The Tradition of the Blend
The practice of blending roasted and ground chicory root with coffee powder is a long-standing tradition in India, especially in the South. Historically, chicory was used as a cost-effective extender when coffee beans were expensive or scarce. Over time,
however, many developed a taste for this specific blend. Chicory, which is naturally caffeine-free, adds a unique robust body, a slight sweetness, and a darker hue to the coffee, creating the distinct flavour profile beloved in traditional filter coffee. It mellows the bitterness of some coffee beans and increases the yield, meaning one pack goes a longer way. This blend is not an adulterant but a deliberate choice for a specific taste and texture.
FSSAI’s New Mandate for Transparency
Recognising that consumers deserve to know the exact composition of their brew, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a new directive. The regulation mandates that all packaged coffee products containing a mix of coffee and chicory must prominently display the exact percentage of each ingredient on the front of the package. This move is designed to bring greater transparency and empower consumers. While previous rules stipulated that a 'Coffee-Chicory Mixture' must contain at least 51% coffee, the new amendment ensures this information is impossible to miss. The rule aims to create a level playing field for all manufacturers and prevent any confusion between pure coffee and blended varieties.
From Confusing to Crystal Clear
The change will be most noticeable on the store shelf. Before, a consumer might pick up a package labelled simply as 'Coffee-Chicory Mixture' without knowing the ratio. Under the new rules, the label on the principal display panel will have to explicitly state something like, “Coffee 70%, Chicory 30%”. The FSSAI has even specified minimum font sizes for this declaration to ensure readability. This directive came after the regulator considered suggestions and objections from the public and industry stakeholders. After some representations from the industry about practical challenges, the implementation date for this new, clear labelling has been set for July 1, 2027, giving businesses adequate time to update their packaging.
What This Means for Your Daily Cup
This regulatory update is a significant win for consumer rights. With clear, front-of-pack information, you can now make a truly informed choice that aligns with your taste, budget, and health preferences. If you prefer a stronger, thicker, and more traditional filter coffee decoction, you might opt for a blend with a higher chicory content, like a 60/40 mix. If you enjoy the body of a blend but want more of the pure coffee flavour to shine through, an 80/20 or 90/10 mix might be your preference. This also makes it easier to compare products from different brands, as you’ll be looking at an apples-to-apples comparison of the blend ratios. It eliminates guesswork and builds greater trust between consumers and coffee brands.
How to Read the New Coffee Aisle
When the rule comes into effect, navigating the coffee aisle will be simpler. If a package says 'Pure Coffee' or '100% Coffee', you can be confident it contains no chicory at all. For everything else, your eyes should go straight to the front of the pack for the percentage breakdown. A higher percentage of chicory will generally result in a bolder, darker, and slightly more bitter or earthy cup that holds up well to milk and sugar. A lower percentage of chicory will yield a brew that is closer to the taste of pure coffee but with a bit of added body and colour. The choice is now yours to make, with full clarity before you even open the pack.
