Is chicory a constituent or adulterant in coffee?

Here's why:

* Adulterant: An adulterant is a substance added to a product to deceive consumers or to reduce production costs. It typically changes the quality or composition of the original product.

* Constituent: A constituent is a natural component of something, meaning it's present in the original product.

Chicory is added to coffee for several reasons:

* Cost Reduction: Chicory is cheaper than coffee beans, so it can be used to lower the cost of the final product.

* Flavor Enhancement: Chicory has a slightly bitter, nutty flavor that can complement coffee's taste.

* Health Benefits: Chicory root contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that may have health benefits.

However, adding chicory to coffee is not a natural process and is done intentionally to alter the product. Therefore, it's considered an adulterant.

While chicory coffee is a common and widely accepted product, it's important to be aware that it is a blend of coffee and chicory, not pure coffee.