All About Chicory Coffee Benefits and Side Effects

What Is Chicory?

Chicory is a plant in the genus Cichorium, which includes bitter lettuces like endives. When roasted and ground, the root of the chicory plant resembles coffee.

Chicory root is commonly used as a caffeine-free alternative to coffee. It can also be added to coffee to enhance the flavor and reduce caffeine content.

If you're trying to cut back on caffeine, mixing chicory into your regular cup of coffee can help reduce your intake.

Does Chicory Have Caffeine?

Unlike coffee, chicory does not contain caffeine. Because it's caffeine-free, roasted beverages made exclusively from chicory or blended with other caffeine-free substances are also caffeine-free.

However, chicory products are often blended with coffee, and the caffeine content of chicory-coffee blends can vary depending on their ratio.

Health Benefits of Chicory Coffee

May Support Digestive Health

Chicory root is high in a type of soluble fiber known as inulin.

Inulin and other types of soluble fiber feed beneficial bacteria in your gut, which boosts digestive health. According to a review in Frontiers in Immunology, inulin plays a key role in lowering blood glucose, improving immune function, and helping to prevent disease.

However, some of the inulin in chicory is broken down during the roasting process, according to a review in Advances in Nutrition. Because of this, the inulin content of chicory coffee may be lower than in the unroasted root.

Helps Relieve Constipation

The inulin in chicory may help promote regular bowel movements.

Inulin is a type of soluble fiber, which softens your stools, making them easier to pass, according to Mayo Clinic.

A study in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine suggests that consuming 300 milliliters (about 1 cup) of roasted chicory root extract a day may lead to improved bowel movements after 4 weeks.

Reduces Oxidative Stress

Chicory root is rich in plant compounds called polyphenols.

Polyphenols are known to have antioxidant properties that protect your cells from oxidative stress and reduce your risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases, according to a review in Scientia Pharmaceutica.

Side Effects of Chicory Coffee

Because chicory contains inulin, a type of dietary fiber, high amounts may cause digestive side effects like gas, bloating, or loose stools, according to the review in Frontiers in Immunology.

However, a drink made with 10 grams (g) of roasted chicory root only contains about 0.25 g of inulin. The review in Advances in Nutrition notes that digestive symptoms typically occur with an intake of 20 to 30 g of inulin per day.

Though rare, chicory may cause allergy symptoms in some people. While the cause of this is not well understood, people with a sensitivity to birch pollen may be more susceptible, according to a review in Molecules. Contact your doctor if you experience allergy symptoms after consuming chicory.

There is limited research on the effects of chicory in pregnant people. If you are lactating or pregnant, talk to your doctor before consuming chicory.