The New Rule Explained
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed manufacturers of coffee-chicory mixtures to declare the exact percentage of both ingredients on the front of the package. This rule applies to both regular and instant coffee blends.
The directive specifies that the declaration must be clearly visible, stating, for example, “COFFEE … %, CHICORY … %”. To ensure readability, FSSAI has also set minimum font sizes for this declaration, which vary based on the size of the packaging. This move is designed to make it simple for consumers to understand the composition of their coffee at a single glance.
An Evolving Regulation
This regulation has seen some adjustments. Initially, a notification on August 8, 2025, mandated a specific boxed declaration on the front of packs, with a compliance date of July 1, 2026. However, several industry bodies raised practical concerns, especially regarding the difficulty of fitting the prescribed box on smaller packets. Acknowledging these challenges, FSSAI has put the original notification in abeyance and introduced a more flexible, text-based declaration. The regulator has also extended the deadline for compliance to July 1, 2027, giving businesses adequate time to update their packaging and exhaust old inventory.
Why Is Chicory in Coffee Anyway?
The practice of blending chicory with coffee has a long history in India, particularly in the southern states. Chicory is derived from the root of the Cichorium intybus plant, which, when roasted and ground, has an appearance and aroma similar to coffee. Its primary benefit is economic; chicory is significantly cheaper than coffee, so adding it to a blend helps keep the final product affordable. It also contributes to a bolder flavour, a darker colour, and a thicker decoction, which many consumers enjoy. Furthermore, chicory is naturally caffeine-free, so a blend can help reduce overall caffeine intake.
The Push for Transparency
The core purpose of FSSAI's updated rule is to enhance consumer awareness and transparency. While chicory blends are popular, many consumers may not be aware of the exact proportion of chicory in their coffee. Current regulations already mandate that any coffee-chicory mixture must contain at least 51% coffee. However, by requiring a front-of-pack percentage declaration, FSSAI aims to prevent any possibility of consumers being misled into thinking a blended product is pure coffee. This empowers buyers to make informed decisions based on their preference for flavour, strength, and price.
What This Means for Your Coffee Run
For the everyday shopper, this change is a significant win. When the new labels are fully rolled out by the July 2027 deadline, you will no longer need to hunt for the ingredients list on the back of the pack to understand what you're buying. A quick look at the front will tell you whether a product is 100% coffee or a blend, and if it's a blend, the exact ratio. This focus on pack-label comparison allows you to easily weigh your options. You can decide if you prefer a 70/30 coffee-to-chicory blend for its robust taste and lower cost, or if you'd rather stick to a pure coffee brew, and you can do so with complete clarity right in the supermarket aisle.
