How Many Calories in Chicory Root? Nutrition, Inulin & Macros
One chicory root (60 g) has 43 calories
Protein 0.8g · Carbs 10.5g · Fat 0.1g
Chicory root is the #1 natural source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that is widely extracted and used as a keto-friendly sweetener and fiber supplement in low-carb products like bars, chocolates, and baked goods. Raw chicory root has 72 kcal per 100 g with 17.51 g of carbs and 1.4 g of protein. Roasted chicory root is also a popular caffeine-free coffee substitute with a rich, slightly bitter flavor. Here is everything you need to know about chicory root calories, inulin, and macros, based on USDA data. Raw chicory root is about 80% water by weight.
301 kJ · per 100g · Water: 80 g
Calorie Calculator: Chicory Root (Raw)
60 g Chicory Root (Raw) contains 43 kcal
Calories by Portion Size
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 root (60 g) | 43 kcal | 0.8g | 10.5g | 0.1g |
| 1 cup sliced (90 g) | 65 kcal | 1.3g | 15.8g | 0.2g |
| 100 grams | 72 kcal | 1.4g | 17.5g | 0.2g |
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Chicory Root (Raw) — Nutrition Facts
| Chicory Root (Raw) | per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 72 kcal |
| Protein | 1.4 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Carbs | 17.51 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 8.73 g |
| Sodium | 50 mg |
| Potassium | 290 mg |
| Magnesium | 22 mg |
| Phosphorus | 61 mg |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.241 mg |
| Folate | 23 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.233 mg |
| Water | 80 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 169993) · Data verified April 2026
Variations
Raw (default)
72 kcal per 100 g. Raw chicory root — a pale, tapered root similar in appearance to a parsnip. The raw root is crunchy with a slightly bitter, earthy flavor. It is the primary industrial source of inulin, with fresh roots containing up to 20% inulin by weight. Choose firm roots without soft spots or excessive branching.
Roasted (coffee substitute)
~0 kcal per cup brewed. Chicory root is roasted and ground to produce a caffeine-free coffee substitute — the most famous use outside of inulin production. Brewed chicory coffee extracts flavor but virtually no calories. Popular in New Orleans-style coffee blends (traditionally mixed 50/50 with coffee). Rich, dark, slightly bitter flavor. A perfect zero-calorie hot beverage for keto, fasting, or caffeine reduction.
Inulin fiber (extracted powder)
~150 kcal per 100 g (reference value). Extracted chicory root inulin fiber — a white, mildly sweet powder used as a prebiotic fiber supplement, keto-friendly sweetener, and fat replacer in processed foods. About 1.5 kcal per gram (vs 4 kcal/g for sugar). Virtually zero net carbs since inulin passes through digestion unabsorbed. Widely used in keto bars, chocolates, ice cream, and baking. Typical daily dose: 5-15 g. Start with small amounts to avoid digestive discomfort as gut bacteria adapt.
Dietary Perspectives
For Weight Loss
Raw chicory root is moderate at 72 kcal per 100 g, but the real weight loss value lies in inulin — the prebiotic fiber extracted from it. Inulin increases feelings of fullness and satiety without adding significant calories (about 1.5 kcal per gram vs 4 kcal/g for sugar). It feeds beneficial gut bacteria, and research links a healthy gut microbiome to better weight management. Roasted chicory coffee is a zero-calorie coffee substitute — perfect for fasting windows or reducing calorie intake from beverages. Studies show that inulin supplementation (10-15 g per day) can reduce appetite and overall calorie intake. Adding chicory root inulin to foods increases their fiber content and fullness factor without meaningful calorie contribution.
For Athletic Performance
Chicory root provides decent potassium (290 mg per 100 g) and vitamin B6 (0.241 mg), both important for athletes. The real athletic benefit comes from its prebiotic inulin, which supports gut health — increasingly linked to athletic performance and recovery through improved nutrient absorption and reduced inflammation. Roasted chicory coffee is caffeine-free, making it a good option for athletes who want to reduce caffeine dependency but keep the coffee ritual, especially in the evening. For athletes who struggle with gut issues during training, regular inulin supplementation (5-10 g daily) can improve gut resilience. Chicory root is not a significant calorie or protein source, so it works best as a supplementary ingredient.
