How chicory root fiber can enhance your active nutrition products

October 21, 2025

The sports nutrition market has undergone significant changes in recent years. Products that used to be seen as only for gym enthusiasts are now being consumed by active individuals. The needs of an athlete differ from those of an active consumer. Athletes are looking for products that optimize performance, reduction of blood sugar fluctuations and sustained energy while active consumers are more interested in improved performance, lifelong health and cautious about high-carb and sugary foods. Due to their rising awareness of health, regular consumers with an active lifestyle are incorporating sports nutrition products into their daily diet. Chicory root fiber is ideal to lower sugar and boost fiber at the same time in active nutrition products, like (high) protein shakes, protein and/or energy bars and meal replacers.

Connection between gut health and physical performance

The nutritional benefits of chicory root fiber as a soluble dietary fiber with prebiotic properties and natural sweet taste makes it an attractive ingredient for use in active nutrition. Its ability to act as a sugar and/or fat replacer and various other technological functionalities further widens the range of products in which chicory root fiber can be used.

Its prebiotic functionality will help to improve and maintain balanced intestinal health in a sports-oriented diet. A well-balanced gut helps to improve sports performance and overall health. Chicory root fiber is widely applicable in a large range of products, like beverages, energy bars and bakery products, and will therefore help to fill the fiber gap that is often found in a sports-oriented diet.

Powerful pair: chicory root fiber and fava bean protein

Shakes and drinks (e.g. energy & sport drinks, (protein) shakes)) are a significant part of the active nutrition segment. Currently, one of the biggest limiting factors for the growth of plant-based sport shakes are taste and texture. Consumers expect a clean and natural taste. The same for texture: a plant-based drink or shake should replicate the creaminess of its dairy counterpart. Chicory root fiber is the ingredient that can replace sugar while improving mouthfeel and has a neutral to pleasant, sweet taste.

Both protein and fiber keep one full for longer, which means you don't feel the urge to eat as often. This controls weight while fueling our cells with the right nutrients they need. Sensus chicory root fiber and Tendra fava bean protein isolate are a powerful pair as both are plant-based ingredients that complement each other on nutritional aspects. Both excel in taste and additionally chicory root fiber provides texture and mouthfeel.

Conclusion

As the active nutrition market continues to evolve, the demand for smart, functional ingredients is growing rapidly. Chicory root fiber stands out as a versatile solution—naturally sweet, prebiotic, and fiber-rich—making it ideal for a wide range of sports and active nutrition products. When paired with Tendra fava bean protein isolate, it forms a powerful plant-based duo that supports satiety, gut health, and clean taste and texture. Whether you're developing high-protein shakes, energy bars, or meal replacers, Sensus chicory root fiber offers a proven way to reduce sugar, boost fiber, and enhance product appeal.

Let’s innovate together. Contact us to explore how chicory root fiber can elevate your active nutrition concepts. Product concepts available upon request.

Chicory root fiber provides: