Too Much of A Good Thing
Fiber One Chocolate Chip bars are delicious, but don’t eat too many. I looked up Chicory Root and found these posts and funny comments. I laughed, because they’re telling the truth.
Creating A Healthy Snack Bar
I was going to try to make some of these bars, because they taste so good. But, I could not locate a store selling Chicory Root as an ingredient. So, I looked it up online to learn more about it, and learned that Chicory Root is the reason these bars make people feel gassy if they eat too many of them. So, I’m just going to try to make a similar yummy bar with honey, chocolate chips, rice crispies, oat meal and a little flour and leave out the gut-wrenching ingredient (Chicory Root! beware!).
The Good Chicory Root Does
It does actually seem that Chicory Root is a good thing, but only in moderation. The claims are that it lowers cholesterol (among other things) and blood sugar. That’s probably because it assists in moving the food right on through so fast it can’t stick around and be absorbed. All things in moderation, I suppose.
Comments About Chicory Root and Fiber One Bars
Here are posts with funny comments on blogs about yummy fiber one bars:
Fiber One Oats and Chocolate Bar Review
Chicory Root Information
Here is an interesting page about Chicory Root:
Chicory Root Fiber
With more and more people resorting to a high-fiber diet, food products, like, those with chicory root fiber is fast gaining momentum. Read on for more information about chicory root fiber.
Chicory plant (Cichorium intybus) is a bushy herb, that is native to Europe, North America and Australia. This plant has been used by humans for a very long time, for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Nowadays, various varieties of chicory are being cultivated in different parts of the world. While, the leaves of some varieties are used as vegetable (like, radicchio), some others yield roots, that are baked and ground, to be used as a substitute for coffee (chicory coffee). Ground chicory root powder is also added to coffee powder. Chicory roots are also used for brewing beer. These roots have also been used in some food recipes in some parts of the world. Studies show that chicory roots contain various compounds, that are beneficial for health. The extract prepared from this root is rich in chicory root fiber, that is said to be having numerous health benefits. This article can provide you with more details about chicory root fiber. What is Chicory Root Fiber Even though, chicory roots have been used for a very long time, it was during the 1970s that the presence of inulin in chicory was found. It was revealed that chicory roots contain high levels of inulin, which is a polysaccharide, which has been used as a sweetener as well as a probiotic (which promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine). Nowadays, inulin is also promoted as a dietary fiber. While, fresh chicory roots contain around 20 to 25% of inulin (by total weight, dried chicory root extract contains almost 98% inulin. So, chicory root extract is now widely used as a dietary supplement or as an additive. In order to prepare chicory root extracts, fresh roots are dried, ground and mixed with water. This solution is filtered to remove the insoluble parts. The resultant extract is used for various purposes. Now, you know that both chicory roots and extract contain inulin, which is a soluble fiber, that is having various health benefits, especially for the digestive system. Inulin is a type of naturally occurring plant fiber and chicory having high levels of this fiber is said to be rich in chicory root fiber. Read more on dietary fiber foods. Chicory Root Fiber Side Effects You may come across various food products and supplements mentioning chicory root fiber as an ingredient. It is nothing other than inulin, which has various health benefits. Unlike other types of dietary fiber, chicory root fiber promotes the health and growth of the gut flora (beneficial bacteria in the intestine). It is said to be beneficial in promoting digestion, preventing constipation, to lower high blood sugar levels, etc. It is also said to be beneficial in reducing fat levels in the body and so is also used for achieving weight loss. Even though, dietary supplements and foods with chicory root fiber is claimed to be free of side effects, chicory root extract may cause drug interactions, allergies and skin problems. Some reports suggest that this extract may cause abortion too. So, there are many apprehensions regarding chicory root fiber and pregnancy. It will be best to avoid products with chicory during this stage. It has also been suggested that products with chicory root fiber cause flatulence. Read more on:
Chicory is on the FDA Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list, but, some people may experience side effects, like, chicory root fiber allergy. So, always seek the opinion of a health expert, before resorting to products with chicory root fiber.
