Prebiotic fibres from chicory root, backed by decades of research

More than 30 years of scientific research have established chicory root fibres as proven prebiotics. More than 50 human intervention studies have shown that they support a healthy gut microbiota and selectively increase beneficial Bifidobacteria. Research demonstrates that an intake starting at 3 g/day significantly increases Bifidobacteria across all age groups, while also supporting overall bowel function.

The evidence behind inulin and oligofructose from chicory roots continues to expand. While other ingredients are increasingly associated with the prebiotic concept, many do not yet have comparable scientific backing. This extensive body of research therefore gives manufacturers a clear basis for distinguishing proven prebiotics from ingredients with less established evidence.

Growing consumer interest in fibre & gut health

This strong scientific foundation comes at a time when consumers are paying increasing attention to fibre and gut health. Globally, 77% of consumers are interested in fibre, which ranks as the top ingredient and nutrient associated with gut health in food and beverage products. Meanwhile, 2 in 3 consumers have heard of the term “prebiotic”, reflecting growing awareness of the gut microbiome.

Yet simply adding more fibre does not tell the whole story. Different fibres have different structures and functional properties and offer different health benefits. Choosing fibres with a specific purpose, or combining complementary fibre types, can help manufacturers create products that go beyond fibre enrichment to deliver targeted nutritional benefits.

Choosing the right fibre for the right benefit

BENEO’s diverse fibre range offers versatile solutions with meaningful benefits:

1. Supporting the gut microbiota with natural chicory root fibre
Prebiotic chicory root fibres reach the large intestine intact, where they are fermented by beneficial bacteria. They support structure/function claims such as “promotes healthy gut bacteria” at just 0.75 g/serving, with proven benefits extending beyond digestive health.

2. Supporting heart health and satiety with barley beta-glucans
Orafti® β-Fit is a wholegrain flour from barley. Its unique matrix of beta-glucans, arabinoxylans and cellulose delivers soluble, insoluble, fermentable and viscous fibre. Thanks to their viscous properties, these fibres delay the passage of food through the GI tract, prolonging fullness and supporting satiety-related claims alongside FDA-approved heart health claims.

3. Increasing fibre while reducing sugar
Chicory root fibre and short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scFOS) from sugar beet can help replace sugar, and in some cases fat, while increasing dietary fibre content and lowering calories.

Making every gram of fibre count

By selecting fibres according to their specific, science-backed benefits, manufacturers can deliver meaningful nutritional value. BENEO’s diverse portfolio offers the versatility to turn growing interest in fibre into credible, benefit-driven innovation. Because when it comes to fibre, what you add matters just as much as how much.

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