How does instant chicory differ from coffee, and why drink it?

The main difference between instant chicory and coffee is the absence of caffeine. This means the drink has no stimulating effect on the nervous system, so you can drink it in the evening or at times when extra alertness is unwelcome.

Chicory tastes like coffee, but milder: it has a characteristic, slightly caramel note without the bitterness typical of a strong espresso. That is why it is often chosen to replace one of the day's cups of coffee or as a morning drink for people who are sensitive to caffeine.

Besides its taste, chicory contains inulin, a soluble fibre that is not broken down in the stomach like ordinary carbohydrates but serves as a nutrient medium for beneficial gut bacteria. This makes it an interesting choice for those who want to vary their diet and add more plant fibre to it without changing the familiar ritual of a warm drink.

The instant form is convenient: the drink is made without boiling — simply pour hot water over the powder. It can be drunk on its own, with milk or with plant-based alternatives — the taste goes well with both.