What Is Chicory Coffee? Specialty Coffee Basics

If you’ve ever sipped a dark brew that tasted like coffee—but wasn’t—you might have had chicory. For centuries, when coffee was hard to get or far too costly, people turned to chicory as a stand-in. But what exactly is chicory coffee, why was it used, and how does it actually compare to real coffee? Let’s break down the roots of this common substitution.

Chicory coffee is made from the roasted and ground root of the chicory plant. It contains no caffeine, has a bold roasted flavor, and is often blended with coffee—sometimes up to 30%—to reduce caffeine content while adding depth. It’s been used as a coffee substitute since the 1700s, especially in times of scarcity.

What Is Chicory?

Chicory is a perennial plant native to Europe that was introduced to North America around the 1700s. While its fresh young leaves can be eaten raw in salads, the older leaves are bitter and typically boiled before eating. But the part of the plant most relevant to coffee drinkers is the root.

The chicory root is long, thick, and similar in shape to a dandelion taproot. When dried, roasted, and ground, it closely mimics the color and roasted aroma of coffee. This roasted chicory root became a widely accepted coffee alternative.

Why Was Chicory Used as a Coffee Substitute?

Historically, coffee was not always as accessible or affordable as it is today. During periods of shortage or economic difficulty, many people—especially in Europe and North America—used chicory as a substitute. Roasted chicory provided a similar dark color, strong aroma, and bold taste, making it an effective stand-in in brewed beverages.

Since chicory contains no caffeine, blending it with coffee allowed drinkers to reduce their caffeine intake without sacrificing the ritual or flavor profile of a traditional coffee experience.

How Chicory Compares to Coffee

Unlike coffee, chicory has no caffeine. Its flavor is distinctly roasted and earthy, often described as slightly nutty or woody. When roasted, chicory undergoes a Maillard reaction that develops deep caramelized and chocolatey notes, much like dark-roast coffee.

Because of these characteristics, many roasters and drinkers began blending ground chicory with ground coffee. Some blends included as much as 30% chicory to lower caffeine levels while enhancing the body and bitterness of the cup.

Modern Uses of Chicory in Coffee

Today, chicory is still used both as a standalone beverage and as a blend component. In some regions, particularly New Orleans, chicory coffee remains a cultural staple. It’s also valued by those seeking a caffeine-free option that still delivers a robust, roasted brew experience.

Coffee professionals may use chicory to adjust flavor profiles or create lower-caffeine offerings without compromising on body or roast character.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chicory coffee made from?

Chicory coffee is made from the root of the chicory plant, which is dried, roasted, and ground. It is not made from coffee beans, but it resembles coffee in color and flavor when brewed.

Does chicory coffee contain caffeine?

No, chicory coffee contains no caffeine. It is made from the roasted root of the chicory plant, which is naturally caffeine-free.

How much chicory is typically mixed with coffee?

Some coffee blends include up to 30% chicory. This reduces the overall caffeine content while adding roasted flavor and body to the cup.

Why was chicory used historically instead of coffee?

Chicory was used as a coffee substitute when coffee was scarce, expensive, or unavailable. It provided a similar flavor and brewing experience without the caffeine or cost.

What does chicory coffee taste like?

Chicory coffee has a strong, roasted, and earthy flavor, often with nutty or woody notes. It lacks the acidity and fruitiness of coffee but offers a bold, dark brew taste.

Is chicory coffee still popular today?

Yes, chicory coffee remains popular in certain regions like New Orleans and among those seeking caffeine-free alternatives with a rich, roasted flavor.

Recommended FrontStreet Blends for Chicory-Lovers

For coffee drinkers curious about chicory’s roasted depth, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Black Cocoa Blend, which highlights bold chocolate and caramel tones with a full body—similar to the roasted profile of chicory. The Commercial Blend also offers a strong, smooth foundation ideal for blending, with notes of nuts and dark roast. Both are medium to dark roasts, delivering the kind of body and bitterness that pairs well with chicory’s earthy notes. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.