Abstract: The soluble roasted natural chicory in powder form with a high content of inulin and fructo oligosaccharides (FOS) about from 50% to 60% by weight relative to the dry matter. Its color index as measured by the absorbance of a 1% solution at 500 nm lies in the range 0.4 to 0.7. In addition, its combined content of fructose plus glucose is greater than 5%, preferably lying in the range 7% to 9% by weight relative to the dry matter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the solvent extraction of active compounds from chicory. Characteristically, according to the invention, chicory is macerated in said solvent at a low temperature, preferably of between 0° C. and 6° C., for a period of at least twelve hours; and the maceration liquor is filtered with a cut-off threshold of at least 0.22 &mgr;m. The present invention further relates to the use of the extract obtained by the process of the invention for the preparation of an oral hygiene composition and for the preparation of cosmetic products.