So, did you come up with a recipe to semi-duplicate them without the chicory root? If so, I’d love if you’d be willing to share! I love those bars and so far, they’ve been a great replacement for less healthy candy bars. I limit myself to one/day.
Hi Hannah! It’s funny that you should ask. No, I did not find an equivalent bar.
Instead, I made a concoction of chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, Rice Krispies, and honey! haha! It’s delicious, but you’d not want to eat much at once.
It’s true. The bars are delicious, but give me terrible gas. I think I will have to find something else. Thanks for the info.
Well, the wholesalers have caught on: Chicory now costs a fortune ($8 bucks a pound!) Grow your own, like a victory garden, but do NOT let it flower… otherwise it’ll be all OVER your yard. Dig it up, wash the root gently, slice it, air dry it, then put it in the oven @ 250 degrees until you start to smell a ‘nutty’ aroma. Cool it, then grind it. 1/3 chicory to 2/3 coffee should stretch your coffee stock.
What a great idea! Thanks!
You just need to give your body time to get used to them. I started by eating 1/2 bar/day. I eat a whole bar per day now and they help you get from breakfast to lunch and prevent snacking on chips and candy(junk)..They help me maintain my weight of 115lbs(im short, 5’2″), but it has been proven that diets higher in fiber give you more energy and curb your hunger longer..and they taste like candy bars to boot! I love them! Just dont eat too many because my boyfriend decided 2 eat 3 of them in one sitting because he thought they were granola bars and didnt ask me what they were..Needless to say, he was in the bathroom for awhile the next day 🙂
I am glad to see that the body will get used to it. I liked all of the positive aspects but I only eat 1 and (you know what happens next :-(). I will start slowly; 1/4 to 1/2 bar & work up to the whole bar.
Thanks for the good news 🙂
I had to stop eating fiber one bars while at work or I was going to be killed by my co-workers. In just a half hour after eating one little bar, I had gas for hours. I wreaked. My gas was so bad, I had to run from myself even. LOL I did a search on chicory extract as well and I found that it used to be used for baby laxatives. That’s a real shocker. LOL
I too found out the hard way. My wife and her sister joined me for a pleasant ride up Mount Evans in the Colorado rocky mountains. On the way I developed tremendous gas and stomach pain, like I had never experienced in my life. With coffee this morning I served Fiber One bars. My wife tried one, everyone else passed, so I ended up eating 5 of them. Very tasty, but a the start of our ascend up the mountain my pain really intensified. About 10 minutes later I was retching in pain and cramps, the farting started and would not stop. Ten minutes later I had to pull over, get out and fart over 25 times. What was painful and embarrassing became suddenly very funny to all of us. The girls suggested I drink a little Pepsi, it did seem to help a bit, but the farting continued. I am now home 5 hours later and to no ones surprise I am still farting. But only by the grace of God I found out others suffered from the same thing and have made it through with lots of wisdom and probably the all time most farts in my life all crowded into 6 hours.
I had the exact same experience about a week ago, and that was after eating three Fiber One bars over the course of 18 hours. I have had the same experience with Kashi’s TLC Cookies, so anyone who’s had a bad reaction to the Fiber One bars might want to find an alternative. Funnily enough, I don’t have this reaction to all Kashi products, just the TLC cookies (so far). Both the Fiber One bars and the Kashi cookies have chicory root, so I’m guessing that’s what I’m sensitive/allergic to. I had a Fiber One bar about 14 hours ago – I wanted to be sure it was the chicory root and not just a fluke – and I’m still suffering from the side effects. Never again. I love both of these products, but I will be avoiding them from now on. The side effects just aren’t worth it.
Robert, Sorry for your pain, but thanks for the laughs. You’re a gas!
I do think you build up a tolerance to it. I like the brownies. The first time I ate one I had terrible gas. Yesterday I had two (one around noon and one after dinner) and nothing….no problem.
