Chicory coffee
New Orleans-style chicory coffee is a traditional beverage made by blending roasted chicory root with dark-roasted coffee beans, creating a rich, slightly bitter, and smooth brew. It originated in New Orleans during the Civil War when coffee was scarce, and locals stretched their supply with chicory. Today, it's a cultural staple, famously served at historic cafes like Café Du Monde.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This drink is very low in calories, typically under 5 calories per serving when unsweetened, and contains no fat or protein. Its key nutrients come from the chicory root, which is a good source of prebiotic fiber (inulin) that supports gut health, though much of this is lost during brewing.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 2 kcal |
| Protein | 0.1 g |
| Carbs | 0.4 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Magnesium | 5 mg |
| Manganese | 0.3 mg |
| Iron | 0.1 mg |
| Calcium | 5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 3 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.1 mg |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 0.05 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a symbol of New Orleans' resilience and culinary ingenuity, born from necessity but embraced for its unique flavor. Nutritionally, chicory root is one of the richest natural sources of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that can aid digestion, making this a functional beverage beyond just its taste.
