Calorie Chart / Beverages / Chicory
How Many Calories Are in Chicory?
Calculation of the nutritional value & Recommended Dietary Intake of chicory
For g and a calorie requirement of kcal
| Calories 15 kcal | Proteins 0.2 g | Lipids 0 g | Carbohydrates 3.2 g |
| 1% | 0% | 0% | 1% |
Health benefits of chicory
Chicory - 100g
Calories 294 kcal
Proteins 4.2 g
Lipids 0 g
Carbohydrates 64.6 g
Chicory root is considered a high-calorie ingredient, with its calories mainly coming from complex carbohydrates such as inulin. These calories provide sustained energy, while the inulin—an indigestible soluble fibre—acts as a prebiotic that supports gut microbiota balance. The same calories, therefore, contribute not only to energy intake but also to digestive comfort.
Beyond its calories, chicory supplies moderate amounts of potassium, manganese and vitamin B6, nutrients involved in nerve function and normal metabolism. Because it is naturally caffeine-free, roasted chicory can replace coffee without adding stimulants, which is useful for people who monitor their sleep while still counting calories. Traditional herbal medicine also attributes supposed liver-protective and mild detoxifying effects to chicory; although evidence is still limited, these supposed properties add interest for those who track calories and overall wellness.
Historically, chicory became popular during coffee shortages in 19th-century Europe. Its roasted aroma allowed brewers to stretch precious coffee beans, thereby reducing cost and calories per cup while preserving flavour. Today, athletes sometimes appreciate the extra calories in chicory powder to enrich homemade energy bars made with oat flakes or honey.
To sum up, the calories in chicory are not empty: they come with fibre, minerals and a tradition of digestive support, making it a nutrient-dense, high-calorie plant option.
Tips for incorporating chicory into a balanced diet
Because chicory is rich in calories yet fat-free, it can be used strategically in a balanced diet. Blend one tablespoon of roasted chicory powder into a smoothie with banana, yogurt and a spoonful of peanut butter to obtain a quick breakfast that delivers calories for endurance training. The mild bitterness offsets the natural sweetness, keeping the calorie profile satisfying without refined sugar.
For a lighter meal where calories are tightly monitored, prepare a salad of steamed quinoa, diced apple and a sprinkle of chicory granules. The fibre slows absorption of calories from quinoa and fruit, leading to steadier glycaemia. Alternatively, add chicory powder to a batter for pancake brunches; swap part of the white flour to bring fibre and lower the glycaemic load of the total calories.
When serving animal protein, such as grilled chicken breast, accompany it with a purée of parsnip and chicory. This combination raises complex-carbohydrate calories while keeping lipids at zero, ideal for post-workout replenishment. Instead of pairing your roast with French fries, the chicory purée offers similar comforting calories but in a more micronutrient-rich form.
Remember that chicory's toasted taste intensifies quickly; a teaspoon is enough to enrich sauces or stews like beef bourguignon without an excessive spike in calories.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many calories are in chicory?
- Chicory provides 294 kcal per 100 g.
- Is chicory low, moderate or high in calories compared with vegetables like carrot?
- With 294 kcal per 100 g, chicory is considered high in calories, far above most fresh vegetables whose calories usually stay below 50 kcal per 100 g.
- Do the calories in chicory come from sugar?
- The majority of chicory calories come from inulin, a complex carbohydrate classified as soluble fibre, not from simple sugars, so its impact on blood glucose is milder.
- Can I drink chicory coffee if I am counting calories?
- A brewed cup made with one teaspoon of chicory powder supplies only a few calories (generally under 10), so the beverage itself is very light in calories despite the root being calorie-dense when weighed dry.
- Is chicory suitable for a high-calorie bulking diet?
- Yes. Adding two tablespoons of chicory powder to a shake can boost total calories by about 60 while contributing fibre and minerals, making it a convenient calorie-dense addition.
- How does chicory affect calorie absorption of other foods?
- Its inulin slows gastric emptying, which may modulate how quickly calories from accompanying foods—such as rice or baguette—enter the bloodstream.
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Information provided by Calorie Menu may contain inaccuracies or errors. It cannot, under any circumstances, substitute medical advice or medication.
