"White death" – how to replace it with inulin and aid in weight loss
Kacper Nowak
2026-03-25
3 min. read
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It's no news that the term 'white death' refers to popular white sugar, or saccharose. We also know that there are many healthier alternatives for this product, such as sweeteners, xylitol, carrots, or stevia. In this article, we present another one: inulin – a plant-based sugar, whose use in diet can contribute to weight loss.
"What is inulin?"
Inulin constitutes one of the polysaccharides. This complex compound consists of over 30 molecules of simple sugars, which are interconnected by durable glycosidic bonds. Simple sugars that make up inulin are among the most popular saccharides in our diet: fructose and glucose. Inulin appears in the form of a white, delicate-tasting powder, which has a structure similar to starch. Hence, it is often referred to as Georgine starch. It is significant that this type of sugar is very well soluble in water.
Sources and properties of inulin
Inulin is a polysaccharide of plant origin. The largest amounts of this complex sugar, which is around 40%, are found in the bulbs of chicory, carrot, shellfish, medicinal mushrooms, and bulb sunflower, commonly known as topinambur. Inulin also occurs in bananas, onions, garlic, peppers, and sprigs. The energy value of inulin is relatively low, at 150 kcal per 100 g. It is almost 10 times less sweet than ordinary sucrose, so it cannot be used as a food additive. It has thickening properties, which is why it can be successfully used as a substitute for fat in some food products, such as creams or creams.
Utilization of inulin
Due to its properties, inulin can be an excellent alternative to fats, which can be beneficial for people struggling with excess weight or following a weight loss diet. Inulin is particularly useful for people with heart and circulatory system disorders, who often limit their fat and sugar intake. In fact, just 1 gram of inulin can replace up to 4 grams of fat! Furthermore, due to its low caloric value, inulin can be added to the diet as one of the main ingredients in sweets, making it easier to maintain dietary requirements while reducing body fat. Inulin can also be used by people with heart and circulatory system disorders, who often limit their fat and sugar intake in their diet. In this context, inulin provides a way to reduce the amount of fat and sugar in the diet.
