July 10, 2025 Nicolas Di Stefano

What Is Chicory Coffee?

Key Takeaways:

Rich Flavour & Caffeine-Free: Roasted chicory root offers earthy, nutty flavours, perfect as a standalone drink or blended with coffee.
Health Benefits: Rich in prebiotic inulin, chicory supports gut health, may aid blood sugar control, and reduce inflammation.
Easy to Brew: Learn how to brew at home, either alone or mixed with coffee, to create your ideal strength and flavour.

Ready to add a fresh new flavour to your home brewing? Chicory coffee is your answer! Crafted from roasted chicory root, this beverage delivers rich, earthy notes that are wonderfully complex and entirely caffeine-free.

Find out why this timeless drink is celebrated for its unique taste and impressive health benefits. Read on to learn what chicory is, how to brew it like a pro, and what chicory tastes like, so you can decide if it's your next favourite brew.

What Is Chicory?

So, what is chicory? This hardy, herbaceous perennial plant (Cichorium intybus) is a relative of the dandelion, often recognised by its vibrant, sky-blue flowers that can be found growing across Australia.

After harvesting, the chicory root undergoes this preparation process:

Cleaning & Drying: Roots are thoroughly washed and dried.
Roasting: This transforms the chicory root, developing its characteristic deep, earthy aroma and flavour, much like coffee beans.
Grinding: The roasted chicory root is then ground into a powder, ready for brewing.

While reminiscent of coffee, chicory root has a unique flavour profile with beautiful woody and nutty notes, often with hints of caramel or a pleasant bitterness.

The History of Chicory Coffee

Chicory coffee's tale weaves through the fabric of European and New Orleans history. In times of coffee scarcity, particularly during the Civil War and the Great Depression, chicory served as an affordable substitute. Its bitter and robust flavour profile closely matched that of coffee, making it a practical and popular stand-in during times when coffee was a scarce commodity.

Cultural Significance

Chicory coffee's cultural significance shines brightest in New Orleans, where it's a staple in the legendary Café du Monde and a key player in many local traditions and festivals. It represents a history of resilience and resourcefulness, a reminder of how culture can adapt and thrive even through hardship.

Chicory Coffee in Culinary Uses

Beyond drinking, chicory coffee essence is also a culinary chameleon. Its robust flavour makes it an excellent addition to stews, marinades, and baked goods. Incorporating chicory root coffee into a chocolate cake or brownie recipe, for example, can deepen the chocolate flavour and add a mysterious note that will leave everyone begging for the recipe.

How to Brew Chicory Coffee

Ready to brew chicory coffee at home? Whether starting with raw chicory root or blending with your favourite coffee grounds, it's a straightforward process.

Here's your simple guide to crafting the perfect cup:

Prepare Chicory Root (if fresh): Wash, dry, and cut fresh chicory roots into small pieces. Bake at 93–150°C until golden-dark brown and brittle (30 mins – 1.5 hrs), releasing a malty, coffee-like aroma.
Grind Roasted Chicory: Use a burr or manual grinder to achieve a coffee-like consistency.
Mix with Coffee (Optional): Chicory can be brewed alone or blended. For a popular balance, use two-thirds regular coffee to one-third chicory. How much chicory to add to coffee depends on your preference: more chicory for less caffeine, less for a milder flavour.
Brew Your Chicory Coffee: Add about 1 teaspoon of ground chicory root (or your blend) per cup of water to a French press or drip coffee maker. Pour boiling water over grounds and steep for 5-10 minutes.
Serve & Enjoy: Pour into a cup. Add milk, honey, or sugar as desired to enhance sweetness and balance bitterness.

For authentic New Orleans-style chicory coffee, we recommend mixing with our dark roast coffee for that classic earthy flavour.

Health Benefits of Chicory Coffee

Beyond great taste, chicory coffee is packed with manganese, B6, potassium, vitamin C, folate, and phosphorus. Here's how chicory coffee benefits your health:

Naturally Caffeine-Free: A big chicory benefit! Enjoy that rich, coffee-like flavour without the jitter. It’s perfect for evenings or if you're cutting back.
Supports Gut Health: Chicory root is packed with inulin, a prebiotic fibre that feeds good gut bacteria and supports smooth digestion.
May Calm Inflammation: The root contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially helping your body reduce inflammation.
Stable Blood Sugar: Inulin in chicory root can help your body manage carbs better, potentially keeping blood sugar levels balanced.
Aids Feeling Full: High in fibre, chicory can help you feel satisfied longer, which might give your weight goals a nice boost.

Ready to Brew? Start Your Chicory Coffee Journey with Primo Caffe

Chicory coffee isn't just a drink, it's a fascinating blend of flavour, history, and surprising health benefits. If you're curious about exploring chicory coffee, benefits to your wellbeing and getting more creative with your brewing, this remarkable root is the perfect solution.

Chicory pairs beautifully with a robust dark roast coffee. Its bold, rich notes perfectly complement chicory's earthy depth. Explore Primo Caffe's range of premium 1kg coffee beans today, sourced and roasted right here in Australia. Discover your perfect pairing and elevate your brewing with Primo Caffe!

FAQs

Why put chicory in coffee?

Chicory adds a unique flavour to coffee and can extend a limited supply, making it an economical and tasty addition to the brew.

What’s the difference between chicory and coffee?

Chicory, when used in coffee, contributes a woody and slightly nutty flavour profile compared to coffee's naturally bitter taste. It does not contain caffeine, which distinguishes it from coffee.

Will chicory make my coffee stronger?

In terms of flavour, chicory can add depth and strength to the taste of your coffee. However, it doesn't contain caffeine, so it won't make your cup stronger in terms of stimulant effect.

Additional Reading

If you're keen to keep reading up on Primo Caffe's range of content on coffee beans at large, find some quick access links below. Happy reading!

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About the Author

Nicolas Di Stefano is a third-generation Master Roaster and Director of Primo Caffe. With decades of family tradition behind him, Nicolas combines time-honoured Italian roasting techniques with a passion for quality, delivering delicious coffee that Australians expect.

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