I did not realize what they were putting in all the health foods. I could not figure out why I was sick. They removed 9″ of my colon a few months ago.
It’s just this week I figured out my body can not tolerate chicory root/inulin. I’ve been sick off and on for a week. Manufacturers are putting inulin/chicory root in ice cream, cookies, sauces, etc, etc. This weeks problems with my stomach came from yogurt, kefir, and Kashi cookies.
When the label says cellulose, which is a fiber like celery, they frequently mean “pine tree bark”. I know I am allergic to cedar. I don’t think I should be eating pine trees. Or manufactured foods.
try Kashi bars, all natural and don’t contain high fructose corn syrup like Fiber One. Plus they are denser, take longer to eat, and are thus more satisfying.
i dont mind the farting or having to poop but is it safe for me to eat one everyday cause i do have bowel problems.. an they seem to relieve me but i am wondering if it is good for me when i take meds for anxiety an depression… i dont want my stomach to have issues from all this? what do you think
I found the same problem with kelloggs fiber plus bars. 9g of fiber. Gave me tremendous stomach pain and enough gas to drive from calf. to nyc.
i tried fiber plus bars. i ate 2 and within 6 to 7 hours i had loose stools and alot of bright red blood. i went to the hospital and stayed overnight in observation. i also had alot alot of gas. the bleeding stopped in about 24 hours . there was quite alot of blood filling 2 sanitary pads. im due to have some tests done next week.
Fiber One is not alone! Nature Valley has a protein bar, same chicory root for 5gms of fiber. I had one yesterday in the morning and then one at bedtime. I have never had that kind of pain before. The birds will get the rest of the bars, I never want to go through that again!
Same here Lynn! I bought some just the other day from Costco and I was blowing like a steam train, and curled up in a ball my guts hurt. Doesn’t help I got stuck doing Yoga at the gym either. :-O This is the second time i’ve had this problem. The other time was with Koshi cereal. Chicory is not good for me.
You do know that birds can not pass gas ? So there for the birds that eat your fiber one bars are going to explode !
I’m shocked by some of the comments here. You all do realize you are eating FIBER bars, right?? To Mr Bantom, who ate FIVE bars, what did you think would happen?? Seriously people, be aware of what you are putting into your bodies.
in my case the box said PROTEIN BAR! made by Nature Valley, but same results.
Agreed! I only ate two out of the box more than 24 hours apart. I was wary of the chicory root already from my above statment, but decided to try it. no more! It would be a great bar from NV if they took the root out. Its a protien bar, not a fiber bar.
I must say reading these stories has been quite entertaining. I arrived here after a Google search on “Chicory Root.” Which I wanted to know about as it was the main ingredient in the Fiber One bar I was eating. Nice to know all this isn’t just me.
Meee tooo! I’m cracking up.
Me three!!! This is funny stuff.
Me four! Very entertaining. The belly laughter AND chicory root are making for quite an experience. I’m having a gas!!
Me four!!!! Googled Chickory Root as well LOL!
I am laughing so hard I am crying. My co workers think something is wrong. It’s not me…it’s all of your stories. Yes, I’ve eaten them. I understand. But you guys are a riot!!!
I have the same problem also. Can’t eat fiber one bars…..so I bought this new cereal by Kashi….GoLean Crisp. Just love them and sitting here reading the ingredients, chicory root fiber……WTH…..not as bad as the fiber one bars, but yes musical notes will be approaching soon…….!
“The claims are that it lowers cholesterol (among other things) and blood sugar. That’s probably because it assists in moving the food right on through so fast it can’t stick around and be absorbed.”
I believe chicory root extract is soluble fiber. I saw some site claim soluble fiber blocks cholesterol absorption (as plant stanol and sterol does). But another site says soluble fiber causes less bile to be reabsorbed in the intestines, which forces the liver to make more bile. Making bile requires the liver to use up cholesterol. I am more inclined to believe the later is the real cholesterol lowering reason.
