Now Foods, Certified Organic Inulin, Prebiotic Pure Powder, 8 oz (227 g)

Now Foods Certified Organic Inulin – pure inulin powder from blue agave

Now Foods Certified Organic Inulin is a powdered food supplement whose only ingredient is inulin obtained from blue agave. One hundred grams of powder contain 82.5 g of inulin (FOS), and one level teaspoon, weighing about 4 g, contains 3.3 g of inulin. The recommended use is one level teaspoon 1–3 times a day, so the maximum daily amount is three teaspoons, or about 12 g of powder, providing 9.9 g of inulin. The bottle contains 227 g of powder, which is enough for about 57 teaspoons. According to the manufacturer, the product is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

What is inulin?

Inulin is a carbohydrate that occurs naturally in plants and consists mainly of linked fructose molecules. Shorter inulin chains are called fructooligosaccharides, or FOS – which is why this abbreviation also appears on the label. Inulin belongs to the water-soluble dietary fibres: human digestive enzymes do not break it down like ordinary sugar or starch. Inulin is found in many plants, such as chicory root, Jerusalem artichoke, onion, leek, garlic and agave. The inulin in this product comes from blue agave, a plant with succulent leaves that grows in Mexico. Pure inulin powder is almost odourless with a mildly sweet taste and mixes well with drinks and foods. No nutrient reference value has been established for inulin.

How to use?

Start with one level teaspoon a day and increase the amount slowly, as inulin may cause mild transient stomach discomfort. Later you can take one level teaspoon (about 4 g) 1–3 times a day. Mix the powder into your favourite drink or food, such as water, juice, a smoothie, yoghurt or porridge. Do not exceed the recommended daily amount of three teaspoons. This product is sold by weight, not volume, so the powder may settle in the bottle. After opening, keep the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Key features

• Single ingredient – inulin (FOS) from blue agave, no other ingredients.
• 3.3 g inulin – in one level teaspoon (about 4 g of powder).
• 82.5 g inulin – per 100 g of powder.
• Soluble fibre – mixes with drinks and foods, with a mildly sweet taste.
• 227 g of powder – about 57 teaspoons per container.
• Vegan, non-GMO and kosher – according to the manufacturer’s certifications (Non-GMO Project Verified).

Who is it for?

Now Foods Certified Organic Inulin is intended for adults who want to add soluble fibre to their diet as a powder with a simple formula. As the powder has a mild, slightly sweet taste, it works well in both drinks and foods. According to the manufacturer, the product is also suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If you are not used to a fibre-rich diet, start with a small amount and increase it gradually. Consult a physician before use if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.

Composition, quality and storage

The only ingredient of the product is inulin obtained from blue agave; there are no other ingredients. The country of origin is the United States: the powder is packaged and quality tested in the USA. Other ingredients are also processed at the production facility, so the product may contain traces of yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts or sesame. According to the manufacturer, the product is non-GMO (Non-GMO Project Verified), kosher and suitable for vegans. The bottle is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. Natural colour variation of the powder may occur. The container includes a freshness packet that must not be eaten. NOW Foods is a family-owned company that has been making food supplements since 1968.