The under-the-radar ingredient that’s suddenly everywhere — and becoming healthy snacks’ fiber powerhouse
Chicory root fiber is gaining popularity as a key ingredient in healthy snacks, emphasizing its role in gut health. This functional fiber, derived from the chicory plant, is being incorporated into various food products to enhance fiber content without compromising taste. Experts highlight its numerous health benefits, including improved digestion and blood sugar regulation.
- ▪Chicory root fiber is a powerful source of fiber that has become a staple in many healthy snacks.
- ▪It is largely made of inulin, a plant-based prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
- ▪Chicory root fiber is often used to boost fiber content or replace sugar and fat in packaged foods.
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Nutrition The under-the-radar ingredient that’s suddenly everywhere — and becoming healthy snacks’ fiber powerhouse By McKenzie Beard Published May 22, 2026, 4:27 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google Protein may have stolen the spotlight last year — but in 2026, fiber is the wellness world’s nutritional darling. At the center of the gut-health craze is one under-the-radar ingredient that’s quietly become a staple in nearly every corner of the snack aisle. From prebiotic sodas like Olipop to low-sugar candy favorites like SmartSweets and zero-calorie syrups like POCA, chicory root has become the go-to for brands giving familiar favorites a high-fiber upgrade.
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