What Is Chicory Coffee? The Caffeine-Free Coffee Alternative You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you’re someone who lives for the ritual of coffee but hates the jittery aftermath — chicory coffee might be your new obsession.

I get it. I used to be that girl with the double shot in hand before 9 AM and another cup by 3. But over time, coffee and I stopped getting along: anxiety, energy crashes, random eye twitches, and worst of all — sleep that just wouldn’t come.

So I started exploring coffee alternatives — and that’s when I found chicory coffee.


So, What Is Chicory Coffee?

Chicory coffee is made from the roasted root of the chicory plant — a flowering herb in the dandelion family. Once roasted and ground, chicory root brews into a dark, rich drink that looks (and kind of tastes) like coffee — without a drop of caffeine.

It’s been used for centuries in parts of Europe. But now it’s gaining popularity as a modern, wellness-forward alternative for people who want to cut back on caffeine without giving up their morning ritual.


Why I Made the Switch (and Why You Might, Too)

I wasn’t trying to be “anti-coffee” — I just couldn’t ignore how it was making me feel:

  • Midday anxiety spikes even on days that weren’t stressful
  • A weird eyelid twitch that flared up during work weeks
  • Crashing hard at 2 PM
  • Restless sleep, even when I cut off caffeine early

Chicory coffee offered everything I wanted from coffee — flavor, comfort, routine — without the side effects.


The Benefits of Chicory Coffee

Here’s why I genuinely love chicory coffee — and why I recommend it to every caffeine-sensitive girl I know:

1. It’s 100% Caffeine-Free

Say goodbye to racing thoughts, jittery hands, and sleepless nights. Chicory gives you the ritual of a warm cup without any of the overstimulation.

2. It’s Gentle on Your Gut

Chicory root is rich in inulin, a prebiotic fiber that feeds healthy gut bacteria. So while coffee can irritate your stomach, chicory can actually support your digestion.

3. It Doesn’t Mess With Your Mood

If you’ve ever felt anxious or irritable after coffee, you’re not imagining it. Chicory won’t trigger that spike/crash cycle — it helps you feel steady and clear.

4. It Tastes Like Coffee (But Smoother)

Think roasted, nutty, earthy — like a milder, slightly sweeter version of coffee. Some people say it has a hint of chocolate. I say it tastes like calm in a cup.


How I Drink It

You can make chicory coffee just like your usual coffee or tea:

  • Mix 12g of powder with 200ml hot water
  • Add oat milk, almond milk, or your favorite creamer
  • Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if you like
  • Froth it for a cozy latte-style vibe

And yes — it’s amazing iced too.


Is It for Everyone?

Chicory coffee is great if:

  • You're trying to cut back on caffeine
  • You’ve been feeling anxious, twitchy, or wired
  • Your sleep or digestion isn’t great
  • You want a coffee ritual without the crash

It’s not for you if:

  • You’re allergic to gluten
  • You’re allergic to ragweed (it’s in the same plant family)
  • You love coffee purely for the buzz (in that case, check out matcha)

Final Thoughts

Chicory coffee has helped me feel more energized, not less — because I’m sleeping better, thinking more clearly, and no longer relying on caffeine to push through the day.

If you’re curious, try swapping just one cup and see how your body responds.
Trust me: less buzz, more balance might be exactly what your system needs.


Ready to Try It?

Shop my favourite blends - vanilla flavoured chicory or hazelnut flavoured chicory coffee.

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