The Beloved Blend
In India, particularly in the southern states, coffee is often more than just coffee; it's a traditional blend of coffee and chicory. Chicory, a plant root that is roasted and ground, has been used in coffee for centuries. Historically, it was added to make
expensive coffee supplies last longer, but over time, its unique flavour became a beloved part of the filter coffee tradition. It adds a distinctive nutty and slightly sweet taste, creates a thicker, richer decoction, and reduces the overall bitterness of the brew. While some purists prefer 100% coffee, millions enjoy blends that can range from having just a hint of chicory to significant proportions. The key, however, is knowing the exact ratio, which has not always been easy for consumers to determine.
The Problem of Hidden Percentages
For years, the rules for these blends were straightforward but not always transparent. According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), any product sold as a coffee-chicory mixture must contain at least 51% coffee. While regulations required the percentage of each component to be declared on the label, this information was often tucked away in the fine print on the back of the package. This lack of prominence could be misleading, with consumers potentially mistaking a blend with a high chicory content for a product that is predominantly coffee. In some cases, companies were found to be in violation of these rules, either misrepresenting their blends or not declaring the percentages at all, leading FSSAI to push for stricter compliance.
A Clear Solution: Front-of-Pack Labelling
To address this lack of clarity, the FSSAI has mandated a significant change. Under the new Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) First Amendment Regulations, manufacturers are now required to declare the exact percentages of coffee and chicory on the front of the pack. This directive, which comes into effect on July 1, 2026, is a major step towards consumer transparency. The new labels must be displayed prominently in a rectangular box, clearly stating, for example, “COFFEE BLENDED WITH CHICORY – THIS MIXTURE CONTAINS COFFEE … %, CHICORY … %”. This simple change moves crucial information from the back of the pack to the front, making it impossible to miss.
How This Empowers Consumers
This move to front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) empowers consumers in several ways. Firstly, it allows for instant verification at the point of sale. A shopper can now glance at a package and immediately know the coffee-to-chicory ratio, allowing them to choose a product that matches their taste and budget preferences. It eliminates guesswork and the need to hunt for tiny text on the packaging. Secondly, it holds manufacturers accountable. With the composition displayed so clearly, brands are less likely to make misleading claims or vague marketing terms. This ensures that a product labelled as coffee is not primarily a chicory-based substitute. This transparency helps build trust and ensures a level playing field for all brands.
Part of a Bigger Push for Transparency
The new rule for coffee-chicory blends is part of a larger, ongoing conversation in India about FOPL for all packaged foods. For years, consumer groups and health advocates have been pushing for clear, simple labels that warn about high levels of sugar, salt, and fat. The FSSAI has been developing a broader FOPL framework to help consumers make healthier choices quickly, as a typical shopper spends only seconds deciding on a product. While the debate over the best format—whether star ratings or warning labels—continues, this specific directive for coffee is a decisive step in the right direction. It shows a commitment to providing consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions, whether it's about their morning coffee or their overall diet.
