Why Chicory Is Added to Coffee: A Coffee Lover’s Simple Answer

Hi friends! I’m a 25-year-old coffee lover from Karnataka, and like most South Indians, coffee is not just a drink for me — it’s an emotion. I grew up in a house where the smell of filter coffee filled the air every morning. But one thing always confused me — why is chicory added to coffee?

If you’re wondering the same thing, don’t worry! In this blog, I’ll share everything I know — in simple words — about (why chicory is added to coffee, ) how it changes the taste, and why it’s so popular in our homes.

 First Things First: What Is Chicory?

Chicory is a root — yes, a plant root — that is roasted and ground, just like coffee beans. It’s not coffee, but it blends very well with it.

In South India, especially in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, most people drink a mix of coffee and chicory — usually in a **70:30 or 60:40 ratio** (coffee\:chicory). But why?

Why Chicory Is Added to Coffee?

Here’s the simple truth:

1. To Make Coffee Thicker and Stronger in Taste:

   Chicory gives coffee a strong, bold flavor and makes the decoction thicker. If you’ve had traditional South Indian filter coffee, that rich, deep taste comes partly from chicory.

2. To Make It More Affordable:

   Pure coffee powder is expensive. Chicory is cheaper, so mixing it brings down the cost without losing taste. It’s a smart way to enjoy great coffee on a budget.

3. To Reduce Caffeine:

   Chicory has no caffeine, so adding it makes your cup a little healthier if you're trying to cut back.

 Some People Misunderstand Chicory

I remember once my cousin from Bangalore said, “Hey bro, this coffee is not original! It has chicory!”

I laughed and told him — “Anna, that’s not fake. It’s our style.”

Many people think chicory means "low quality".  That’s not true. Chicory is not an adulterant — it’s an ingredient added "on purpose" for taste and texture. It’s a traditional blend that gives our filter coffee its unique flavor.

Chicory vs Pure Coffee — What’s the Difference?

Coffee with Chicory:

• Taste: Strong, earthy, bold

• Thickness: Thick decoction

• Caffeine: Less

• Price: More affordable

Pure Coffee:

• Taste: Mild, pure coffee flavor

• Thickness: Light decoction

• Caffeine: More

• Price: Costlier

Some people like pure coffee, and that’s okay! But if you enjoy that strong South Indian taste — a mix is what you want.

❋ My Personal Blend

At my home, we use 80% coffee + 20% chicory. My mom says that’s the “perfect balance.” I agree — the taste, aroma, and thickness make every sip feel like a hug from home.

 Final Words: Enjoy Coffee Your Way

So, next time someone asks “Why is chicory added to coffee?”, you can say:

“Because it makes the coffee thicker, stronger, more affordable, and uniquely South Indian!”

There’s no right or wrong blend — it’s all about what you enjoy. Try both and see what your taste buds say.

 Want to Try Premium Coffee with Chicory?

If you’re looking for that perfect South Indian blend, try our Donigal coffee  80:20 blend — made with love and balanced with just the right amount of chicory.

you can buy our authentic 80:20 blend filter coffee from our website donigal coffee

here is a detail blog about how to make filter coffee at home