The New Rule on Your Coffee Jar
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated a significant change in how coffee-chicory mixtures are labelled. Under the updated regulations, manufacturers must now prominently declare the exact percentage of both coffee and chicory on the front
of the package. So, instead of a vague mention of a blend, you will see a clear declaration, such as “Coffee 70%, Chicory 30%”. This directive, initially announced in 2025, has undergone some revisions after industry feedback. The enforcement timeline was extended to July 1, 2027, to give companies adequate time to update their packaging and comply with the simplified text-based declaration.
Why This Transparency Was Needed
Previously, the rules were less specific. While brands had to state that a product was a coffee-chicory mixture, they were not required to display the precise ratio on the front of the pack. Regulations did require that any product labelled a "coffee-chicory mixture" must contain at least 51% coffee, but beyond that, the consumer was largely in the dark. This ambiguity meant that two different brands could have vastly different compositions while appearing similar on the shelf. The new rule aims to empower consumers, allowing them to know exactly what they are buying and to make choices based on clear, factual information rather than guesswork. This move is part of a broader push by FSSAI for greater transparency in food labelling across various products.
Coffee vs. Chicory: What's the Difference?
Understanding the new label is only half the story; it’s also important to know why the ratio matters. Chicory is a plant root that, when roasted and ground, has a flavour profile that resembles coffee but is naturally caffeine-free. It has been used as a coffee additive or substitute for centuries, often to reduce costs or stretch supplies, a practice that became popular in India historically. Chicory imparts a slightly different taste—often described as more roasted, less acidic, and sometimes with a caramel-like sweetness—and creates a thicker, fuller-bodied brew. Many people, especially in South India, have a strong preference for the traditional flavour of chicory-blended coffee. However, chicory is significantly cheaper than coffee beans. A higher chicory content, therefore, affects the product's final cost, caffeine level, and taste profile.
How to Be a Smarter Coffee Shopper
With this new rule, you, the consumer, are in the driver's seat. When you pick up a pack of blended coffee after the rule is in full effect, your choice is no longer a blind one. If you're looking for a stronger caffeine kick and the pure taste of coffee, you'll want to look for a blend with a higher coffee percentage, such as 80% or 90%. If you prefer the traditional, milder, and more full-bodied flavour of South Indian filter coffee, or are looking for a more budget-friendly option, a blend with a higher chicory content (like 30% or 40%) might be your preference. This transparency allows you to align your purchase with your priorities, whether they are taste, caffeine strength, or price. The power to compare products meaningfully is now, quite literally, in your hands.
