What is the New FSSAI Rule?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has updated its labelling rules for products sold as a 'Coffee-Chicory Mixture'. Previously, brands only had to mention that the mix contained chicory. Now, they must explicitly declare the exact
percentage of both coffee and chicory on the front of the pack. For example, a label must now clearly state something like, “COFFEE 70%, CHICORY 30%”. This new directive aims to bring greater transparency to consumers, allowing you to know the precise composition of your coffee blend before you buy it. The new rules are set to be fully enforced from July 1, 2027, giving manufacturers time to update their packaging.
Why Is Chicory in Coffee Anyway?
The practice of adding chicory to coffee has a long history, born out of necessity in 19th-century Europe when coffee was scarce and expensive. Roasted chicory root was a cost-effective extender. In India, particularly in the South, this blend became a tradition. The dark, robust flavour and thicker body that chicory provides became a beloved part of the filter coffee experience. Chicory root has an earthy, nutty taste and adds a caramel-like sweetness, which helps balance the bitterness of some coffee beans. While often viewed by coffee purists as an adulterant, for many, it is an essential part of a traditional and comforting brew.
How to Read the New Coffee Label
Under the old system, a 'coffee-chicory mix' could be 51% coffee or 90% coffee—you simply had no way of knowing. The new rule changes that. When you pick up a pack, look at the front label for the percentage breakdown. Legally, any 'coffee-chicory mixture' must contain at least 51% coffee. The new FSSAI mandate forces brands to reveal the exact ratio. This empowers you to choose a blend that matches your preference. If you enjoy a stronger, more authentic coffee flavour with a bigger caffeine kick, look for a blend with a higher coffee percentage (like 80% or 90%). If you prefer the traditional, milder, and more full-bodied South Indian filter coffee taste, a blend with a higher chicory content (like 20-30%) might be perfect for you.
Decoding the Taste: What the Ratio Means for Your Cup
The percentage of chicory directly impacts the taste, aroma, and caffeine level of your coffee. Chicory itself is caffeine-free. Therefore, a higher percentage of chicory means a lower overall caffeine content in your cup. This might be ideal for an evening coffee but less so for your first cup of the morning. Taste-wise, chicory imparts a characteristic bitterness and a slightly woody flavour, while reducing the nuanced, aromatic notes of pure coffee. A high-chicory blend will typically be darker, thicker, and more bitter. A low-chicory or pure coffee blend will have more of the bean's original character, which can range from fruity and floral to chocolaty and nutty, depending on the origin and roast level.
Beyond Chicory: Other Label Cues to Look For
While the coffee-chicory ratio is important, don't stop there. Use this as an opportunity to become a more discerning coffee buyer. Look for other details on the pack that tell you more about the coffee itself. Check for the type of coffee bean—Arabica beans are generally smoother and more aromatic, while Robusta beans are bolder and have higher caffeine content. The label might also mention the roast level (light, medium, dark), which dramatically affects flavour. Details about the coffee's origin (e.g., Chikmagalur, Coorg) and tasting notes (e.g., 'nutty', 'fruity') can also guide you to your perfect brew.
