FSSAI's big coffee shake-up: Chicory content must be prominently displayed on front of pack from 1 July

New Delhi: How much chicory is in your coffee? If you’re not sure or don’t care, you will get to know starting in July, when the percentage of chicory will be displayed quite prominently on coffee powder packs.India’s apex food regulator wants to ensure that customers are aware of the volume of chicory in their preferred brew, according to two government officials and a document reviewed by Mint.In a major overhaul for beverage labelling, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has finalized a new mandate requiring ‘prominent declarations’ on the front of the pack so that blended coffee is not mistaken for 100% pure coffee. Also, the font sizes of these declarations must be proportionate to the logo dimensions, with a 1 July enforcement date.Chicory is a popular additive that provides a darker colour and an earthy taste to the beverage.

It is naturally caffeine-free and significantly less expensive than high-quality coffee. Most coffee powder brands in India’s $2 billion coffee market, including those from consumer giants Nestlé India and Hindustan Unilever, contain 30% to 35% chicory.The decision was taken at the 48th meeting of the FSSAI in September when it approved the final notification of the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Amendment Regulations, 2025.

The FSSAI has now tasked its science and standards division with implementing these rules.“While regulations allow up to 49% chicory in coffee, the labeling was often hidden on the back of the packaging,” one of the government officials said, requesting anonymity. “Chicory is used to mask coffee's natural bitterness, effectively increasing consumer consumption.