What's the New Rule?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has updated its labelling requirements for coffee-chicory mixtures. The core of the new directive is simple: any packaged coffee blend containing chicory must now clearly state the percentage of both
coffee and chicory on the front of the package. The declaration must be on the Principal Display Panel (PDP), making it easy for shoppers to see the product's composition at a glance. For example, a label will now have to read “COFFEE… %, CHICORY… %”. This move aims to standardize labelling across the industry and prevent any confusion between pure coffee and blended varieties. The new rules also specify minimum font sizes for this declaration to ensure readability on both small and large packs.
A Shift from the Original Plan
This updated directive is actually a modification of a stricter rule proposed earlier. An initial notification from August 2025 would have required manufacturers to place the blend information inside a mandatory box on the front of the pack. However, industry stakeholders raised concerns, arguing that this boxed format was difficult to implement, especially on smaller packages where space is limited. Acknowledging these practical challenges, the FSSAI put the original notification on hold. This new, more flexible approach allows for a simpler text-based declaration, giving manufacturers a clearer path to compliance while still achieving the primary goal of consumer transparency. The deadline for full implementation has also been extended to July 1, 2027, giving companies ample time to update their packaging.
Why Is Chicory in Coffee Anyway?
For many, especially in South India, the taste of chicory is an integral part of their daily filter coffee. Chicory is a plant whose root, when roasted and ground, serves as a coffee additive or substitute. It’s naturally caffeine-free and is often used to enhance the colour, add a touch of bitterness, and create a thicker decoction. From a commercial standpoint, it also helps reduce the overall cost of the final product. Under FSSAI regulations, any product labelled as a “coffee-chicory mixture” must contain at least 51% coffee, ensuring coffee remains the main ingredient. The new labelling rules don't change this, but they do make the exact ratio of the blend visible to everyone.
What This Means for Your Next Grocery Run
This change is all about empowering you, the consumer. For years, the exact percentage of chicory in a coffee blend might have been hard to find, often buried in the fine print of the ingredients list. With the percentage prominently displayed on the front, you can now make a more informed choice based on your taste preference and budget. Do you prefer a stronger, more bitter brew with a higher chicory content, or a smoother taste with just a hint of it? The new labels will allow you to compare different brands and blends accurately. It standardizes the information, so you know exactly what you're buying, regardless of the brand.
The Road to Compliance
For coffee manufacturers, importers, and packagers, the new directive means a transition period of redesigning labels and updating packaging. The extension of the deadline to July 2027 provides a realistic timeframe to exhaust old inventory and roll out new packaging without causing major business disruption. While it requires an operational adjustment, the move is seen as a positive step towards fair competition and alignment with FSSAI's broader push for greater transparency in the packaged food industry. This reflects a pattern where the regulator is willing to work with the industry to fine-tune rules in response to practical feedback, without compromising on the core principle of consumer awareness.
