It started with a video that went viral and attracted a lot of attention online (including my).

In May 2025, a popular Finflueser compared the future of coffee for notorious controversy around analog cheese, claiming that, due to skyrocketing prices, coffee is now cooked for mass adulteration. In the reel, he indicated Chikori as a “filler”, which would see an increase in use, warning the audience what ends in their morning cup.

Now, is it supported by some facts or is only another case of alarmist internet content?

To understand what is really going on and whether your coffee is actually being compromised, we talked to those who live in coffee and breathe: a certified Q-grader and leading roster that shapes India’s special coffee view. Their insight tells a more fine story, a one that distinguishes the marketing myths from real quality concerns and explains why chicori is not necessarily a villain.

Let’s define the word ‘adulteration’ first

According to industry experts, coffee adulteration is not about what is being added, but what is being kept from us or being hidden as a component.

“If a brand promises 100% arabica, but is mixed in Robust, or claims a high grade of legumes, they actually use, it is adulteration,” a major third-wave coffee roster, says Mithilesh Wazlewar. “It can not always be harmful, but it is misleading. And it is the place where this issue is in lack of transparency.”

Now, it will also include those who cut the cost of low quality or even coffee in fresher batches. Even it is adulteration because it violates the consumer trust, even if it does not pose a direct health risk.

What about Chikori? Is it an adulterer?

Not at all, it is absolutely wrong to call it one.

“Chikori has been a part of India’s coffee culture for decades, especially in South Indian filter coffee,” it is not an adulteress when it is used in transparent and moderation, “says Vita Nova Gormate and founder of Coffee Island, Pratyush Surka, the founder of Coffee Island.

Chikori is a Mediterranean plant with food leaves, blue flowers and a thick tapot. When dried, roasted, and ground, it makes a thick, dark drink with chocolate, nuts and caramel notes. This is the place where it gives realization of real coffee. It gained popularity during the deficiency. Some also consumed it for its medicinal benefits (which was not this) but still, it has been a favorite part of traditional mixtures since then.

“There are also rules,” calls the third-wave roster. “There is a hat that how much chicori can be added, about 45-50%. It should be revealed anything above. And most quality brands do exactly what.”

In fact, the very presence of this labeling is a sign that chicori use is regulated, not hidden. “If it was actually an adulterer, the brand would not openly mix on 70:30 or 80:20 on its packaging,” they say.

So, where does the confusion come from?

Wazalwar said, “We need to stop raising voices, who do not know what they are talking about.” “Calling South Indian filter coffee, with its iconic 80:20 coffee-tongs mixture, ‘sociable’ is not just ignorant, it is derogatory to a whole cultural tradition.”

There is a growing disappointment within the coffee community how misinformation can harm consumer trust and derail interactions that should be about quality, sourcing and stability, not afraid.

Are rising prices carrying forward poor practices?

There has been no denying that coffee prices have increased due to problems with crops in recent years, first in Vietnam and then in Brazil. There is also climate change effect on production, global demand change and supply chain issues. But according to Shyoraka, this is not necessarily a reason to quit quality.

“Responsible brands work with stringent quality standards that leave no space for compromise,” they say. “In the coffee island, we offer 100% pure Arab with zero chicori, morally sour and returning to original. Every batch is about stability, not shortcuts.”

Vazelwar agrees. “Yes, margins are tight. But there is still a place to do beautiful coffee and beautiful margins without compromising with the trust. Indian coffee culture has matured. We have embraced special coffee, and with it the responsibility of being honest.”

Bottom line

It is not that there is no scope for coffee adulteration, but it is not the same as a combination. What really means clarity and honesty: What brands are telling you what is in your cup? Are they doing ethically sourcing? Are the labels true?

If the answer is yes, then there is little to worry. Chikori is not an enemy – dishonesty.