Last reviewed May 2026 · 1 min read
Is Inulin vegan?
Also known as: Chicory root fiber, Fructan, Oligofructose, Chicory root extract
Vegan
Suitable for a vegan diet.
Yes — Inulin is a fructan, a naturally occurring polysaccharide produced by plants.
01 · The basics
What is Inulin?
A type of soluble prebiotic fiber found in many plants, commonly extracted from chicory root. It is used to add dietary fiber, replace fat or sugar, and improve the texture of processed foods.
02 · The source
Where it comes from
Inulin is a fructan, a naturally occurring polysaccharide produced by plants. It is commercially extracted from plant sources, most notably chicory root, making it entirely plant-based.
Frequently asked
FAQ
Is inulin a type of sugar?
While it has a slightly sweet taste, inulin is a dietary fiber, not a sugar. The human body cannot digest it, so it does not raise blood sugar levels as conventional sugars do.
Why is inulin added to so many keto or low-carb products?
Inulin is used in keto and low-carb foods to add bulk, a creamy texture, and mild sweetness without contributing digestible carbs. As a non-digestible fiber, it has a minimal impact on net carbohydrate counts.
Commonly found in
More in this category
Other thickener ingredients
E920 (L-Cysteine)
A dough conditioner used in commercial bread baking.
Xanthan Gum (E415)
A popular food additive that helps thicken and stabilize foods.
Sodium Alginate
A natural polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed, used as a thickener and gelling agent, especially in spherification (molecular gastronomy).
Keep exploring
Related ingredients
Allura Red AC
A popular synthetic red food dye used to give foods and drinks a prominent red or pink color.
Tartrazine
A bright lemon-yellow synthetic food dye commonly used in processed foods, drinks, and medications.
Brilliant Blue FCF
A synthetic blue dye used in foods, cosmetics, and dietary supplements to achieve a vibrant blue hue.
What's next