Chicory coffee is a beverage that many people discover in their search for a gentler and naturally caffeine free alternative, one that offers comfort without compromise, only to find that it is accompanied by a remarkably rich and distinguished history. Made from the root of the chicory plant, it has been enjoyed for generations, yet many people in modern days are still not quite sure what it actually is, how it is prepared, or why it has become so popular again today.
In this guide, we’ll break down what chicory really is, how it has turned into a coffee-style drink, and why it has earned a place in so many mugs around the world.
What is Chicory?
Chicory is a plant that grows across Europe and has been part of traditional food and drink culture for many years. It is known for its bright blue flowers and its long taproot, which is the part most commonly used in chicory coffee. The root is harvested, cleaned, dried, and roasted to create a warm, earthy flavour that can be enjoyed on its own or blended with regular coffee.
The plant has been used in different ways throughout history, not only as a drink ingredient but also as a cooking herb and a salad leaf. The version used for chicory coffee comes from the cultivated root, which develops a naturally robust, slightly nutty taste during roasting. Unlike coffee beans, chicory root is first carefully sliced and roasted, before being ground into a coarse powder ready for brewing. This process brings out its warm, roasted character, creating a naturally caffeine free infusion that mirrors the depth of coffee while offering its own distinctive, subtly earthy flavour making it suitable for brewing with a range of methods.
How is Chicory Coffee Made?
Chicory coffee begins with the root of the chicory plant. Once the roots are harvested, they are washed thoroughly to remove soil before being cut into small pieces. These pieces are then dried at a controlled temperature to remove moisture without burning the natural fibres.
After drying, the root pieces are roasted. This roasting stage is what gives chicory its familiar warm and slightly nutty flavour. The longer the roast, the deeper and richer the final taste becomes. When the roots have reached the desired roast level, they are cooled and ground in much the same way as coffee beans.
The ground chicory can then be brewed using a range of methods, including filter machines, cafetieres, moka pots, or simple steeping in hot water. Some people use chicory on its own, while others combine it with regular coffee grounds to create a blended drink. This process results in a beverage that looks similar to coffee and can be prepared in a very similar way.
How Far Back Does Chicory Coffee Date?
Chicory has been used as a plant for food and drink for many centuries, but the use of roasted chicory root as a coffee substitute or coffee blend became well established in Europe during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Records show that roasted chicory root was used in parts of France, the Netherlands, and Germany, particularly during periods when coffee was expensive or difficult to import.
Its popularity increased during times of economic pressure and trade disruption, when communities looked for alternatives that could stretch limited supplies of coffee beans. By the early nineteenth century, chicory coffee had become a recognised product in several European regions, with roasting and grinding methods documented in trade records and household texts of the time.
The tradition continued into the twentieth century and remains part of food culture in certain areas today. Its long history is tied to practicality, local agriculture, and regional taste preferences rather than any specific claimed benefit.
Why Do People Drink Chicory Coffee Today?
People choose chicory coffee for several practical and personal reasons, many of which relate to taste, routine, and preference rather than any specific claimed benefit.
One of the most common reasons is that chicory root does not contain caffeine. When the roasted root is used on its own, the drink provides a coffee-style experience without the stimulant and crash effect that coffee beans naturally contain. This makes it a suitable option for people who are reducing caffeine intake or looking for alternatives that still feel familiar in flavour and preparation.
Chicory coffee remains popular mainly for its flavour, its lack of caffeine, and its role as a familiar daily drink for those who prefer a gentler option.
What Does Chicory Coffee Taste Like?
Chicory coffee is often described as having a flavour that includes nutty and earthy notes, along with a mild caramel character that develops during the roasting process. These qualities come from the chicory root itself and the way it changes when it is dried and roasted.
The exact taste can vary depending on how long the root is roasted, how finely it is ground, and the brewing method used. Some people drink chicory coffee on its own, while others add milk or sweetener to adjust strength and overall flavour.
Many people choose it because it provides a roasted coffee style drink without caffeine, while still offering a recognisable and enjoyable profile.
How to Brew Chicory Coffee at Home
Our expertly ground chicory coffee, Noffee comes in three main formats: ground chicory, pod-based servings, and tea bag infusions. Each one can be brewed at home with very simple steps, depending on what equipment you already use.
Ground Chicory Coffee
Ground chicory can be enjoyed in much the same way as regular coffee, whether you prefer a cafetiere, a filter machine, a moka pot, or any other brewing method. Its naturally rich, roasted character allows you to experiment and tailor each cup to your taste.
We suggest starting with slightly less Noffee than you would normally use for coffee, then adjusting to find the strength and depth you prefer. Add the ground chicory to your chosen method, pour over hot water, allow it to brew, and strain or press as usual.
The beauty of chicory coffee is that it invites creativity. You might try blending it with spices, infusing it with a hint of vanilla, or combining it with milk or plant‑based alternatives to create a drink that is entirely your own.
For those keen to start experimenting, ground chicory can be found here: Ground Noffee
Chicory Coffee Pods
For those who enjoy a quick and consistent brew, pod based chicory is an effortless way to enjoy Noffee. Simply place a pod into your machine, select your preferred size, and allow the machine to extract it just as it would with regular coffee.
While pods offer convenience, they also invite creativity. Try adjusting the strength, blending with a dash of milk or a plant based alternative, or adding a hint of spice to create a personalised cup that is uniquely yours.
Pod Noffee is available here: Noffee Pods
Chicory Tea Bags
Tea bags offer the simplest method because no equipment is needed. Place one tea bag into a mug, pour hot water over it, and leave it to steep for a few minutes before removing the bag. This creates a lighter, refreshing chicory drink that still offers the roasted character of chicory root.
Tea bags can be found here: Herbal Tea Bags
These three formats allow you to prepare chicory coffee in whichever way suits your daily routine, whether you want a full brew, a fast pod based option, or a simple infusion.
Chicory coffee has a long history, a distinctive roasted character, and a growing place in modern routines for people who want a gentler, caffeine free option. From the way the chicory root is harvested and roasted to the different formats available today, it offers a familiar coffee style experience without relying on coffee beans. Research continues to explore the properties of the chicory plant, but for most people the appeal is simple: a warm, flavourful drink that fits easily into everyday life.
Whether you enjoy it for the taste, the tradition, or the caffeine free routine it supports, chicory coffee is a straightforward way to bring something new into your mug.
Try Noffee for Yourself
If you want to explore chicory coffee at home, Noffee has three easy formats to choose from. You can brew it like ground coffee, use convenient pods, or keep things simple with tea bags. Explore the full range and find your favourite here: https://www.noffee.co.uk
