The New Rule Explained
FSSAI has mandated clearer labelling for all coffee-chicory mixtures. According to a recent direction that amends earlier regulations, manufacturers must now declare the exact percentage of coffee and chicory on the front of the package. This rule, effective
from July 1, 2026, requires a clear, unmissable declaration, such as "COFFEE BLENDED WITH CHICORY – THIS MIXTURE CONTAINS COFFEE… % AND CHICORY… %". The core goal is to eliminate consumer confusion at the point of sale. Existing rules already stipulated that a coffee-chicory mixture must contain at least 51% coffee, but this new front-of-pack declaration makes the ratio impossible to miss.
Why Is Chicory in Coffee Anyway?
Chicory, a plant root that is roasted and ground, has a long history of being mixed with coffee in India, especially in the south. It adds body, enhances colour, and imparts a slightly bitter taste that many have come to appreciate in traditional filter coffee. For manufacturers, it also serves to lower the overall cost of the product, as chicory is less expensive than coffee beans. While many consumers prefer this blend for its unique flavour profile and affordability, the issue arises when buyers are not fully aware of the ratio, or even the presence, of chicory in the product they are buying.
The Problem with ‘Similar-Looking Packs’
The FSSAI’s directive specifically targets a long-standing issue in the market: the use of similar branding and packaging for both pure coffee and coffee-chicory blends. Often, a brand will use nearly identical colours, logos, and designs for its different coffee products. This makes it easy for a hurried shopper to pick up a coffee-chicory blend while intending to buy pure coffee. Without prominent and clear differentiation on the front of the pack, the more subtle declaration on the back or in the ingredients list is often overlooked. This new rule forces brands to be upfront, preventing consumers from being misled by familiar-looking packaging.
The Challenge of Small Packs
The headline's mention of "small packs" is crucial. This refers to sachets and small packets that are ubiquitous in India, catering to millions of consumers. The problem is that the limited surface area on these packs makes detailed labelling a challenge. Following industry feedback on the difficulty of fitting the previously mandated rectangular box declaration on tiny packs, FSSAI has provided a simpler option. A recent clarification states that for smaller packs, a straightforward declaration like "COFFEE… %, CHICORY… %" in a minimum font size is acceptable. This ensures that even on the smallest of products, where purchase decisions are often made in seconds, consumers get the vital information they need to make an informed choice.
What Does This Mean for You?
For consumers, this is a clear win for transparency. It empowers you to know precisely what you're paying for. When you're at the store, you no longer need to hunt for the fine print. The front of the pack will tell you the story. You can easily differentiate between 100% coffee and a blend, and among blends, you can choose the one with the coffee-to-chicory ratio you prefer. It encourages a more mindful purchasing habit, pushing consumers to look beyond the brand and focus on the contents. This directive is part of FSSAI's broader push to make food labels more honest and useful, ensuring that a regulatory mark is a sign of compliance, not a misleading marketing tool.
