Coffee with Chicory: A Healthier Caffeine Alternative

I recently started coffee with Chicory. I did this because I needed to decrease my caffeine intake. I did try just decaf coffee, thought I'd die. I could hardly get out of the chair! Then I researched Chicory coffee. Chicory coffee is a beverage made from the roasted and ground roots of the chicory plant, often blended with coffee. Chicory root adds a slightly earthy, nutty, and bittersweet flavor to coffee, with a hint of chocolate-like richness. It has been used as a coffee substitute or additive for centuries, particularly when coffee beans were scarce or expensive, as during economic downturns or wartime. It's believed to originate for coffee in France, then later in our South. Chicory is a flowering plant in the dandelion family.

chicory is in the dandelion family.Photo byR.Gerner/Canva

Chicory coffee is particularly popular in New Orleans, where it became a staple in the 19th century. The blend often consists of a mix of chicory and coffee beans, creating a robust brew that pairs well with the local cuisine. Cafes in New Orleans, like Café du Monde, serve chicory coffee with beignets (fried dough covered in powdered sugar), which is an iconic combination. I've been to this delightful cafe, in New Orleans, and totally enjoyed their beignets with Chicory blended coffee. I'm actually using their coffee now, bought it recently and I get enough of a kickstart to my day, but not with all the caffeine side effects.

From the famous Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans.Photo byR.Gerner/Canva

Chicory root is rich in inulin, a type of fiber that supports digestive health and acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. It is also caffeine-free, making it a good option for those who want to reduce their caffeine intake while still enjoying the taste of coffee. It also contains some manganese and vitamin B6, two nutrients tied to brain health. In addition, it contains other nutrients like potassium, vitamiin C, folate, vitamin B6 and others. Studies also show that chicory may improve bowel function and reduce constipation.

The chicory root is roasted and ground, similar to coffee beans. Some people brew it on its own, while others prefer to blend it with coffee for a less intense flavor. Chicory coffee can be brewed in a variety of ways, including in a drip coffee maker, French press, or espresso machine. However , it should be noted that people with an allergy to ragweed or birch pollen should avoid chicory to prevent potential negative side effects. Chicory may trigger an allergic reaction in some people, causing symptoms like pain, swelling, and tingling of the mouth.

Chicory roots, however, have long been consumed as a vegetable by humans. The whole root has been used for thousands of years for nutritional, medicinal, and other purposes, and it is still used in traditional dishes in various parts of the world. Maybe add some to your coffee? Enjoy.

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7360457/ 10/15/2024.

M. Puhlmann and W. de Vos

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/chicory-coffee#downsides

Medically reviewed by A. Richter, RD, Nutrition — Written by R. Ajmera, MS, RD — Updated on 2/13/2023