The Secret Ingredient in Your Coffee
For generations, many Indian coffee drinkers, particularly in the South, have enjoyed blends that contain chicory. Chicory is a plant root that, when roasted and ground, has a flavour profile that complements coffee. Historically, it was added as an economical
extender when coffee beans were expensive or scarce. Over time, its distinct, slightly woody and nutty taste, which reduces bitterness and adds a thicker body to the brew, became a beloved part of the traditional filter coffee experience. Economically, chicory remains significantly cheaper than coffee beans, so its inclusion helps manage costs. While many enjoy the unique taste, the exact proportion of chicory in a pack of coffee powder has often been unclear, leaving consumers in the dark about how much pure coffee they were actually buying.
A Call for Clarity on the Shelves
The issue at the heart of the matter is transparency. Previously, while regulations existed, the declaration of chicory content could often be found in the fine print on the back of the package, easily missed by a casual shopper. With some blends in the market containing as much as 30-49% chicory, consumers might purchase a product believing it to be mostly coffee when it is, in fact, a significant blend. This lack of prominent information made it difficult for people to make informed choices, compare different brands effectively, or even distinguish between pure coffee and blended products at a glance. In response to these concerns, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) decided a change was necessary to empower consumers.
Unpacking the New Mandate
Under the new FSSAI directive, which took effect from July 1, 2026, manufacturers of coffee-chicory mixtures are now required to declare the percentage of both coffee and chicory prominently on the front of the pack. This isn't just a suggestion; it is a mandatory change to the labelling regulations. The declaration must be clear and legible, with a font size comparable to the brand name, ensuring it cannot be easily overlooked. The specific wording required is, for example, “Coffee Blended with Chicory – This mixture contains Coffee __% and Chicory __%.” This applies to all packaged coffee-chicory blends, including instant coffee mixtures, sold across the country.
What This Means for Consumers
This simple change has a significant impact. For the first time, you can walk down a supermarket aisle and, at a glance, see the exact composition of different coffee brands. This newfound transparency allows you to make a choice based on your preference and budget. If you prefer a stronger, more traditional filter coffee taste with a higher chicory content, you can now find it easily. If you want a brew that is closer to pure coffee, you can look for packs with a lower chicory percentage or none at all. The regulation effectively puts the power back into the hands of the consumer, ensuring that what you see is what you get. It ends the guesswork and allows for a more conscious and informed purchase every time.
How the Industry Is Adapting
For coffee manufacturers, this regulation has meant a major overhaul of packaging and, in some cases, a re-evaluation of their product strategy. Major players in the Indian market have had to redesign their labels to comply with the July 1 deadline. While some brands have always prided themselves on their specific blend ratios, the new rule standardises this disclosure across the board. This move may also encourage some companies to launch or more actively market pure coffee lines to cater to a segment of consumers who actively want to avoid chicory. Ultimately, the regulation creates a more level playing field where transparency is no longer optional but a required standard for everyone in the coffee-chicory category.
