If you have ever wondered why South Indian coffee tastes different from the instant coffee you get in Delhi or Mumbai — the answer is almost always chicory. That deep, slightly bitter, woody edge in your morning kaapi? That is chicory doing its job.
But what exactly is chicory, where does it come from, and should you be drinking it? Here is everything you need to know.
What is chicory?
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a flowering plant whose roots are roasted, ground, and blended with coffee. The root is rich in a fibre called inulin, which gives chicory its distinctive slightly sweet, slightly bitter, woody flavour. When roasted, it develops a deep, dark caramel-like character that blends beautifully with coffee — intensifying the colour, deepening the body, and extending the finish of the cup.
Chicory contains no caffeine. This means a coffee-chicory blend gives you a fuller-tasting, darker cup with slightly less caffeine than 100% pure coffee of the same strength.
Why do South Indians add chicory to coffee?
The tradition of blending chicory with coffee in South India dates back to the colonial era, when coffee was expensive and chicory was an affordable, locally available way to stretch the blend further. Over generations, the taste became part of the culture — and today, most South Indian coffee drinkers actively prefer the chicory flavour over pure coffee.
The ideal South Indian filter coffee blend typically uses a 60:40 or 80:20 coffee-to-chicory ratio. Continental Malgudi's 80/20 blend uses 80% coffee and 20% chicory — enough chicory to give the decoction its characteristic deep colour and bold edge, while letting the coffee's own flavour dominate. The 53/47 blend goes bolder — more chicory for those who want a stronger, more traditional bitter decoction.
For instant coffee drinkers, Continental Xtra uses a 70:30 coffee-to-chicory ratio — which is exactly why it tastes bolder and more intense than pure instant coffees like Continental Speciale. The chicory gives Xtra its distinctive chunky granule character and deep roasted edge.
Is chicory good for you?
Yes — chicory has several genuine health benefits backed by research:
- Rich in inulin — a prebiotic fibre that feeds good gut bacteria and supports digestive health
- Lower caffeine — chicory-blended coffees give you a gentler caffeine hit, making them easier on the stomach
- Anti-inflammatory properties — chicory root contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation
- Liver support — traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support liver function
- Blood sugar regulation — inulin may help slow glucose absorption
That said, chicory is not suitable for everyone. People with ragweed allergies may react to it, and pregnant women are generally advised to avoid large amounts.
Chicory vs pure coffee — which should you choose?
If you drink your coffee black, a pure coffee like Continental Speciale or Continental Freeze Dried will give you a cleaner, more complex flavour with brighter acidity and natural sweetness.
If you drink your coffee with milk — which most South Indians do — chicory-blended coffees like Continental Xtra or Continental Malgudi produce a much bolder, darker cup that holds its own against milk and sugar.
How much chicory is in Continental Coffee?
| Product | Coffee | Chicory | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continental Xtra | 70% | 30% | Bold morning coffee with milk |
| Malgudi 80/20 | 80% | 20% | Authentic South Indian filter coffee |
| Malgudi 53/47 | 53% | 47% | Strong traditional decoction |
| Continental Speciale | 100% | 0% | Pure coffee, black or light milk |
| Continental Freeze Dried | 100% | 0% | Premium black coffee, full aroma |
The bottom line
Chicory is not a cheap filler — it is a flavour ingredient with a 200-year history in South Indian coffee culture. Whether you prefer the bold character of Continental Xtra, the authentic decoction of Continental Malgudi, or the pure clean taste of Continental Speciale — the best coffee is simply the one that makes your morning feel right.
Also read: How to Make the Perfect South Indian Filter Coffee at Home | Best Instant Coffee in India — A Buyer's Guide | What is Freeze-Dried Coffee and Why Does it Taste Better?
