The New Rule on Display
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated a significant change for all packaged coffee that isn't 100% pure coffee. For any product sold as a coffee-chicory mixture, manufacturers must now declare the exact percentage of both
coffee and chicory on the front of the package. This means no more searching through the fine print on the back. The simplified declaration will look straightforward: "COFFEE … %, CHICORY … %". While initially planned for July 2026, the mandatory enforcement date has been extended to July 1, 2027, giving companies more time to comply. This extension was granted after industry stakeholders pointed out practical difficulties in fitting the required information on smaller packages.
Why Chicory in Coffee?
The practice of blending coffee with chicory root is a long-standing tradition, particularly in South India. Historically, chicory was added during times of coffee scarcity, such as during the American Civil War, to stretch supplies. Chicory is the roasted and ground root of a plant from the Asteraceae family. It is naturally caffeine-free and has a flavour profile often described as earthy and nutty. When blended with coffee, it can create a fuller body, enhance the aroma, and balance bitterness, resulting in the darker, thicker decoction favoured in traditional filter coffee. It also makes the final product more economical, as chicory is less expensive than coffee beans.
Empowering the Consumer
The primary goal of this FSSAI directive is to enhance transparency and help consumers make informed choices. Many buyers may not be aware of the extent of chicory in their coffee. Legally, a 'coffee-chicory mixture' in India must contain at least 51% coffee by mass, meaning chicory can make up as much as 49% of the blend. This wide range can significantly impact the taste, caffeine content, and price of the final product. A blend with 10-20% chicory will taste very different from one with over 40% chicory, where the coffee flavour becomes less dominant. With the new front-of-pack labels, you can easily see if you're buying a product that is mostly coffee with a hint of chicory for body, or a blend that uses a significant amount of chicory as a filler.
A Clearer Picture for Buyers
Previously, while the presence of chicory had to be mentioned, the exact percentages weren't always displayed prominently, leaving it up to the consumer to decipher the ingredients list. The new rule standardises this information, making direct comparisons between brands much easier. This puts the focus squarely on the composition of the blend. Are you paying a premium for a product that is nearly half chicory? Does your preferred brand offer a blend that aligns with your taste for a strong coffee flavour or a more traditional, milder chicory-infused brew? By mandating this simple declaration, the FSSAI is ensuring that the label on the front accurately reflects the contents inside the pack, preventing potentially misleading marketing and allowing you to buy exactly the kind of coffee you want to drink.
