Chicory Root Extract (Cichorium intybus)

Chicory root inulin is a long-chain fructooligosaccharide (fructan) extracted from the roots of Cichorium intybus via hot water diffusion, then purified and spray-dried into a free-flowing white powder. With an average degree of polymerization (DP) ≥10, this long-chain variant (typified by Orafti® GR) resists digestion in the upper GI tract and reaches the colon intact, where it acts as a highly selective substrate for Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species with greater fermentation specificity than short-chain FOS. Formulators choose this ingredient not only for its clinically substantiated prebiotic efficacy but also for its clean label appeal, non-GMO and naturally sourced positioning, and its functional contribution of mild sweetness and improved mouthfeel in powder and tablet formats without adding significant caloric load.