are optional, but they do make this mug even more magnificent!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingredients<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n