Is Chicory Coffee Healthy? Yes, Here Are 3 Benefits

If you’re looking to cut out caffeine without sacrificing your warm morning brew, chicory coffee may be worth a try. Its rich, coffee-like flavor comes from the roasted roots of the chicory plant. This herbal beverage is especially popular in New Orleans, where it has been part of the city’s culture for generations.

Chicory coffee may also have benefits for gut health, blood sugar, and inflammation. But it may not be for everyone. So, is chicory coffee good for you? Let’s take a look at what we know. 

What is chicory coffee?

Chicory coffee is made from roasted chicory root and water. Chicory is an herb from the Asteraceae family, which also includes marigolds, dandelions, and sunflowers. 

How it’s made

To make chicory coffee, the thick roots of the chicory plant are chopped up and then roasted to develop a coffee-like flavor and scent. The roasted root is then ground into granules, which you brew with water to create chicory coffee. You can drink chicory coffee hot or iced, with optional milk and/or sweeteners. 

Types and brands

Chicory coffee is sold in two different ways: 

• Pure chicory grounds 

• A mix of chicory grounds and regular coffee grounds

For the purpose of this article, we're talking about coffee made from pure chicory grounds. This is a caffeine-free coffee alternative. 

In grocery stores, you can find pure chicory coffee from many brands, including:

• nuKAF

• Leroux

• Caf-Lib 

• Rasa

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You can also sometimes find chicory coffee made by smaller brands at health food stores, coffee shops, and farmers’ markets. If you grow chicory in your garden, you can even make your own.

Does chicory coffee have caffeine?

Pure chicory coffee is naturally caffeine free. Many people use it as a coffee substitute when they want the taste of coffee but prefer to avoid caffeine. 

Caffeine is fine in moderation, but you shouldn’t consume large amounts of it. The FDA recommends a limit of 400 mg of caffeine per day. That’s about two to three 12 oz cups of coffee. Consuming more than this can cause negative effects, such as:

• Jitteriness

• Insomnia

• Rapid heartbeat

• Headaches 

Read the label carefully to know if your product is pure chicory coffee or chicory coffee mixed with regular coffee.

Is chicory coffee good for you?

Chicory coffee may benefit your health in a few different ways. 

Supports gut health

Chicory contains a type of fiber called inulin, which acts as a prebiotic. Prebiotics help feed the healthy probiotic bacteria already in your gut. Having healthy gut bacteria helps you maintain a balanced microbiome. It also protects against harmful bacteria.

May reduce inflammation

Animal studies suggest that chicory has some anti-inflammatory properties. But it’s important to note there are no human studies on this topic. 

Chicory contains plant compounds — such as sterols and polyphenols — that may reduce inflammation in your body. These compounds do this by lowering a protein called tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which triggers inflammation. 

Helps control blood sugar levels

Chicory root may help regulate blood sugar levels. 

In one small study, participants who drank chicory root extract for 4 weeks had improved blood sugar. They also had improved hemoglobin A1C, a marker of longer-term blood sugar control. 

This is likely because of the inulin fiber in chicory root. Other studies have shown that inulin fiber can help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

What are the side effects of chicory coffee?

Chicory has a mild laxative effect. That means it softens stools and may make you poop more frequently. If you struggle with constipation, this might be a benefit. But drinking too much chicory coffee can also cause diarrhea. 

Who shouldn't drink chicory coffee?

You should avoid chicory if you have a known chicory allergy. If you’re allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed and dandelions, you may be allergic to chicory too. 

Some people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may not tolerate chicory well. That’s because the inulin in chicory is an oligosaccharide, a type of carbohydrate that’s difficult to digest. For most people, inulin is a helpful fiber that feeds the good probiotic bacteria in the gut. But for some people with IBS, this non-digestible carbohydrate may be more likely to cause cramps, gas, and bloating. 

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Written by:

Cara Rosenbloom, RD

Cara Rosenbloom, RD, has been a registered dietitian for 22 years. She began her career working as a dietitian at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids).

Edited by:

Meredith Hoffa

Meredith Hoffa is a senior health editor at GoodRx, where she leads journalists and clinicians covering various well-being topics, particularly in diet and nutrition.

Reviewed by:

Katie E. Golden, MD

Katie E. Golden, MD, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and a medical editor at GoodRx.

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