The New Rule on Your Coffee Pack
The FSSAI has mandated a significant change in how coffee-chicory blends are labelled. Under the new directive, manufacturers must clearly declare the exact percentage of coffee and chicory on the front of the package, known as the Principal Display Panel.
For instance, a label will now have to explicitly state something like “Coffee 70%, Chicory 30%” in a prominent position. This rule applies to all packaged coffee products that contain a mix of coffee and chicory, including both regular and instant coffee powders. The regulation also specifies minimum font sizes for this declaration to ensure it is easily readable and not hidden in the fine print. This move is designed to bring uniformity and honesty to the market, ensuring you know precisely what you are buying.
Why This Change Was Necessary
For years, consumers have been in the dark about the true composition of their favourite coffee brands. While existing rules stipulated that a coffee-chicory mixture must contain at least 51% coffee, the exact ratio was often not clearly communicated. This ambiguity allowed for a wide variation in blends, with some containing a significant amount of chicory. The FSSAI's main objective with this new rule is to boost transparency and empower consumers. Many people were unknowingly purchasing products with high chicory content, believing it to be predominantly coffee. By mandating a front-of-pack declaration, the regulator ensures that consumers have the crucial information they need to make choices that align with their preferences for taste, quality, and price.
The Role of Chicory in Indian Coffee
Chicory is not simply a cheap adulterant; it holds a significant place in India's coffee culture, particularly in the South. Historically, the root of the chicory plant, when roasted and ground, has been used as a coffee extender, especially during times when coffee beans were expensive or scarce. Over time, however, many people grew to love the distinct flavour profile it creates. Chicory adds a unique body, a hint of caramel-like sweetness, and helps to mellow the bitterness of certain coffee beans, creating the signature taste of traditional South Indian filter coffee. While coffee purists may prefer a 100% bean brew, for many households and cafes, a chicory blend is a beloved tradition, cherished for its unique taste and aroma.
Empowering the Indian Consumer
This new labelling regulation is a clear victory for the consumer. It shifts the power of information from the manufacturer to the buyer. If you are someone who enjoys the robust, slightly earthy taste of a chicory blend, you can now choose a product with your preferred ratio. If you want pure, unadulterated coffee, you can easily identify and avoid the blends. This transparency fosters fair competition among brands, as they can no longer obscure the contents of their packages. It encourages you to become a more mindful shopper, comparing products not just on brand name and price, but on their actual composition. You can now decide for yourself what constitutes a good cup of coffee and pay accordingly.
When to Expect the Change
While the decision has been made, you won't see these new labels on shelves overnight. The FSSAI has provided the industry with a transition period to update their packaging and comply with the new norms. An earlier directive was set for 2026, but after feedback from the industry regarding the practical challenges of implementing the changes, especially on smaller packs, the regulator revised the timeline. Food businesses now have until July 1, 2027, to ensure all their coffee-chicory blend products feature the new front-of-pack percentage declaration. So, over the next year, start keeping an eye out as brands begin to roll out their new, more transparent packaging.
