The New Rule Explained
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed that all packages of coffee-chicory mixtures must now clearly declare the exact percentage of both ingredients on the front of the pack. This replaces a previous, more complex requirement
for a boxed declaration, which manufacturers found difficult to implement on smaller packages. The new, simplified format will state, for example, “COFFEE … %, CHICORY … %”. While the rule was initially proposed in 2025, FSSAI has acknowledged industry feedback and extended the final compliance deadline to July 1, 2027, giving companies ample time to update their packaging. This move is all about empowering consumers, ensuring the information is clear, prominent, and helps you make a choice that suits your taste and budget.
Why is Chicory in Coffee Anyway?
The practice of blending chicory with coffee is a tradition with deep roots in India, tracing back to colonial times. Historically, chicory root, which is significantly cheaper than coffee beans, was used as an extender to make coffee more affordable. Over time, however, many people grew to love the unique flavour profile it creates. Roasted chicory root is caffeine-free and imparts a slightly woody, nutty taste with a hint of caramel-like sweetness that balances the bitterness of coffee. It also gives the brew a fuller body and a darker colour, characteristics that are central to the beloved South Indian filter coffee tradition. So, while it started as an economic measure, it has become an integral part of India's coffee culture.
Reading the New Labels: A Shopper’s Guide
When you're next in the coffee aisle, this new rule makes your job simple. Instead of scanning the fine print on the back, look right on the front of any package labelled as a 'coffee-chicory mixture'. You will see a clear declaration of the percentages. According to FSSAI regulations, any such mixture must contain at least 51% coffee. This means chicory can make up anywhere from a small fraction to 49% of the blend. A lower chicory percentage (10-20%) will taste closer to pure coffee with just a bit of added body. A higher percentage (30-49%) will have a more pronounced chicory taste, less caffeine, and a flavour profile many associate with traditional filter coffee.
Pure Coffee vs. Chicory Blend: It's Your Choice
The new labelling isn't about judging one type of coffee as better than another; it's about clarifying the difference. Coffee purists who prefer the unadulterated taste of beans, with all their complex flavour notes, will naturally gravitate towards 100% coffee products. These products cannot be blended with chicory and will often be labelled as 'Pure Coffee'. On the other hand, those who enjoy a thicker, smoother, and less acidic cup, or the nostalgic taste of a strong South Indian decoction, might prefer a blend with a higher chicory content. Chicory blends also offer the benefit of being naturally lower in caffeine and are often more budget-friendly. This new transparency allows you to consciously choose based on flavour preference, desired caffeine level, and price.
What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Palate
Ultimately, the FSSAI's updated rule is a significant win for consumer awareness. It ensures that the price you pay directly reflects the contents of the package. Since chicory is much less expensive than coffee, blends with a higher chicory percentage are typically more economical. With the percentage now displayed prominently, you can better assess the value of what you're buying. You can decide if you want to pay a premium for a high-coffee-content blend or opt for a more budget-friendly mix that aligns with your taste for traditional chicory-laced coffee. This simple change on the label puts the power back in your hands, allowing your personal taste and budget to guide your purchase with total clarity.
