Inulin: The Quiet Power of a Simple Plant Fibre
In the world of wellness, some ingredients shout for attention, like exotic superfoods, colourful adaptogens, mushroom blends, while others quietly do the heavy lifting in the background.
Inulin is one of those quiet achievers. It’s not new, not flashy, and definitely not synthetic. Yet, it’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to support your digestion, balance your energy, and feel good every day.
Let’s take a closer look at what inulin is, how it works, and why it’s not an ultra-processed food, despite what you may have heard.
What Exactly Is Inulin?
Inulin is a type of soluble fibre found naturally in many plants, most notably in chicory root, but also in Jerusalem artichokes, onions, and even bananas.
It’s part of a group of carbohydrates called fructans. When you consume inulin, your body doesn’t digest it in the usual way. Instead, it travels to your gut, where it gently feeds beneficial bacteria, the ones that keep your microbiome happy and balanced.
This makes inulin a prebiotic rather than a probiotic. Where probiotics are live bacteria, prebiotics are the food that helps those bacteria thrive.
Why It Matters
Modern diets, especially in cities, often lack enough natural fibre. That can leave the digestive system under pressure.
Adding inulin daily whether it’s a teaspoon stirred into your coffee, smoothie, or yoghurt, helps restore that missing fibre in a form that’s easy to use and easy to tolerate.
Unlike synthetic additives or stimulant laxatives, inulin works gently and naturally. It contributes to normal bowel function and helps maintain regularity as part of a balanced diet, without harsh effects or caffeine dependency. Many people also find that, over time, it supports a sense of lightness and better energy throughout the day.
From Chicory Root to Your Cup
At Aussi Bon, our Pure Inulin Prebiotic Fibre comes straight from chicory roots grown in Europe. The process is refreshingly simple: the roots are cleaned, gently soaked in warm water, and filtered — that’s it. No chemical solvents, no added flavours, no unnecessary steps. What’s left is a soft, off-white powder that dissolves beautifully into hot or cold drinks, with only a subtle natural sweetness.
In other words, it’s a real plant ingredient, not a lab-made additive. And that leads us to a question people often ask…
Is Inulin an Ultra-Processed Food (UPF)?
Short answer: no.
There’s a lot of discussion at the moment around ultra-processed foods, or UPFs. The term refers to products that have been heavily altered through industrial processes, things like soft drinks, flavoured snacks, and ready meals filled with additives, emulsifiers, and artificial colours.
Inulin doesn’t fit that description at all.
Under the NOVA food classification system, inulin made from chicory root is considered a “processed ingredient,”not an ultra-processed food. It sits in the same group as flour or olive oil, a natural component extracted from a plant with minimal processing.
It’s true that inulin sometimes appears inside ultra-processed products, like protein bars or sugar-free biscuits. In those cases, the finished product may count as UPF but the inulin itself remains a natural fibre. The distinction is important: inulin is part of nature’s toolkit, not part of industrial food manufacturing.
A Mediterranean Approach to Balance
Inulin also fits perfectly into the Mediterranean philosophy of eating — simple, natural, balanced. Instead of chasing the latest wellness trend, it’s about small, consistent habits that help you feel good. A spoonful of prebiotic fibre in your morning coffee or evening herbal drink is one of those small changes that add up.
Because it’s slightly sweet and blends easily, you can use it as a mild sweetener without added sugar. Many people stir it into their Chicorée Moka for a gentle start to the day.
How to Start Using Inulin
If you’re new to prebiotics, start slowly.
Begin with half a teaspoon per day and work up to a full teaspoon once your digestion adjusts.
Consistency is key; daily use helps nourish your gut bacteria and support your digestive comfort over time.
Try it:
In your morning Chicorée Moka or tea
Mixed into smoothies, or yoghurt
Or sprinkled over fruit for a natural fibre boost
The Takeaway
Inulin is a reminder that the best wellness ingredients are often the simplest.
It’s plant-based, naturally sweet, easy to use, and perfectly at home in a Mediterranean-style routine.
Not an ultra-processed product — just a quiet, functional fibre that helps keep you balanced from the inside out.