The New Rule for Your Brew
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated a significant change in how coffee-chicory mixtures are labelled. Effective from July 1, 2026, all packages of such blends must clearly declare the exact percentage of both coffee and chicory on
the front of the pack. This directive, part of the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) First Amendment Regulations, 2025, aims to eliminate ambiguity for consumers. Previously, brands could sell blends without specifying the ratio, but now they must use formats like, “This mixture contains Coffee __% and Chicory __%.” This applies to both regular and instant coffee-chicory mixtures, ensuring you know precisely what you are buying.
Why Transparency Is Now a Priority
This move is part of a broader push by the FSSAI to crack down on misleading labels and claims across the food industry. For years, consumers have purchased coffee blends under appealing but vague names like “Hotel Blend” or “Special Blend” without knowing the exact composition. The regulator's intervention is designed to ensure that the name on the package reflects its contents, giving consumers the ability to make informed choices based on preference and budget. The rule specifically targets the common practice of blending coffee with chicory, which can significantly alter the taste, strength, and cost of the final product. By mandating front-of-pack percentage disclosure, the FSSAI is putting an end to guesswork.
Chicory: Not a Villain, Just a Partner
So, what exactly is chicory and why is it in your coffee? Chicory is a plant whose roasted root has been used as a coffee extender or substitute for centuries. In India, particularly in the South, it’s a key ingredient in traditional filter coffee. It imparts a distinct woody and nutty flavour, adds body and a caramel-like sweetness, and reduces the bitterness of some coffee beans. Historically, it was added to make expensive coffee supplies last longer, but its unique flavour profile became a beloved tradition in its own right. Chicory is naturally caffeine-free and contains a prebiotic fibre called inulin, which can be beneficial for gut health. The issue FSSAI is addressing isn't the presence of chicory, but the lack of transparency about its quantity.
How to Be a Smarter Coffee Shopper
Under the new regulations, your shopping strategy should change. Instead of just reaching for your usual brand, take a moment to read the label. A product legally called a “Coffee-Chicory Mixture” must contain at least 51% coffee. Now, you'll see the exact breakdown, such as “Coffee 70%, Chicory 30%” or “Coffee 85%, Chicory 15%.” If a package says “Pure Coffee,” it cannot contain any chicory at all. This allows you to tailor your purchase to your taste. If you enjoy the strong, thick, and slightly sweet character of traditional filter kaapi, a blend with a higher chicory percentage might be perfect for you. If you prefer the unadulterated taste of coffee beans, you'll want a 100% coffee product. The choice is now clearly yours.
What This Means for Coffee Brands and You
This regulation empowers you, the consumer. You can now directly compare products based on their composition, not just their marketing. A brand that was perceived as premium might be revealed to have a higher chicory content than a less expensive competitor. This transparency will likely lead to shifts in brand positioning and pricing. For you, it means you can consciously choose a blend for its economic value, its lower caffeine content, or its specific flavour profile. Whether you want a cost-effective daily brew with 40% chicory or a purer weekend treat with just 15%, the label will now be your most reliable guide. It’s a simple change that transforms how you navigate the coffee aisle, ensuring you get exactly what you pay for every single time.
