What Is in Chicory Coffee? A Full Breakdown

Chicory looks nothing like coffee and somehow tastes like it belongs in the same cup. At Primo Caffe, we get asked what is in chicory coffee more than you'd expect for a plant most people walk past without noticing. Here's what it is, and whether it's worth trying.

Key Takeaways

• It's a root, not a bean: chicory coffee comes from the roasted root of the chicory plant, not coffee at all.

• Naturally caffeine-free: you get an earthy, coffee-like flavour without any of the stimulant.

• Works alone or blended: chicory can be brewed on its own or mixed into your regular grounds.

What is chicory?

Chicory is a hardy perennial plant, a relative of the dandelion, recognisable by its blue flowers. It grows wild in parts of Australia and across Europe.

The root is what goes into your cup. Once harvested, it's washed, roasted and ground, a process that develops the deep, earthy flavour it's known for.

Chicory's link to coffee goes back to 19th century France, where it was used to stretch a limited coffee supply. The practice crossed the Atlantic and took hold in New Orleans during the Civil War, when naval blockades cut the city off from its usual coffee imports. It's stayed part of the city's coffee culture ever since, most famously at Café du Monde.

What is in chicory coffee?

Roasted chicory root itself, and nothing from the coffee plant at all. The flavour comes from the same roasting reaction that gives coffee its aroma, caramelisation of the plant's natural sugars, which is why the two taste similar despite coming from completely different plants.

Chicory also contains inulin, a prebiotic fibre, along with small amounts of protein and antioxidants carried over from the root itself.

What does chicory coffee taste like?

Earthy and nutty, often with a hint of caramel and a mild bitterness. It's close enough to coffee that it works as a stand-in, but distinct enough that you'll notice the difference on the first sip.

Chicory vs coffee at a glance

Nicolas' Verdict: chicory on its own is an acquired taste. Blended into a bold, dark roast, it adds depth without fighting the coffee for attention.

Is chicory coffee good for you?

It's naturally caffeine-free, which makes it a reasonable option if you're cutting back or drinking coffee later in the day. If caffeine timing is something you think about often, our guide to decaf coffee benefits covers a related option worth comparing against.

The inulin it carries is also linked to gut health and more stable blood sugar, though it's worth introducing gradually since a sudden increase in fibre can cause digestive discomfort for some people. Chicory is also naturally low in acidity compared to coffee, which some people find gentler on a sensitive stomach.

How do you brew chicory coffee?

Treat it like ground coffee. Use around one teaspoon per cup if brewing it alone, or mix it at roughly one part chicory to three or four parts coffee grounds if you want it as an addition rather than a replacement. A French press or drip method both work well.

Because chicory doesn't behave exactly like coffee grounds, expect a slightly different mouthfeel even at the same brew ratio. It tends to produce a fuller-bodied cup with less of the bright acidity you'd get from a washed Arabica, which is part of why it pairs so naturally with a bolder, darker blend.

FAQs about chicory coffee

Why do people put chicory in coffee?

Historically it stretched a limited coffee supply during shortages. Today it's more often chosen for the flavour itself, or as a way to cut caffeine without giving up the ritual.

Does chicory coffee have any caffeine at all?

No. Chicory root contains none, which is the main reason people reach for it as a substitute rather than a supplement.

Will chicory make my coffee taste stronger?

It adds body and a deeper, earthier note, but it won't add strength in the caffeine sense. Any perceived intensity comes from flavour, not stimulant content.

Can I drink chicory coffee every day?

Yes, and unlike coffee, there's no caffeine tolerance building up or wearing off, so timing it around your day matters far less.

Is chicory coffee the same as decaf coffee?

No. Decaf starts as real coffee beans with the caffeine removed. Chicory never contained caffeine to begin with, since it isn't coffee at all.

Try it in your next cup

Chicory blends particularly well with a bold, dark roast that can stand up to its earthy character. Our Forte blend is a strong match if you want to experiment with a chicory mix at home.

Chicory isn't trying to replace coffee. It's its own thing, with just enough overlap to make a genuinely interesting addition to your rotation.

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!

• Ultimate Guide to Coffee Beans
• Is Coffee Acidic?
• Arabica Coffee v Robusta Coffee
• How To Store Coffee Beans
• What Are the Best Coffee Beans for Strong Coffee?
• What Is Single Origin Coffee?

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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.