The New Rule in Your Cup
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated a significant change in how coffee-chicory blends are labelled. Under the new directive, manufacturers must declare the exact percentage of coffee and chicory on the front of the package,
also known as the Principal Display Panel (PDP). For example, a label will now have to clearly state something like “Coffee: 70%, Chicory: 30%”. This move is designed to offer consumers immediate clarity about the product's composition. The regulation, which was refined after consultations with the industry, will be enforced from July 1, 2027, giving companies time to update their packaging.
Why Was This Change Brewed?
The primary goal of the FSSAI's updated rule is to boost transparency and empower consumers. For years, many coffee products in India have contained chicory, but the exact proportions were often not clearly communicated. This lack of clarity meant that consumers couldn't easily distinguish between pure coffee and a blend, or know the extent of the chicory mix. By requiring a front-of-pack declaration, the FSSAI aims to enable informed choices, standardize labelling practices, and promote fair competition among manufacturers who can no longer rely on vague labelling. Regulations already stipulated that a coffee-chicory mixture must contain at least 51% coffee, but this new rule ensures the full ratio is visible.
A Brief History of Chicory in Coffee
The practice of blending roasted chicory root with coffee is a long-standing tradition in India, particularly in the South. It originated as an economic measure, stretching expensive coffee supplies further. The roasted root, which is naturally caffeine-free, imparts a unique, slightly sweet and nutty flavour, reduces bitterness, and creates a thicker, richer decoction. Over time, what started as a cost-saving measure evolved into a distinct taste preference for many, becoming integral to the iconic South Indian filter coffee. However, coffee purists and growers have sometimes viewed it as a diluent that masks the true flavour of coffee.
The Journey to the New Label
The path to this new rule involved industry feedback and adjustments. An initial notification in August 2025 proposed a specific boxed declaration on the front of packs, with a compliance date of July 1, 2026. However, industry representatives highlighted practical difficulties, especially with fitting the prescribed box on smaller packages. Acknowledging these concerns, FSSAI revised the directive. The regulator kept the core requirement for a percentage declaration but removed the rigid boxed format, opting for a simpler text-based disclosure. To facilitate this change, the compliance deadline was extended by a year to July 1, 2027, demonstrating a balance between regulatory goals and industry feasibility.
What This Means for You, the Consumer
Ultimately, this regulation puts more power in your hands. When you pick up a pack of coffee, you will no longer have to search the fine print to understand its contents. The front of the package will clearly tell you the ratio of coffee to chicory. This allows you to make a choice based on your preference for taste, caffeine content, and price. Whether you prefer a robust, pure coffee experience or enjoy the traditional, smoother flavour of a chicory blend, you can now purchase with confidence, knowing exactly what you are getting. It transforms a simple purchase into a more informed decision, aligning with a broader push for greater transparency in the food industry.
