Specialty Coffee vs Chicory Coffee: What's the Difference?

Coffee lovers often come across terms like Specialty Coffee and Chicory Coffee, but many people don't know what makes them different. While both are popular, they offer completely different taste, quality, and coffee experiences.

If you're planning to buy premium coffee, understanding this difference will help you make the right choice.

What is Specialty Coffee?

Specialty coffee is coffee made from carefully selected, high-quality beans grown under ideal conditions and processed with great attention to detail.

These beans are evaluated for flavour, aroma, sweetness, acidity, and overall quality. Coffee that scores 80 points or above on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) grading scale is considered specialty coffee.

Most specialty coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans, known for their smooth taste and complex flavour profile.

Why Coffee Lovers Prefer Specialty Coffee

Specialty coffee is popular because it offers:

• Rich aroma
• Smooth and balanced taste
• Freshly roasted beans
• Better traceability
• Premium quality
• Consistent flavour

Every cup highlights the natural characteristics of the coffee bean rather than masking them.

What is Chicory Coffee?

Chicory is not a coffee bean. It is the roasted root of the chicory plant, which is dried, roasted, and ground.

It has a roasted, slightly woody and nutty flavour that resembles coffee, which is why it is often blended with coffee in some regions.

Since chicory naturally contains no caffeine, it is sometimes used as a coffee substitute or mixed with coffee to create a different flavour profile.

Why is Chicory Mixed with Coffee?

Chicory has been used in coffee for many years because it:

• Adds body to the beverage
• Gives a darker colour
• Creates a slightly earthy taste
• Makes traditional filter coffee richer

Many South Indian filter coffee blends contain a percentage of chicory to achieve their signature flavour.

However, many coffee enthusiasts prefer 100% coffee without chicory to enjoy the bean's original taste.

Specialty Coffee vs Chicory Coffee

How to Identify Chicory in Coffee

If you're unsure whether your coffee contains chicory, check the packaging carefully.

Most brands clearly mention:

• 100% Coffee
• Coffee & Chicory Blend
• Percentage of Chicory

Choosing products with transparent labelling helps you know exactly what you're drinking.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Specialty Coffee if you prefer:

• Rich coffee aroma
• Smooth flavour
• Premium-quality beans
• Freshly roasted coffee
• Café-style coffee at home

Choose Coffee with Chicory if you enjoy:

• Traditional South Indian filter coffee
• A stronger, earthier taste
• Lower coffee content in the blend

Neither option is universally "better"—it depends on the flavour profile you enjoy.

Why Choose Chariot Coffee?

At Chariot Coffee, we believe great coffee starts with premium-quality beans.

Our carefully roasted coffee is crafted to deliver:

• Rich aroma
• Smooth flavour
• Fresh roasting
• Premium Arabica coffee
• Café-style experience at home

Whether you enjoy Coffee Beans, Instant Coffee, or Pour Over Coffee, Chariot Coffee offers a premium coffee experience for every coffee lover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chicory coffee real coffee?

Chicory itself is not coffee. It is a roasted root often blended with coffee or used as a coffee substitute.

Does specialty coffee contain chicory?

Specialty coffee is generally made from high-quality coffee beans without chicory.

Is chicory caffeine-free?

Yes. Chicory root naturally contains no caffeine.

Which coffee is better for black coffee?

Most coffee lovers prefer specialty coffee for black coffee because it offers a cleaner and more balanced flavour.

How can I check if my coffee contains chicory?

Read the ingredient list on the packaging. It will usually mention whether the product is 100% coffee or a coffee and chicory blend.

Final Thoughts

Both specialty coffee and chicory coffee have their own place in the coffee world. If you enjoy the authentic flavour, aroma, and quality of premium coffee beans, specialty coffee is an excellent choice. If you prefer the traditional taste of South Indian filter coffee, a coffee and chicory blend may suit your palate.

Explore the premium coffee collection from Chariot Coffee and enjoy every cup with confidence. ☕