Ingredient guide · dossier № 23
Chicory Root
MB2 · Ambrosia Activationoptionalteccino
Buy certified-organic ROASTED chicory granules (not raw cut root) — the roast converts the root's inulin into the dark, bittersweet, coffee-like flavor, and granules brew clean in a filter.
Where to buy
- Frontier Co-op$22.26 / 1 lbCertified organic roasted granules, ~3.5 cups per pound
- Starwest Botanicals$20.72 / 1 lb (Walmart listing)Organic roasted granules, kosher, non-GMO; also on Amazon/iHerb/Target
- Anthony's Goods$17.29 / 1 lbUSDA organic roasted granules (product of India); sold out at research time
Role in the beverage
Chicory is the classic coffee substitute — the roasted root behind New Orleans-style coffee and every European “coffee substitute” of the last two centuries, and a core ingredient in Teeccino. In the blend it supplies the dark, pleasantly bitter, genuinely coffee-like backbone that balances the sweetness of carob, dates, and figs. Its inulin content also gives the brew a slightly rounded, full mouthfeel (and a prebiotic bonus).
Quality criteria
- Roasted granules, not raw cut-and-sifted root: roasting caramelizes the inulin into the bittersweet coffee flavor; raw root brews vegetal.
- Certified organic — all three vendors below carry a USDA/certified-organic roasted SKU. As with carob, both Frontier and Starwest also sell non-organic versions of the identical product, so check for the word “Organic” on the exact SKU.
- Single ingredient, caffeine-free, non-irradiated.
- Granule (coarse) texture is ideal: it brews in a shared basket with the roasted barley without clogging a filter the way fine powder can.
Where to buy
Frontier Co-op — Roasted Chicory Root Granules, Organic, $22.26 for 1 lb direct from frontiercoop.com. Certified organic with Frontier’s usual co-op sourcing transparency; also sold through Walmart, Vitacost, and Amazon.
Starwest Botanicals — Organic Chicory Root, Roasted, Granules, about $20.72 for 1 lb (Walmart’s listing; starwest-botanicals.com carries the same SKU — price approximate as of July 2026). Kosher certified and non-GMO; widely stocked at Amazon, iHerb, and Target.
Anthony’s Goods — Organic Roasted Chicory Root Granules, $17.29 for 1 lb ($1.08/oz), USDA organic, product of India, packed in California. The cheapest organic option, but it was listed as sold out on anthonysgoods.com at research time; the same item runs a few dollars more on Amazon.
Backpacking form
Roasted granules are already the ideal trail form: completely dry, shelf-stable, and they behave exactly like coffee grounds. Mix into the master blend and brew with a lightweight pour-over cone, or steep loose in a mug and let the granules settle cowboy-coffee style.