Fructan
Fructans like inulin are well-studied prebiotic fibers, GRAS in the US (e.g., GRN 118 for chicory inulin) and approved EU food ingredients. EFSA authorized a health claim for chicory inulin and bowel function.
What it is
A class of fructose-based polysaccharides including inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), naturally found in chicory, onions, garlic.
Soluble fiber, prebiotic, sugar replacer, fat replacer.
Why it's flagged
- GI distress at high intake
- FODMAP – problematic for IBS
- wheat-based fructans may be gluten-related
What regulators actually say
"FDA has no questions at this time regarding (the notifier's) conclusion that chicory-derived inulin is GRAS."
"A cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of native chicory inulin and maintenance of normal defecation."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS for chicory inulin (GRN 118).
European Union — EFSA
Authorized; chicory inulin health claim under Regulation 1048/2014.
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app