OLIPOP

Most Americans aren't getting enough fiber in their diets, which is why you may be seeing fiber-rich ingredients like chicory root added to more foods and beverages, including OLIPOP! So, let's break down what chicory root is and why we use it in our 9g Fiber Line. 

What is Chicory Root? 

Chicory root comes from a flowering plant in the dandelion family, known for its bright blue blooms. While it’s now cultivated globally, it has long been used across Europe and other regions for both food and traditional applications, including as an ingredient in baked goods, fiber supplements, as a coffee substitute, and more. [1-3] But its most important role today (especially in products like OLIPOP!) is as a rich source of inulin, a type of fiber. 

Chicory Root in OLIPOP 

At OLIPOP, we use this powerful root in our soda because it’s one of the most concentrated natural sources of inulin, a soluble, prebiotic fiber. That's why it plays an important role in our proprietary OLISMART blend, which is designed to help increase fiber intake in an easy, enjoyable way. 

Rather than focusing on a single ingredient, our approach is to combine multiple fibers that work together to: 

• Increase overall fiber content 
• Support digestive health [4] 
• Deliver a soda experience that tastes great 

Chicory root is a key part of that blend for our 9g Fiber Line.  

What is Inulin? 

Inulin is a type of soluble dietary fiber naturally found in plants like chicory root, Jerusalem artichoke, and onions. It’s widely used in food and beverages because it can increase fiber content without significantly affecting taste or texture. 

Inulin is unique because it isn’t digested in the small intestine. Instead, it travels to the large intestine, where it is fermented by gut bacteria, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as a natural byproduct of that process. [5] If you want a deeper dive, check out our full guide to inulin. 

How Inulin Works in the Body 

Once inulin reaches the large intestine, it becomes a fuel source for beneficial gut bacteria, allowing them to confer a health benefit—this is what defines it as a prebiotic fiber. Research on inulin (including chicory-derived inulin) shows it may play a role in supporting a healthy gut environment by influencing microbiota composition and fermentation activity. [4] 

This is what that means for the body: 

• Feeds beneficial bacteria: Inulin is selectively fermented by gut microbes, helping support a balanced microbiome. 
• Supports digestive processes: As a soluble fiber, it absorbs water and contributes to overall digestive function. 
• Plays a role in nutrient interactions: Some research suggests prebiotic fibers like inulin may support how the body absorbs certain minerals. [4]  

Chicory Root: The Takeaway 

Chicory root isn’t just a trending ingredient; it’s one of the most well-studied sources of inulin, a soluble prebiotic fiber. In OLIPOP, we use it as part of our OLISMART formula in our 9g Fiber Line to help increase your fiber intake, support your digestive health, and deliver a better-for-you soda experience.* 

*OLIPOP 12 fl oz serving with 6 or 9g of dietary fiber. 

Sources 

1. Renée A. Street, Jasmeen Sidana, and Gerhard Prinsloo, “Cichorium Intybus: Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013 (2013): 1–13, https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/579319.
2. Ifeoma Chinyelu Nwafor, Karabo Shale, and Matthew Chilaka Achilonu, “Chemical Composition and Nutritive Benefits of Chicory(Cichorium Intybus)as an Ideal Complementary and/or Alternative Livestock Feed Supplement,” The Scientific World Journal 2017 (2017): 1–11, https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/7343928.
3. Marie-Luise Puhlmann and Willem M de Vos, “Back to the Roots: Revisiting the Use of the Fiber-Rich Cichorium IntybusL. Taproots,” Advances in Nutrition 11, no. 4 (March 21, 2020): 878–89, https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmaa025.
4. Sanlier, N., Keskin, M. G., & Oz, F. (2026b). Inulin as a multifunctional prebiotic: from gut modulation to systemic health benefits. Food Quality and Safety, 10. https://doi.org/10.1093/fqsafe/fyag006
5. Qin, Y., Wang, L., Yang, X., Xu, Y., Fan, G., Fan, Y., Ren, J., An, Q., & Li, X. (2023b). Inulin: properties and health benefits. Food & Function, 14(7), 2948–2968. https://doi.org/10.1039/d2fo01096h

Meet our Expert This article is reviewed by Courtney McCormick, MPH, RDN, LDN, who is a paid member of the OLIPOP team. Courtney is a registered dietitian nutritionist and public health professional with nearly two decades of experience supporting nutrition initiatives across a variety of settings, including schools, community, and the consumer goods industry. Courtney is passionate about turning evidence-based nutrition into practical, everyday solutions. Here at OLIPOP, Courtney is Manager of Clinical Research and Scientific Content, helping to lead our clinical research program as we continue our commitment to science.