What is the botanical source of inulin used as a food ingredient?

Inulin is a natural, water‑soluble dietary fiber extracted primarily from chicory root and Jerusalem artichoke root.

What are the typical purity and safety specifications for food‑grade inulin powder?

Food‑grade inulin powder is standardized to contain at least 90 % inulin (dry basis), with heavy metals limited to Pb ≤ 0.5 ppm and As ≤ 0.2 ppm, and microbial limits of ≤ 1,000 cfu/g total plate count and ≤ 100 cfu/g yeast & mold.

How should inulin powder be stored to maintain its quality?

Inulin powder should be kept in a dry, cool environment, protected from moisture and direct sunlight, and stored in sealed containers to preserve its purity and functional properties.

Inulin

Inulin is a natural linear fructan polysaccharide composed of β‑2,1‑linked fructose units, often terminating with a glucose unit. It is used as a food ingredient and additive for its functional and nutritional properties.

Prices, specifications and international trade for inulin under HS 110820.

Inulin Price

$2,343USD/t

Published reference · Jul 1, 2026

Inulin Historical Unit Values

Inulin is quoted in USD/t at BEL. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

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Inulin Exports and Imports

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Belgium led reported inulin exports in 2025, at $148M.

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Inulin Specifications and Quality

Inulin grading factors include Assay Purity, Appearance, and Heavy Metals.

Grading Factors

Quality assessment for inulin considers Assay Purity, Appearance, and Heavy Metals.

Assay Purity
Inulin content must be ≥ 90 % (dry basis) as determined by HPLC.
Appearance
Fine white to off‑white powder, 100 % passing an 80 mesh screen.
Heavy Metals
Lead ≤ 0.5 ppm and Arsenic ≤ 0.2 ppm per batch.

Typical Specification Ranges

Inulin specifications record purity (inulin), loss on drying (moisture), lead (pb). These are typical ranges, not guarantees for an individual lot.

Purity (Inulin)	90–95 %
Loss on Drying (Moisture)	up to 5.00 %
Lead (Pb)	up to 0.50 ppm

Common Defects

Recorded defects for inulin include Low Purity, Heavy Metal Exceedance, and Microbial Contamination.

Low Purity
Assay below 90 % indicates insufficient extraction or adulteration.
Heavy Metal Exceedance
Pb or As above regulatory limits can cause batch rejection.
Microbial Contamination
Total plate count > 1,000 cfu/g or yeast & mold > 100 cfu/g violates food‑grade specs.

Certifications

Certifications documented for inulin include BRCGS, Organic (USDA/EU), and Halal. Their applicability depends on the individual product and shipment.

BRCGS
Food safety certification recognized globally.
Organic (USDA/EU)
Verified organic status meeting USDA and EU organic regulations.
Halal
Compliance with halal dietary standards.

Inulin Facts and HS Code

Inulin belongs to ingredients and additives within produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients. Its customs classification covers HS 110820.

Inulin HS Code

Category	Ingredients and additives — Produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients
HS codes	110820
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	BEL

Production & Handling

Processing steps for inulin include Extraction from plant roots, Purification and drying to powder, Optional enzymatic hydrolysis to fructooligosaccharides.

Production and Storage

Processing steps	Extraction from plant roots Purification and drying to powder Optional enzymatic hydrolysis to fructooligosaccharides

Uses & Risks

Inulin is used in Food ingredient, Dairy applications, and Pharmaceutical/nutraceutical.

End Uses

Food ingredient
Used as dietary fiber and low‑calorie sweetener in foods and beverages
Dairy applications
Added to yogurts and cheeses for texture and prebiotic effect
Pharmaceutical/nutraceutical
Used as prebiotic fiber in supplements

Sourcing risks

Risk	Category	Severity	Mitigation
Gastrointestinal intolerance in sensitive consumers Food safetyMedium High intake of inulin can cause digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea, especially in individuals who are sensitive to prebiotic fibers.	Food safety	Medium	Recommend gradual introduction and limit daily intake to levels tolerated by consumers.

Inulin Questions

What is the botanical source of inulin used as a food ingredient?: Inulin is a natural, water‑soluble dietary fiber extracted primarily from chicory root and Jerusalem artichoke root.
What are the typical purity and safety specifications for food‑grade inulin powder?: Food‑grade inulin powder is standardized to contain at least 90 % inulin (dry basis), with heavy metals limited to Pb ≤ 0.5 ppm and As ≤ 0.2 ppm, and microbial limits of ≤ 1,000 cfu/g total plate count and ≤ 100 cfu/g yeast & mold.
How should inulin powder be stored to maintain its quality?: Inulin powder should be kept in a dry, cool environment, protected from moisture and direct sunlight, and stored in sealed containers to preserve its purity and functional properties.