“Is chicory sweet?” Where does the sugar in chicory come from? Is there any added sugar? » Here are questions we get asked every week about Nourea products and chicory in general. The question of the presence of sugar in chicory seems to concern many of you, which is why we explain in detail the composition of our products and why you can without problem turn to chicory even if you wish to monitor or limit your sugar intake .

Chicory: a low GI food

Presentation of the components of chicory

Chicory is a source of carbohydrates and fiber (it contains very little protein and almost no lipids). 100 g of L'Originale soluble chicory contains 73 g of carbohydrates (or approximately 51 g in a 75 g pot) including 28 g of sugar. A cup of chicory (around 200 ml) contains approximately 2 g of carbohydrates and less than 0.8 g of sugar, which is very, very little, contrary to popular belief about chicory ! Its glycemic index is also low (40). A healthy drink with many benefits, it is very low in calories with around 9 kcal per cup.

Natural sugars vs. added sugars

Our chicory from Organic Farming has no added sugars . The sugar it contains is the sugar naturally present in chicory root. These are fructose, glucose and sucrose which are, as we have seen, in very small quantities.
Our products only contain chicory, and unsweetened cocoa powder for our cocoa versions, that's it!

Is it necessary to add sugar to chicory?

We often think that chicory has a very strong bitter taste and that it is necessary to add sugar to enjoy it. Rest assured, our chicory has been selected for its quality and its sweet, caramelized flavor . Enjoy it plain, with water , or in a latte version, with milk or the vegetable drink of your choice. Be sure to choose a plant-based milk without added sugars if you do not want to consume any, many brands add them! If you are looking for even more sweetness and deliciousness, you can opt for our chicory cocoa mixtures with Escale Cacao or Escale Cacao Grand Cru . If you have a sweet tooth you can of course add the sweetener of your choice (agave syrup, maple syrup, coconut sugar, honey, etc.) but the majority of you prefer it without. Moreover, most customers tell us that unlike their coffee, they do not need to sweeten their chicory as its taste is mild and naturally sweet.

Reduce sugar with chicory

Does chicory lower blood sugar? The role of inulin

Chicory contains inulin , a fiber from the fructan family naturally present in certain plants. In fact, the plant stores energy in the form of inulin in the root, its reserve organ, which will be dried, roasted and reduced to grains to be consumed as a drink. Inulin has many benefits including prebiotic properties : it improves transit, promotes healthy intestinal flora and good digestive health. It also has a positive impact on blood sugar regulation by improving the body's metabolism of carbohydrates. This fiber slows down the passage of fast sugars into the blood. Sugar is thus released more slowly and more stably without a sudden increase, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Sugar peaks often cause sudden feelings of hunger and promote the accumulation of fats, inulin is an ally for weight loss . The good bacteria that develop in the intestinal flora also produce hormones linked to appetite, which promotes the feeling of satiety.

Is chicory good for diabetics?

Yes, due to its low caloric value, its low sugar content and its stabilizing effect on blood sugar, chicory is very suitable if you have diabetes. A study carried out in 2015 on people with prediabetes notably showed its strong beneficial potential when integrated into the diet over the long term.

A healthy alternative to sugary drinks

You will have understood, chicory is a healthy drink that you can consume if you watch your sugar intake. It is also an excellent alternative to the sweet, high-calorie hot drinks that you can find in large coffee shop brands. Of course, if you add ingredients (milk, cream, sweetener) your drink will not have the same nutritional value and sugar content as if you consume it pure.
Find your natural energy with chicory, the perfect alternative to replace coffee , whether you are looking to reduce your caffeine consumption or stop it. Chicory does not contain caffeine and is suitable for both pregnant women and children . You can also switch your classic hot chocolate for a healthier version made with chicory and cocoa. Enjoy your chicory throughout the day and enjoy its benefits as well as its delicious flavors .