Chicory root is the root portion of the chicory vegetable and is often used as a substitute for coffee once it's roasted and ground. Ground chicory root has a flavor somewhat reminiscent of coffee, but it doesn't contain caffeine and is also cheaper than traditional coffee.he inulin in chicory root is a prebiotic, which means it contributes positively to the healthy bacteria in your gut. It can also prevent the growth of unhealthy bacteria and might suppress diseases such as colon cancer, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research.