Funny thing about soluble fiber though. It may do the reverse of what people want who are going for more fiber. Most sites say it slows down digestion in the stomach, making you feel full longer. But I saw some site that said it slows down the movement of food through your small intestine. So for people who are looking for insoluble fiber to speed up the movement of food through the intestines (large and small), soluble fiber may actually be exactly what they don’t want.
Since both fibers have different benefits, I am surprised that you only see recommendations of x grams of fiber a day. Seems like it should be x soluble and y insoluble per day.
I thought I was safe from eating ANY chickory root products after accidentally having a few bad experiences from “protein / fiber bars” but someone has actually snuck some of that crap into a so-called healthy “100% JUICE”! Seriously, how dare they???? I was going to use this stuff for smoothies but after this morning’s really delicious smoothie, I’ve had farts as long as the Mississippi River. It’s by Genesis Today and is the Acai Berry blend. I am so upset because I do not need fiber and I’m obviously allergic to chickory root. There was no indication on the front label that there was added fiber so I’m a tad bit upset. That stuff should be outlawed!
I don’t really think farts are an allergic reaction.
I built up a tolerance to the fiber one bars. i don’t eat them every day; but every 3 or 4 days i will binge on about 5 at a time, mmm mmm so delicious every time. its the perfect replacement if you tend to binge on sweets and candy binge on these instead. it keeps things regular and makes me feel lighter.
Had a severe reaction (itching in mouth and hives) after eating Kashi GoLean Crunch. Never had a food allergy before, but a blood test showed I was allergic to chickory. Didn’t think it would be a a problem avoiding it until I started looking at ingredient lists on “healthy” foods–it’s everywhere. Be careful people!
Tony was right about the soluble fiber comments. Our bodies need both soluble and insoluble fiber, each having different benefits. Here is a link that should answer all of your questions concerning how much and what type of fiber is good for our bodies. Cut and paste it into the address bar of your web browser.
http://www.webmd.com/diet/fiber-health-benefits-11/insoluble-soluble-fiber
My family and I were on a camping trip recently and my teenage son developed terrible gas (and diarrhea). His flatulence was horrible; he claimed “his butt was crying”… his friends suffered horribly as they shared a tent. The rest of us listened to the constant symphony of sound and laughed and wondered what it could be to cause precedent setting gas. My son insisted it had to be the Fiber One bars as he said he ate a LOT of them. I looked at the ingredients and saw chicory root extract. Searched it on the smart phone, and began cracking up! Son, how many FIber One bars did you eat??? At least 10!!! Oh MANNNNNN! Lesson learned! My son, who I love dearly, tends to be a crab pot in the heat of summer, and if he’s tired, or doesn’t feel well…he makes sure to turn everyone dark and cranky too. I say that this humbling experience couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy at an invincible time of life when humbling is just what the doctor ordered! Ha ha ha ha
I bought the cereal and the bars. I decided to try the cereal for dinner as it was hot and I wasn’t about to cook. tried a small bowl, tasted great, so I filled it up and ate it all. the next morning for breakfast, another big bowl, then I proceeded to top it off with a fiber plus bar at lunch…(I’m sure you can all hear the time bomb ticking…tick…tick…tick…BOOOOOM!!!). the results were catastrophic, and there was plenty of “collateral damage”. I had painful gas, uncontrllable explosive flatulence, and made enough trips to the bathroom that distance-wise, I had enough to scale Everest at least once…the horror…they say that whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…I was hoping for death lol.
Good lord, there should be a DAMN WARNING LABEL…lol!! I ate 4 over the course of an 8 hour shift at work…about 4 hours into the shift I had the worst gas and bm issues Ive ever had 😦 Sorry, but the negative effects of this root or herb outweigh any positives, unless you have a colonoscopy scheduled for the next day and need a good flushing…..mine was so bad I had to stop at Walgreens on the way home and buy some simethicone pills….bad product, just awful…..
This is a hoot!!! i love them. they used to give me gas but now they don’t …body got used to them I guess. I am happy to have something that is somewhat good for me and tastes so stinkin’ good! Ha Ha Ha!!!
