How is liquid instant chicory different from coffee, and is it suitable for people cutting down on caffeine?

The main difference is that chicory contains no caffeine, whereas it is caffeine that is responsible for the stimulating effect of coffee. That is why this drink is often chosen by people who want to reduce their caffeine intake — for example, in the evening or in the afternoon, when a cup of coffee is undesirable.

In taste, chicory does not imitate coffee: it has its own slightly bitter character. This bitterness comes from the natural bitter substances in chicory root, including intybin. Some people find the taste close to coffee, others see it as a flavour in its own right, so it is worth making your first cup weak and seeing how you like it.

The liquid instant form mixes quickly with hot water, milk or a plant-based drink, and the strength is easy to adjust by the amount of product. Adding milk or a plant-based drink softens the bitterness. Bear in mind that chicory is a drink, not a substitute for a complete, balanced diet.