For Keto
Chicory root inulin is a keto community staple — one of the most popular fiber supplements and sweetener bases in the keto world. However, the raw root itself has 16 g net carbs per 100 g (17.51 g carbs minus 1.5 g fiber), which is not keto-friendly at all. The magic happens in extraction: chicory root inulin fiber is virtually zero net carbs because it passes through digestion unabsorbed. Chicory root fiber syrup is used as a keto sweetener in bars, chocolates, ice cream, and baking — adding sweetness, fiber, and texture without spiking blood sugar. Roasted chicory coffee is zero carb and zero calorie — a perfect keto hot beverage. So while the raw root itself is not for keto, its extracted products are keto gold: zero net carbs, prebiotic gut benefits, and versatile use as sweetener and binder.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in chicory root?
Raw chicory root has 72 calories per 100 g. One whole root (60 g) has about 43 calories. Roasted chicory root brewed as a coffee substitute is virtually calorie-free per cup — the roasting and brewing process extracts flavor but negligible calories. Chicory root inulin fiber powder has about 150 kcal per 100 g, but typical servings (5-10 g) add only 8-15 calories.
What is inulin from chicory root?
Inulin is a type of soluble prebiotic fiber naturally found in chicory root in high concentrations (up to 20% of fresh root weight). It is extracted industrially and used as a fiber supplement, fat replacer, and low-calorie sweetener in many food products. Inulin passes through the digestive system unabsorbed, feeding beneficial gut bacteria (Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli). It has about 1.5 kcal per gram — much less than sugar (4 kcal/g) — and does not spike blood sugar, making it popular in keto and diabetic-friendly products.
Is chicory root good for keto?
It depends on the form. Raw chicory root has 16 g net carbs per 100 g (17.51 g carbs - 1.5 g fiber), which is too high for most keto budgets. However, extracted chicory root fiber (inulin) is virtually zero net carbs — it passes through digestion unabsorbed. Chicory root fiber syrup is one of the most popular keto sweeteners in bars, chocolates, and baking. Roasted chicory coffee is zero carb. So the raw root itself is not keto-friendly, but its extracted products are keto staples.
Is chicory root a good coffee substitute?
Roasted chicory root has been used as a caffeine-free coffee substitute for centuries, especially in New Orleans-style coffee blends. It has a rich, slightly bitter, earthy flavor that resembles coffee. Brewed chicory coffee has essentially zero calories and no caffeine, making it ideal for people who want to reduce caffeine intake but keep the coffee ritual. It can be brewed on its own or blended with regular coffee to reduce caffeine content while maintaining a full-bodied flavor.
What are the health benefits of chicory root?
Chicory root's main benefit is its inulin content — a prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria, supports digestive health, and may improve calcium absorption. Studies suggest inulin can improve bowel regularity, reduce constipation, and support healthy blood sugar levels. Chicory root also provides potassium (290 mg per 100 g), manganese (0.233 mg), and vitamin B6 (0.241 mg). The prebiotic effect of inulin is one of the most well-researched benefits in gut health science.
Is chicory root good for weight loss?
Chicory root can support weight loss primarily through its inulin fiber. Inulin increases feelings of fullness and satiety, feeds beneficial gut bacteria linked to better weight management, and adds fiber to foods without significant calories (about 1.5 kcal per gram). Roasted chicory coffee is a zero-calorie coffee alternative. Studies show that inulin supplementation (10-15 g per day) can reduce appetite and calorie intake. The raw root itself is moderate at 72 kcal per 100 g.
Compare with Similar Foods
| Portion | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicory Root (Raw) | 72 | 1.4g | 17.51g | 0.2g |
| Artichoke (Raw) | 47 | 3.27g | 10.51g | 0.15g |
| Coffee (Black) | 1 | 0.12g | 0g | 0.02g |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 21 | 0g | 0.93g | 0g |
| Ginger (Fresh Root) | 80 | 1.82g | 17.77g | 0.75g |
per 100g
Per 100 g, raw chicory root has 72 kcal with 1.4 g of protein, 0.2 g of fat, and 17.51 g of carbs (1.5 g fiber, 16.01 g net carbs). Compared to potato (77 kcal, 2 g protein, 17.5 g carbs), chicory root is similar in calories but uniquely rich in inulin. Artichoke, another high-inulin vegetable, has fewer calories (47 kcal) and more fiber (5.4 g) per 100 g.
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