Kellogg’s Fiber Plus bars taste great, but I too get alot of gas. My husband has started to eat the bars, so we just say that we are serenading each other.
Ok, so I had my first two bars, one yesterday and one today, and here I am researching chicory root because I’ve been so gassy. At least I know I found the culprit. The comments here are hysterical, esp Robert Bantom’s. I think I’ll work on reducing the calories in my own brownie recipe (applesauce for some of the oil, etc) after all. I’m around people too much to go through this again…
All of you should loose the candy/cake fix and starve these corporations.
Woot!!
been having chickory coffee and had bad stomach pain and loose stools.
You should Make it more prominent that it causes issue in pregnancies on the box. I believe that is a GREAT CONCERN….. !!
the chicory root that is
It took me over two months to realize that my burning mouth & throat symptoms were due to Chicory Root in Kind Healthy Grains cereal. I figured with as typical spring allergies (since I had post nasal drip, congestion and mild sore throat as well). I had happened to start buying this cereal at the same time as spring allergy season. I was miserable for over two months (still not great). Early on I went to doc and they said Allergic Rhinitis (which I had been diagnosed with before) due to the tree pollens.
I did some investigating and Chicory Root has a strong cross reactivity with certain pollen allergies, specifically tree pollen (birch, ash) and weeds (ragweed). So if you are allergic to those you may have a reaction to Chicory Root. It is called “Oral Allergy Symdrome”. Oh, I also noticed addition gas production but paid no attention to it. I am guessing the Chicory Root may have been the culprit as well.
Can’t believe that I’ve never connected the two – Fiber One and gas+ how terrible!
I ate a fiber one bar abuot 20 minutes ago, then was curious where all the fiber was coming from, that lead me here. After reading all these stories and facts about chicory root, I am fearful for the future. My stomach is turning uncontrolably and I can feel the gas building. Already holding back farts. I am at work in a cubicle. This could get ugly soon.
Chicory is the valuable herb which for a long time has won popularity in national medicine.Chicory was also often prescribed by herbalists of recent centuries to cure a whole host of ailments; the herbalist of the middle ages often recommended herbal remedies made from the chicory roots as tonics, as laxatives, and as diuretics.
http://www.adeptimpex.com/chicory_supplier_india.php
It might be a valuable herb but seeing and hearing what it does to people there should be a prominent warning label on products that contain it. I noticed I couldn’t tolerate it after trying some Fiber One bars and how sick they made me feel. I now avoid those products. I have IBS and chicory root really irritates it. The other day I ate a Kind bar and didn’t even stop to think it would have chicory root in it. After eating the whole bar I looked at the label and sure enough it has it. Now my gastrointestinal system is all messed up again. I’m always going to read every label now before I eat anything. In some people it might cause just mild symptoms but it makes me really sick.
Inulin/chicory root is being added to almost all prepared foods now. Examples include bread, salad dressing, sooup, ice cream, etc, etc. The most dramatic amount seems to be in Kashi protein bars, Kashi chocolate oatmeal cookies, and Fiber One bars. The theory is that inulin is a prebiotic that we all need, a “health food”. From my perspective it’s right up there with Statin medications. Same idea. They do a few scientific tests and people get sick from the cure that isn’t needed.
It’s not just the brand-name “fiber bars” that are full of chicory root extract. I ate one Kroger-brand “high fiber bar” yesterday afternoon and the gas, bloating, flatulence began within an hour or so. It progressed to very painful cramping and diarrhea. I barely slept last night, even after the cleanse was over, and I still don’t feel well this morning. Someone here mentioned that this product could be a good colonoscopy prep. That’s exactly how I felt last night, wished I could get up and make an appointment this morning. I think what’s worst for me is the pain. The gas is horrible and never-ending, but the cramping is the worst.
I read about chicory on WebMD.com and a couple of other places, and there was no mention there about these severe side effects. I knew it couldn’t just be me. Thank you all for sharing.