What is Chicory, Anyway?
Chicory is a plant with bright blue flowers, but its magic lies in its root. For centuries, this root has been roasted, ground, and used as a beverage. It has a flavour profile often described as slightly earthy, nutty, and woody. Historically, it gained
popularity in 1800s France during a coffee shortage, used to stretch expensive coffee supplies. This practice spread globally, including to India, where it became a staple, especially in the southern states. Crucially, chicory is naturally caffeine-free, making it an ideal blending agent for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake without sacrificing a robust taste.
The South Indian Filter Coffee Tradition
In India, particularly in the south, chicory is not seen as a mere adulterant but as an essential component of traditional filter coffee. Brands often create blends containing anywhere from 15% to nearly 49% chicory. Why? Chicory adds body, creates a thicker decoction, and imparts a distinct caramel-like sweetness and a darker colour that many coffee lovers cherish. It also makes the final product more economical, as chicory is significantly cheaper than pure coffee beans. This blend of taste, tradition, and cost-effectiveness has made chicory-mixed coffee a household preference for generations.
FSSAI Steps In: What’s Changing?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated a major change in how these coffee-chicory blends are presented to consumers. According to new regulations effective from July 1, 2026, manufacturers must prominently display the exact percentage of both coffee and chicory on the front of the package. This applies to both 'Coffee Blended with Chicory' and 'Instant Coffee-Chicory Mixture' products. The rule is an amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, aimed at enhancing transparency and preventing misleading marketing where blends might be mistaken for pure coffee.
Empowering the Consumer
This move is all about informed choice. For years, while regulations stipulated that coffee-chicory mixtures must contain at least 51% coffee, the exact ratio was often not clearly stated, or was hidden in the fine print. Consumers who preferred pure coffee had to be vigilant, and those who enjoyed a particular blend had no easy way to compare products. With the new front-of-pack declaration, you can tell at a glance whether you’re holding a pack that’s 85% coffee and 15% chicory, or one that’s closer to a 51/49 split. This allows you to choose based on your preference for taste, strength, and price.
Health, Taste, and Your Wallet
Beyond taste, chicory has its own set of characteristics. It's a rich source of inulin, a prebiotic fibre that can support gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Some studies suggest it can aid digestion and improve bowel function. However, for some people, the high fibre content can cause digestive issues like gas or bloating. The new FSSAI rule allows consumers to manage this by choosing blends with lower chicory content if they wish. Economically, a higher chicory content generally means a lower price point. Now, you can consciously decide on the trade-off between the percentage of pure coffee and the cost of the product.
