The New Rule for Your Brew
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has updated its regulations for coffee-chicory mixtures. The core of the new directive is simple: transparency. Manufacturers of both instant and filter coffee blends that contain chicory must now
clearly declare the percentage of each ingredient on the front of the package. The required format will look something like “COFFEE … %, CHICORY … %”. This move is designed to give consumers a clear, at-a-glance understanding of the product's composition before they make a purchase. Initially slated for July 2026, the final deadline for compliance has been extended to July 1, 2027, giving the industry time to adapt.
From Vague Labels to Clear Percentages
Previously, while brands had to mention the presence of chicory, the exact proportions were often unclear. The rules required that coffee content should not be less than 51% in a mixture, but this left a wide margin for variance. Consumers might pick up two different brands of 'coffee-chicory blend' with vastly different taste profiles and caffeine levels without understanding why. One could be a 90:10 coffee-to-chicory ratio, while another might be closer to a 60:40 split. The new rule eliminates this ambiguity. By mandating a front-of-pack percentage declaration, FSSAI is standardizing information and ensuring that the primary marketing space on the product provides crucial information, not just branding.
Why Is Chicory in Coffee Anyway?
The practice of blending chicory with coffee has a long history in India, tracing back to colonial times. Chicory, a root vegetable, is roasted and ground to create a substance with a flavour profile similar to coffee. Historically, it was used to extend expensive or scarce coffee supplies. However, it quickly became a beloved part of the flavour of South Indian filter coffee. Adding chicory creates a darker, fuller-bodied decoction, reduces the bitterness of some coffee beans, and imparts a subtle, caramel-like sweetness. It also naturally lowers the overall caffeine content of the brew. Far from just being a filler, chicory has become a traditional ingredient that defines the taste many Indians associate with their daily filter coffee.
What This Means for Your Morning Cup
For the average consumer, this regulation is a significant win. It empowers you to make informed choices based on your personal preferences for taste, strength, and caffeine intake. If you prefer a bold, pure coffee flavour, you can now easily identify brands with a higher coffee percentage or those with 100% coffee. If you enjoy the traditional, smoother, and slightly sweeter taste of chicory-blended filter coffee, you can look for blends with the specific ratio you prefer, such as 80:20 or 70:30. This move promotes fair competition among manufacturers, as brands can no longer obscure a high chicory content behind vague labelling. It shifts the power to the consumer, allowing you to pay for what you value, whether it's pure coffee or a specific traditional blend.
How to Read the New Labels
When the rule comes into full effect, reading your coffee label will be straightforward. Look at the principal display panel—the front of the package. You will find a clear text declaration stating the coffee and chicory percentages. FSSAI has even specified minimum font sizes to ensure readability. For instance, a label stating “Coffee 70%, Chicory 30%” means the blend contains 70 parts coffee and 30 parts chicory. This simple declaration will help you differentiate between products and find the perfect blend for your palate. You'll no longer have to guess the composition of your favourite brew, bringing a new level of clarity to your coffee-buying habits.
