Coffee is part of the daily life of millions of people. It wakes them up, structures their day, and accompanies their breaks. But depending on their lifestyle or sensitivity, it can also cause nervousness, palpitations, digestive problems, or unexpected fatigue.
What if chicory, long considered our grandmothers' drink, was actually one of the best modern alternatives to coffee?
What exactly is chicory?
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is an herbaceous plant native to Europe, cultivated mainly in the Hauts-de-France region since the 18th century. It is its root, roasted and then ground, that is used to prepare the hot drink we know.
Historically, it was popularized during Napoleon's continental blockade (1806) when imported coffee became scarce. Since then, it has established itself as a sustainable, local, and economical alternative to coffee.
There are three main types to drink:
- Soluble chicory (instant powder) — the most convenient
- Grain or roasted chicory — to brew like filter coffee
- Chicory in Nespresso® compatible capsules, popularized by Cherico
Chicory vs coffee: the quick comparison
To quickly understand the differences between the two drinks:
- Caffeine — Coffee: 80 to 120 mg per cup | Plain chicory: 0 mg | Chicory + guarana: 30 to 60 mg with gradual release
- Taste — Coffee: bitter, acidic, complex | Chicory: round, sweet, slightly caramelized, without bitterness
- Digestive benefits — Coffee: stimulating but can irritate the stomach | Chicory: prebiotic inulin that nourishes the microbiota
- Effect on sleep — Coffee: disturbs (½-life 5-6 h) | Plain chicory: no impact
- Origin — Coffee: tropical (imported) | Chicory: local (France and Europe)
- Energy — Coffee: peak and crash | Chicory + guarana: stable and progressive
The proven benefits of chicory
Chicory is not just a substitute: it is also a drink with recognized virtues.
An inulin prebiotic bomb. Chicory root contains 40 to 70% inulin, a soluble fiber that nourishes good colon bacteria (bifidobacteria), improves bowel regularity, helps better absorb calcium and magnesium, and contributes to a stable glycemic index.
Zero caffeine for preserved sleep. Unlike coffee, plain chicory does not interfere with sleep or cortisol. Ideal for pregnant women, people sensitive to caffeine, and those who want to drink a last "coffee" after dinner without penalizing their night.
Rich in antioxidants. Roasting develops melanoidins and phenolic acids with antioxidant properties, comparable to those of coffee — without the caffeine.
Traditional liver support. Chicory has been used in phytotherapy since antiquity for its choleretic action (stimulation of bile) — useful in case of heavy digestion.
What about coffee then? Its assets not to be forgotten
Let's be honest: coffee remains a performance ally that is hard to beat.
- Immediate alertness and concentration (caffeine in 15 to 30 minutes)
- Rich in polyphenols (chlorogenic acids)
- 3 to 4 cups/day associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson's, type 2 diabetes and liver cancers
- An unmatched social and sensory ritual
The real issue is not "coffee OR chicory", but how to intelligently reduce your caffeine intake.
Why partially replace your coffee with chicory?
Here are 5 signs that should make you consider chicory:
- You drink more than 4 coffees a day and feel nervous or experience palpitations
- Disturbed sleep: difficulty falling asleep, nocturnal awakenings
- Reflux or sensitive stomach: coffee acidifies, chicory does not
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: caffeine to be limited (less than 200 mg/day)
- You want a coffee after 4 PM without penalizing your night
What does chicory really taste like?
Forget the old-fashioned image of chicory of yesteryear. Modern brands like Cherico have revisited roasting to offer a modern aromatic profile:
- Notes: caramel, roasted hazelnut, malt, sometimes cocoa
- Mouthfeel: round, soft, without the harsh bitterness of classic chicories
- Acidity: low (vs coffee: medium to high)
Our Heritage Gourmet tasting verdict:
- 🥇 More gourmet: Cherico Caramel Macchiato — salted caramel with Guérande IGP sea salt
- 🥇 Purer: Cherico Plain Chicory in capsules
- 🥇 More energizing: Cherico Organic Chicory & Guarana
- 🥇 More practical: Cherico Chicory & Guarana in capsules
How to prepare chicory like a barista
- Insert a Cherico Plain Chicory capsule into your Nespresso® Original
- Brew a 40 ml espresso
- Sweeten if desired. Pure, intense taste, without bitterness
- 3 g of Cherico powder in a cup
- Froth 150 ml of oat milk
- Pour over the chicory, sprinkle with cinnamon. Creamy, comforting
- 4 g of Cherico Caramel Macchiato + 30 ml of hot water, mix
- Add ice cubes + 150 ml of cold milk
- Decorate with a drizzle of caramel. The summer iced coffee, caffeine-free version
- 3 to 4 g of Cherico Organic Chicory & Guarana + 200 ml of hot water
- Drink 30 minutes before exercise: gradual energy for 4 to 6 hours
Chicory and pregnancy: what you need to know
Plain chicory is compatible with pregnancy — it is even often recommended by midwives as an alternative to coffee. Avoid guarana versions which contain caffeine.
Organic chicory vs conventional chicory
Organic certifications guarantee the absence of synthetic pesticides and traceability. For chicory, this is important because the root concentrates substances from the soil where it grows.
Our favorite: Cherico Organic Chicory & Guarana — 92% organic chicory + 8% organic guarana, 100% vegan.
Frequently Asked Questions: chicory vs coffee
No. Chicory provides no caffeine (unless combined with guarana). It does not cause the immediate "boost" of coffee, but offers digestive comfort and energy stability over time.
Not directly. But prebiotic inulin promotes satiety and good transit, which can support a dietary rebalancing approach.
Yes, up to 2 or 3 cups a day without problems. Beyond that, inulin can cause bloating in sensitive people — increase gradually.
Yes, pure chicory is naturally gluten-free. Check labels for flavored versions.
The French brand Cherico, exclusively distributed in Switzerland by Heritage Gourmet, offers the most complete range: powder, Nespresso® capsules, organic version and energizing versions with guarana.
4-week plan:
• Week 1: replace evening coffee with plain chicory
• Week 2: replace afternoon coffee with chicory + guarana
• Week 3: keep only morning coffee
• Week 4: alternate coffee and chicory in the morning depending on the day
Discover the entire collection — free delivery from CHF 70 and -10% on your 1st order.
Discover the collection• ANSES, Report on caffeine consumption, 2018
• Cherico.fr — product sheets and commitments
• Heritage Gourmet — Cherico collection
