What Exactly Is the New Rule?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated a significant change for any coffee product that is blended with chicory. Soon, manufacturers will be required to declare the exact percentage of both coffee and chicory prominently
on the front of the package. The label will have to clearly state, for example, “COFFEE 70%, CHICORY 30%”. This applies to both regular and instant coffee-chicory mixtures. The rule specifies minimum font sizes to ensure the declaration is easily readable and not hidden in the fine print. The aim is simple: to provide consumers with clear, upfront information about the product's composition before they make a purchase.
Why This Change Was Needed
The primary driver behind this regulation is consumer transparency. For years, brands have sold coffee-chicory blends without clearly stating the proportions on the front of the pack. While not a secret, many consumers may not be aware of how much of their coffee powder is actually chicory. This new rule empowers buyers to make informed decisions based on their preference and budget. It prevents potentially misleading packaging where a product might be perceived as pure coffee. This move is part of FSSAI’s broader push to strengthen food labelling standards, ensuring that what you see is what you get.
Understanding Chicory's Role
So, why is chicory in coffee in the first place? Chicory is a plant whose roasted and ground root has been used as a coffee additive for centuries. In India, it is particularly popular in the filter coffee tradition of the southern states. There are a few reasons for its use. Economically, chicory is cheaper than coffee beans, so adding it helps manage costs. In terms of flavour, it imparts a distinct, slightly bitter taste and helps produce a thicker, darker decoction, which many coffee drinkers enjoy. It is naturally caffeine-free. While existing rules already state that a coffee-chicory mix must contain at least 51% coffee, the new rule makes the exact ratio transparent to all.
How This Affects Your Morning Cup
For you, the consumer, this is a positive change. It brings clarity to the supermarket shelf. If you prefer pure coffee, you can more easily distinguish it from blends. If you enjoy the taste of a chicory blend, you can now compare different brands based on their coffee-to-chicory ratio. You will be able to see if you are paying for a product that is mostly coffee or one that has a significant amount of chicory. Essentially, this rule gives you more control and knowledge, allowing you to choose the product that best fits your taste, dietary preferences, and wallet.
Industry Adjustments and Timelines
The rule was originally announced in 2025 with an enforcement date of July 2026. However, following feedback from the industry about the practical challenges of redesigning labels, especially for smaller packages, FSSAI has adjusted its approach. The regulator has now provided a more flexible, text-based declaration format and extended the final compliance deadline to July 1, 2027. This gives coffee manufacturers, importers, and marketers adequate time to update their packaging artwork, manage existing inventory, and align with the new requirements without major disruptions.
