Beverages, Coffee, Instant, Chicory: Grams to Cups Conversion
Instant coffee with chicory is a prepared liquid beverage blending soluble coffee with roasted chicory root extract, yielding a density of 1.011 g/ml. One US cup weighs approximately 239 g and one tablespoon about 14.9 g. The chicory component adds a slightly woody, caramel-like bitterness that is characteristic of New Orleans-style coffee traditions. Despite the additional plant extract, the density is essentially identical to prepared decaf instant coffee because both contain only trace dissolved solids in hot water. Chicory coffee is typically consumed as a drinking beverage, often with hot milk in a cafe au lait preparation, but also appears in Cajun and Creole cooking as a flavoring for red-eye gravy, praline sauces, and coffee-rubbed meats.
Quick convert
- US cup = 236.588 mL
- 1 tbsp = 14.787 mL
- 1 tsp = 4.929 mL
Reference table
| g | Cups |
|---|---|
| 50 | 0.2 |
| 100 | 0.4 |
| 150 | 0.6 |
| 200 | 0.8 |
| 250 | 1.0 |
FAQ
- Does the chicory in this coffee affect its weight per cup compared to regular instant coffee?
- Negligibly. At 1.011 g/ml versus 1.008 g/ml for regular prepared instant coffee, the chicory version weighs approximately 1 g more per cup (239 g vs 238 g). Chicory root extract adds slightly more dissolved solids than coffee alone -- including inulin fiber and caramelized sugars -- but at the low concentration present in a cup of coffee, the mass difference is immaterial for any recipe.
- Can instant chicory coffee be substituted for regular brewed coffee in baking?
- Yes, with a flavor caveat. The chicory adds a distinct earthy, slightly bitter profile that differs from pure coffee. In chocolate-based recipes like brownies or mocha cakes, the chicory notes blend well and add complexity. In recipes where clean coffee flavor is essential, such as coffee buttercream or tiramisu, the chicory undertone may be unwelcome. By weight, the substitution is 1:1 since both products are essentially flavored water at the same density.
- What is chicory root and why is it added to coffee?
- Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a woody plant whose roots are roasted, ground, and brewed similarly to coffee. It was historically added to stretch coffee supplies during shortages, most famously during the American Civil War in Louisiana. The tradition persisted, and today chicory coffee is a deliberate flavor choice rather than a substitute. The roasted root contributes no caffeine but adds inulin (a prebiotic fiber), caramelized sugars, and a distinctive toasted-grain flavor.