Chicory Market Size and Forecast: A Global Industry Brewing Steady Growth (2025–2033)

Global Chicory Market Outlook

The global chicory market is experiencing a strong resurgence as health-conscious consumers, food manufacturers, and beverage brands rediscover this traditional plant for modern wellness applications. According to Renub Research, the chicory market is expected to reach US$ 591.49 million by 2033, rising from US$ 318.5 million in 2024, registering a CAGR of 7.12% from 2025 to 2033.

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Once primarily associated with coffee substitutes in Europe, chicory has evolved into a multi-application ingredient across food, beverages, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and even animal nutrition. Its high inulin content, digestive health benefits, and growing role in plant-based formulations are reshaping global demand patterns.

As consumers increasingly seek natural, clean-label, and functional ingredients, chicory is transitioning from a niche crop into a mainstream health-driven commodity.

What Is Driving the Global Chicory Industry?

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a versatile plant whose roots, leaves, and extracts are used across multiple industries. It contains inulin, a naturally occurring prebiotic fiber that supports gut health, improves digestion, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. It is also rich in beta-carotene, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it attractive to both food and wellness markets.

Traditionally consumed as a roasted coffee alternative, chicory is now widely used in:

Functional foods and beverages

Dietary supplements

Low-sugar and sugar-replacement products

Gluten-free snacks

Cosmetics and personal care

Animal feed additives

The shift toward plant-based nutrition and digestive wellness has placed chicory firmly at the center of next-generation food innovation.

Key Growth Drivers of the Chicory Market

1. Rising Demand for Functional and Gut-Healthy Foods

Chicory root is one of the richest natural sources of inulin, a prebiotic fiber known to nourish beneficial gut bacteria. As digestive health becomes a global priority, food and beverage manufacturers are increasingly incorporating chicory into:

Yogurts and dairy alternatives

Nutrition bars and cereals

Health drinks and smoothies

Infant and clinical nutrition products

The global gut-health trend is a major accelerator for chicory demand, especially in urban and aging populations.

2. Popularity as a Caffeine-Free Coffee Alternative

Roasted chicory root delivers a rich, earthy flavor similar to coffee, without caffeine. This makes it an ideal choice for:

Pregnant women

Caffeine-sensitive consumers

People with sleep or anxiety concerns

Wellness-focused individuals

Unlike coffee, chicory also offers digestive benefits, making it more than just a beverage replacement—it’s a functional drink. As caffeine reduction becomes a lifestyle choice rather than a medical need, chicory-based beverages are gaining momentum worldwide.

3. Cost Advantage Over Traditional Coffee

Chicory is significantly more affordable than coffee—up to 10 times cheaper in some regions. With climate change, supply chain disruptions, and price volatility affecting global coffee production, manufacturers are increasingly using chicory to:

Extend coffee blends

Create affordable instant beverages

Develop caffeine-free alternatives

This cost-effectiveness, combined with its health benefits, gives chicory a strong economic edge.

4. Growth in Plant-Based and Clean-Label Products

Consumers now demand shorter ingredient lists and natural sources of fiber. Chicory fits perfectly into clean-label formulations, making it highly attractive for food brands reformulating products to meet health and transparency standards.

Challenges Facing the Chicory Market

Limited Consumer Awareness

Despite its benefits, chicory remains under-recognized outside Europe. Many consumers in North America and Asia-Pacific are unfamiliar with:

Its prebiotic function

Its use as a coffee substitute

Its role in sugar reduction

Brands must invest in education, labeling clarity, and marketing campaigns to unlock full market potential.

Seasonal and Regional Production Constraints

Chicory cultivation is seasonal and geographically concentrated, mainly in Europe and parts of India. This creates:

Supply inconsistency

Price volatility

Dependence on specific growing regions

Expanding cultivation zones and improving agricultural practices will be essential for long-term supply stability.

Regional Analysis: Where Chicory Is Growing Fastest

United States Chicory Market

The U.S. chicory market is steadily expanding due to rising interest in functional foods and natural ingredients. Chicory’s digestive benefits and caffeine-free profile appeal strongly to health-focused consumers.

Its growing use in:

Clean-label foods

Dietary supplements

Wellness beverages

reflects the broader shift toward holistic nutrition. However, awareness remains limited, requiring continued education and innovation to drive adoption.

Germany Chicory Market

Germany has a long tradition of chicory consumption, particularly as a coffee alternative known as Muckefuck. This cultural familiarity gives chicory a strong base in the market.

Today, renewed interest is driven by:

Digestive health awareness

Plant-based lifestyle trends

Advanced food processing capabilities

Germany remains a key European hub for chicory-based innovation, despite competition from other functional fibers.

India Chicory Market

India is emerging as a high-growth chicory market, supported by strong agricultural capabilities and increasing health awareness. Chicory is widely used in:

Instant coffee blends

Dietary supplements

Functional foods

Herbal formulations

Demand for caffeine-free beverages and gut-health ingredients is accelerating adoption. However, competition from other herbal and functional ingredients remains a challenge.

United Arab Emirates Chicory Market

The UAE chicory market is growing steadily as consumers seek natural and wellness-oriented alternatives. Chicory-based coffee substitutes and supplements are gaining popularity among the region’s diverse population.

Strategic partnerships, premium product positioning, and education campaigns are key to expanding chicory’s footprint in the Middle East.

Recent Developments in the Chicory Industry

August 2024: DKSH expanded its exclusive distribution agreement with Cosucra across Australia and New Zealand, enhancing the availability of chicory-based fibers like Fibruline and Fibrulose for food and beverage manufacturers.

November 2023: BENEO announced the expansion of its Pemuco facility in Chile, improving production capacity for Orafti Oligofructose LL, a liquid chicory root fiber with extended shelf life.

These developments highlight growing investments in processing technology and global distribution networks.

Chicory Market Segmentation

By Product

Roasted Chicory

Instant Chicory

Chicory Extracts

Others

By Form

Powder

Liquid

Others

By Application

Food & Beverages

Dietary Supplements

Cosmetics & Personal Care

Others

Geographical Coverage

North America

United States

Canada

Europe

France

Germany

Italy

Spain

United Kingdom

Belgium

Netherlands

Turkey

Asia-Pacific

China

Japan

India

Australia

South Korea

Thailand

Malaysia

Indonesia

New Zealand

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Argentina

Middle East & Africa

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

United Arab Emirates

Competitive Landscape

The global chicory market is moderately fragmented, with key players focusing on:

Capacity expansion

New product development

Strategic distribution partnerships

Key Companies Covered

Jamnagar Chicory Industries

Cargill, Incorporated

Leroux Flavored Brandies

Delecto Foods Pvt Ltd.

Starwest Botanicals

Organic Herb Trading

Pioneer Chicory

STOKROS Company Ltd

Nature’s Gold

Royal Cosun

Each company is analyzed in terms of overview, key personnel, recent developments, SWOT, revenue, and strategic positioning.

Final Thoughts

The global chicory market is no longer limited to its traditional role as a coffee substitute. With rising demand for digestive health, functional ingredients, clean-label foods, and plant-based alternatives, chicory is carving out a powerful position in the global wellness economy.

As per Renub Research, the market’s growth from US$ 318.5 million in 2024 to US$ 591.49 million by 2033 reflects not just increasing consumption, but a fundamental shift in how consumers view food—as a tool for long-term health.

Companies that invest in consumer education, innovation, and sustainable sourcing will be best positioned to capitalize on this transformation. Chicory’s future is rooted not just in tradition, but in its ability to meet the evolving needs of a health-driven world.