What is the New Labelling Rule?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated a crucial change for all packaged coffee that contains chicory. Under the new directive, manufacturers must clearly declare the exact percentage of both coffee and chicory on the front
of the pack. This means instead of vague mentions, you will see a simple, upfront declaration like "Coffee: 70%, Chicory: 30%". This rule applies to both regular and instant coffee-chicory mixtures. The regulation will become mandatory from July 1, 2027, giving companies time to update their packaging.
A Shift from Ambiguity to Clarity
Previously, the rules were less specific. While regulations stipulated that any coffee-chicory mixture must contain at least 51% coffee, the exact proportion was often not clearly displayed for the consumer. Many brands would mention the presence of chicory in the ingredients list on the back of the pack, but the front-of-pack information was not required to be as specific. This ambiguity made it difficult for consumers to know the precise composition of the blend they were purchasing. The new rule, part of a broader push by FSSAI for transparency in food labelling, aims to end this confusion and promote fair trade practices in the coffee market.
Why is Chicory in Coffee Anyway?
The practice of blending chicory with coffee has deep roots in history and tradition, especially in South India. Chicory, a plant root that is roasted and ground, became popular as a coffee extender during times when coffee beans were expensive or scarce. Over time, however, many people developed a taste for the blend. Chicory adds body, reduces the bitterness of some coffee beans, and imparts a unique, slightly sweet and caramel-like flavour. It creates a thicker, darker decoction, which is characteristic of the traditional South Indian filter coffee, or 'kaapi'. While some coffee purists view chicory as an adulterant, for many, it is an essential part of their preferred flavour profile.
How This Empowers You, the Consumer
This updated regulation is a significant win for consumer rights. Knowing the exact coffee-to-chicory ratio allows you to make choices based on your personal preferences for taste, strength, and caffeine content. Chicory is naturally caffeine-free, so a blend with a higher chicory percentage will have less caffeine. If you prefer a bold, robust coffee flavour, you can now easily opt for a blend with a higher coffee percentage, such as 80% or 90%. If you enjoy the milder, earthier taste and thicker body that chicory provides, you can choose a 70:30 or 60:40 blend. This transparency also affects your budget, as chicory is significantly cheaper than coffee, and the price should ideally reflect the composition.
A Smoother Process for the Industry
The FSSAI has also considered the practical challenges for manufacturers. After industry bodies raised concerns about fitting the previously proposed boxed declaration on smaller packages, the regulator revised the requirement. The new rule specifies a simpler text-based declaration with minimum font sizes based on the size of the package's display panel, making compliance more straightforward for businesses of all sizes. This collaborative approach ensures that the move towards transparency does not unduly disrupt business operations, allowing for a smoother transition to the new, more informative labels that will soon be appearing on store shelves.
