The Classic Blend: A Taste of Tradition
For many Indians, especially in the south, the quintessential cup of filter coffee isn't just about coffee beans. It features a key partner: chicory. This roasted and ground root of the Cichorium intybus plant has been part of India's coffee culture for
generations. Historically, it was introduced as a cost-effective way to extend expensive coffee supplies, a practice that originated in Europe and was popularised in India. Over time, what began as a practical measure evolved into a preference. Many coffee drinkers came to love the distinct, slightly bitter, and earthy flavour chicory adds. It also gives the brew a thicker body and a darker colour, characteristics that define the traditional South Indian filter 'kaapi'. Today, the ratio of coffee to chicory is a matter of personal and regional taste, with blends ranging from a hint of chicory (10%) to a much more significant portion (up to 40%).
The Problem with Previous Labels
While chicory is a beloved part of the coffee experience for many, a lack of clear labelling has been a long-standing issue. Previously, manufacturers were required to mention the presence of chicory, but this information was often tucked away in the fine print on the back of the package. Consumers had no easy way of knowing the exact percentage of chicory in their blend. This meant you could be buying a product that was 90% coffee and 10% chicory, or one that was closer to a 51% coffee and 49% chicory mix—the minimum coffee content allowed in a blend. This ambiguity made it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions based on taste preference or budget, as they couldn't be sure of the exact composition they were paying for.
FSSAI's New Rule for Transparency
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has stepped in to address this lack of clarity. Under a new directive, manufacturers of coffee-chicory mixtures must now declare the exact percentage of both coffee and chicory on the front of the package. This rule, part of the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) First Amendment Regulations, makes the information unmissable. The declaration will appear in a simple format, such as "COFFEE… %, CHICORY… %". This applies to both regular coffee-chicory blends and instant coffee-chicory mixtures. The regulator has also specified minimum font sizes for this declaration to ensure readability on packs of all sizes.
A Smoother Transition for Industry
The initial regulation, issued in August 2025, mandated this information be displayed inside a prominent box on the front of the pack. However, industry stakeholders raised practical concerns, especially regarding the difficulty of fitting this box on smaller packages. In response, FSSAI has shown flexibility. The regulator has temporarily relaxed the 'box' requirement, allowing for a simpler text-based declaration for now. To give manufacturers adequate time to redesign packaging and manage existing stock, the final compliance deadline for these new rules has been extended to July 1, 2027.
How to Be a Smarter Coffee Shopper
This new regulation is a significant win for consumer rights. For the first time, you will have a clear, at-a-glance understanding of what you are buying. When you're next shopping for coffee, look at the front of the pack. A higher coffee percentage (e.g., 80-90%) will typically mean a purer coffee flavour and likely a higher price. A blend with a higher chicory content (e.g., 30-40%) will deliver that traditional, stronger, and more bitter taste at a more economical price point. This transparency allows you to compare brands effectively and choose the blend that perfectly matches your taste preference and budget. Whether you're a purist who wants as little chicory as possible or someone who loves a robust 70:30 blend, the power to choose is now clearly in your hands.
