Have you ever heard of chicory coffee? It’s a special drink that looks and tastes a lot like regular coffee, but it’s made from the roasted root of the chicory plant.

Many people love it because it has a rich, smooth flavor and it’s a great choice if you’re trying to cut back on caffeine.

In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to make chicory coffee at home, step by step. I’ll also explain how much caffeine it has, so you’ll know if it’s the right drink for you. Let’s get started!

What Makes Chicory Coffee Special?

Now that you know chicory coffee is made from roasted chicory root, let’s talk about why people love it so much.

Chicory coffee is famous for its smooth, rich taste. It’s less bitter than regular coffee and has a cozy, nutty flavor. Many people enjoy it because it’s gentle on the stomach and doesn’t give the jittery feeling that strong coffee sometimes does.

It’s also part of a fun tradition! In places like New Orleans, chicory coffee is a big deal and is often enjoyed with sweet treats like beignets. Plus, because chicory is a plant, it’s a great option for those looking for a more natural or herbal drink.

So, if you’re curious about trying something new that’s tasty and easy on caffeine, chicory coffee is a fantastic choice!

Benefits of Chicory Coffee

Chicory coffee isn’t just tasty, it has some nice benefits too! Here are a few reasons why people like it:

Lower in Caffeine:
If you’re trying to cut back on caffeine, chicory coffee is a good choice. Pure chicory coffee has no caffeine at all! Even if you mix it with coffee, it still lowers the total caffeine.

Gentle on Your Stomach:
Many people say chicory coffee feels smoother and is easier on their tummy than regular coffee. It may help reduce that jittery or upset stomach feeling some get from coffee.

Good for Digestion:
Chicory root has something called inulin, which is a type of fiber. It can help keep your digestion healthy.

Rich, Full Flavor:
Even though it’s not made from coffee beans, chicory coffee has a deep, bold taste. It’s a great option if you love coffee flavor but want something different.

So, with chicory coffee, you get a tasty drink that’s easy on your body.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ready to make chicory coffee at home? Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicory Root:
Look for roasted and ground chicory root. You can find it online or at some grocery stores.

Coffee (Optional):
Some people like to mix chicory with coffee. You can use any ground coffee you like if you want to make a blend.

Water:
You’ll need hot water to brew your chicory coffee, just like regular coffee.

Coffee Filter or French Press:
You can brew chicory coffee using a coffee maker, French press, or even a simple filter.

Milk and Sugar (Optional):
Add these if you like your coffee creamy or sweet.

That’s it! Just a few simple things, and you’re ready to make a tasty cup at home.

How to Make Chicory Coffee at Home (Step by Step)

Making chicory coffee at home is super easy! Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Measure Your Chicory

• If you want 100% chicory coffee, use 2 tablespoons of roasted, ground chicory per cup of water.
• If you like a mix, try 1 tablespoon of chicory + 1 tablespoon of ground coffee for a nice blend.

Step 2: Pick Your Brewing Method
You can use:

• A French press (easy and smooth),
• A drip coffee maker, or
• A percolator (for a stronger taste).

Step 3: Brew the Coffee

• Add your chicory (or mix) into the coffee maker.
• Pour in hot water.
• Let it brew like normal coffee, about 4 to 5 minutes if using a French press.

Step 4: Add What You Like
You can drink it black, or add:

• Milk or cream,
• Sugar or honey,
• Or even a bit of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Pro Tip:

If it tastes too strong or bitter, just add more hot water or milk next time. You can play around with the chicory and coffee mix until it’s just right for you!

Want to see how it’s done? Watch the video below for a simple, step by step guide to making the perfect chicory coffee at home!

Caffeine Content: What You Need to Know

One big reason people try chicory coffee is because it has less caffeine than regular coffee. But is it totally caffeine free? Let’s break it down.

Pure chicory coffee:
If you make coffee using only chicory root (no coffee beans), it has zero caffeine. Chicory is a plant, not a coffee bean, so it doesn’t have any caffeine at all.

Chicory Coffee blends:
Some people like to mix chicory with regular coffee. In that case, your drink will still have caffeine, but less than a full cup of coffee because the chicory part is caffeine free.

Regular coffee:
A normal cup of coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine in one 8-ounce cup.

So, if you want a drink with no caffeine, make sure you’re using 100% chicory root. If you like a little boost, you can mix it with coffee to lower the caffeine but keep some energy.

Taste Test: What to Expect

If you’re used to regular coffee, chicory coffee might taste a little different at first. It has a smooth, rich flavor that’s not as bitter as regular coffee. Some people say it tastes a bit nutty or woody, with a slightly sweet aftertaste.

When you first try it, you might notice that it feels a bit lighter but still has a strong taste. If you mix it with your regular coffee, it can make the flavor less sharp and more mellow.

Don’t worry if it’s your first time, chicory coffee is easy to get used to, and many people end up loving it! 

If you want it stronger, just add more chicory, or if you like it milder, you can use less.

Chicory Coffee: Common Questions

You might have a few questions about chicory coffee, so let’s clear things up:

• Can you drink chicory coffee every day?
  Yes, you can! Chicory coffee is a great choice for those who want a tasty, low caffeine drink. Just like regular coffee, it’s best to enjoy it in moderation.
• Where can you buy chicory root?
  Chicory root is available at most grocery stores, health food shops, or online. Look for it in the coffee or herbal section.
• Are there any side effects?
  Chicory coffee is safe for most people, but it might not be suitable for everyone. If you’re pregnant or have certain health conditions, it’s best to talk to your doctor first or check this health guide.

Final Thoughts + Bonus Tip

Chicory coffee is a great choice if you’re looking for a smooth, flavorful drink without all the caffeine of regular coffee. It’s easy to make at home, and you can enjoy it hot or iced, with or without milk and sweeteners. 

Whether you’re cutting back on caffeine or just curious to try something new, chicory coffee is definitely worth a shot.

Bonus Tip:
Want to try something extra fun? Make a chicory coffee latte! Just heat up some milk, froth it, and pour it over your brewed chicory coffee. It’s delicious and super cozy!