What is the New FSSAI Rule?
The FSSAI has mandated that all packaged coffee-chicory mixtures must now clearly declare the exact percentage of both coffee and chicory on the front of the pack. This rule aims to eliminate confusion and prevent consumers from mistaking a blend for
100% pure coffee. Initially planned for an earlier date, the final implementation has been set for July 1, 2027, to give manufacturers ample time to update their packaging. This move is part of a broader push by the regulator for greater transparency in food labelling across India.
Your Guide to the New Labels
When you pick up a pack of coffee, the new labels will make it simple to see the composition. The front of the package will now feature a straightforward declaration, such as “COFFEE ….. %, CHICORY ….. %”. The FSSAI has even specified minimum font sizes for this declaration to ensure it's easily readable and not hidden in fine print. For a package with a front panel area up to 100 square centimetres, the font must be at least 1 mm high, and for larger packs, it must be at least 2 mm high. This applies to both regular and instant coffee-chicory mixtures.
Why is Chicory in Coffee Anyway?
The practice of blending chicory with coffee has a long history, often born out of necessity during coffee shortages, such as in 19th-century France and during the American Civil War. In India, particularly in the south, it has become a staple. There are a few key reasons for this. Economically, chicory is less expensive than coffee beans, so blending helps manage costs. Flavour-wise, roasted chicory root imparts a distinct woody, nutty, and slightly sweet taste that many consumers enjoy. It adds body and a darker colour to the brew, creating the characteristic strong, rich flavour associated with South Indian filter coffee. Importantly, chicory root is naturally caffeine-free, so a blend will have a lower caffeine content than pure coffee.
Coffee Purity vs. Blended Taste
The primary difference lies in flavour, caffeine content, and cost. Pure coffee, especially from a single origin, offers the unadulterated taste profile of the bean, which can range from fruity and floral to chocolaty and robust. Chicory blends, on the other hand, have a more earthy, sometimes more bitter, and caramelized flavour. Since chicory contains no caffeine, a blend with 30% chicory, for instance, has significantly less caffeine than a pure coffee brew of the same volume. While some coffee purists may look for '100% Coffee' on the label, many others have a genuine preference for the taste and lower cost of a chicory blend. The new FSSAI rule isn't about judging one as better than the other; it's about providing the clarity needed for you to choose based on your own preference and budget.
How This Empowers You
This regulation is a significant win for consumer awareness. Previously, the chicory content might have been mentioned in the ingredients list on the back, but not always in a way that was easy to understand or compare. Now, the front-of-pack declaration empowers you at a glance. You can easily compare a 70/30 blend with a 90/10 blend and decide what works for you. Want a stronger caffeine kick and pure coffee notes? Look for packs with 100% coffee or a very low chicory percentage. Prefer the traditional filter coffee taste and a more economical option? A higher chicory blend might be your ideal choice. This transparency allows you to align your purchase directly with your taste, budget, and desired caffeine level.
