A Clearer Morning Brew
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced a significant change for coffee lovers. Starting July 1, 2026, all coffee-chicory mixture packs must prominently display the exact percentage of coffee and chicory on the front label.
This mandate requires the declaration, such as "COFFEE BLENDED WITH CHICORY. THIS MIXTURE CONTAINS. COFFEE… PERCENT. CHICORY… PERCENT," to be in capital letters and easily visible. The move is part of FSSAI's broader effort to enhance transparency in food labelling, ensuring consumers are not misled and can make informed choices at a glance.
The Tradition of Chicory
Chicory, a roasted and ground plant root, has been a key ingredient in Indian coffee for generations, especially in the South. Historically, it was added as an economical extender when coffee beans were expensive. Over time, however, its distinct flavour profile became a beloved tradition. Chicory adds a unique boldness, a thicker body, and a subtle, earthy sweetness that balances the bitterness of robusta beans commonly used in filter coffee. This blend creates the characteristic dark, rich decoction that is the heart of a traditional South Indian filter kaapi.
Decoding the Numbers Game
So what do these new front-of-pack percentages mean for your cup? It all comes down to personal taste. A blend with a higher chicory content, such as a 70:30 (coffee to chicory) ratio, will produce a thicker, darker, and more robust brew with a pronounced earthy sweetness. This is often preferred by those who enjoy a strong decoction that holds up well to milk and sugar. Conversely, a blend with less chicory, like an 85:15 or 90:10 mix, will have a more dominant coffee flavour, highlighting the characteristics of the beans themselves while still offering a hint of chicory's smoothness and body. The regulations stipulate that any coffee-chicory mixture must contain at least 51% coffee, ensuring coffee remains the primary ingredient.
Empowering the Coffee Drinker
This new rule is a significant win for consumer empowerment. For years, the exact chicory content was often buried in the ingredient list on the back of the pack, making it difficult to compare brands or understand why one blend tasted different from another. By bringing this information to the forefront, FSSAI is giving consumers the power to choose based on preference, not just brand loyalty or packaging design. Whether you prefer a strong, chicory-heavy brew or a lighter, more coffee-forward cup, you can now easily identify the right blend for you without needing a magnifying glass. This transparency fosters greater trust between manufacturers and consumers.
Finding Your Perfect Blend
Armed with this new information, navigating the coffee aisle becomes a more personalised experience. If you're new to chicory blends or unsure of your preference, start with a lower chicory percentage (10-20%) to get a feel for its subtle sweetness and body. If you're a long-time filter coffee aficionado who loves a thick, strong decoction, a blend with 25-30% chicory might be your ideal choice. Chicory is naturally caffeine-free and contains inulin, a prebiotic fibre that can aid digestion, making these blends a gentler option for some. The key is to experiment. Now that the information is clear and accessible, you can try different ratios to discover the perfect brew that starts your day right.
