What is Chicory, Anyway?
Chicory is a plant whose roasted and ground root has been used for centuries as a coffee additive or a caffeine-free substitute. It has a flavour profile often described as slightly woody and nutty, with a caramel-like sweetness that many find appealing.
Historically, its use became popular during times of coffee scarcity, such as in 19th-century France, as a way to extend expensive coffee supplies. In India, this practice gained a foothold during the colonial era and has since become a staple in many blends, particularly in the South.
A Tradition of Blending
The mixing of chicory with coffee in India isn’t just about cutting costs; for many, it's about taste and tradition. Especially in South Indian filter coffee, chicory is prized for the rich, dark colour and thicker body it gives the decoction. It helps to balance the bitterness of some coffee beans and adds a signature smoothness. Over time, what started as a necessity evolved into a preferred flavour profile for a large segment of the population, with the chicory blend becoming integral to the daily 'kaapi' ritual.
FSSAI's New Rule for Transparency
Recognising that consumers deserve to know the exact composition of their coffee, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has stepped in. The regulator has mandated that all packages of coffee-chicory mixtures must now prominently declare the exact percentage of both ingredients on the front of the pack. The label must clearly state, “COFFEE BLENDED WITH CHICORY – This mixture contains Coffee __% and Chicory __%.” A similar declaration is required for instant coffee mixtures.
From Boxed Rules to Simplified Labels
The journey to this new rule involved some practical adjustments. An initial proposal required the percentage declaration to be in a specific box on the front of the pack. However, after feedback from the industry about the difficulty of applying this to smaller packages, FSSAI revised the approach. The regulator has now allowed a simplified text-based declaration, specifying minimum font sizes to ensure readability. To give manufacturers enough time to adapt, the deadline for full compliance with these revised guidelines has been set for July 1, 2027.
What This Means for Your Morning Brew
This updated regulation is a significant win for consumer awareness. Whether you prefer 100% pure coffee, a traditional 80/20 blend, or a more chicory-heavy mix for economic or flavour reasons, you can now make that decision before you buy. No more guessing based on brand names or vague packaging. By simply looking at the front of the pack, you can identify the exact ratio and choose the product that best suits your taste and budget. This move aligns with FSSAI's broader mission to promote transparency in food labelling and prevent misleading claims.
Making an Informed Choice
While chicory is naturally caffeine-free and contains inulin, a prebiotic fibre that can support gut health, it's not for everyone. Some people may experience digestive discomfort from it, while others might have allergies. The new labels empower you to manage your intake based on personal preference and health considerations. If you want to reduce caffeine, a blend with a higher chicory percentage could be a good choice. If you're a purist seeking the unadulterated taste of coffee beans, you can now easily spot the 100% coffee packs. The choice is clearly yours.
