Shopping for filter coffee and stuck on the numbers? You are not alone. The choice between 80:20 filter coffee powder, a 90:10 blend, and pure Arabica confuses most buyers. After all, the ratio tells you how much chicory is in the pack, and it changes the strength, aroma and taste of every cup. In this guide, we explain each blend in plain language, so you can pick the right one for your taste.
What Do 90:10 and 80:20 Actually Mean?
The numbers describe the split between coffee and chicory in every pack. A 90:10 blend contains 90% coffee and 10% chicory. An 80:20 blend, by contrast, contains 80% coffee and 20% chicory. Pure Arabica, meanwhile, contains no chicory at all — just 100% coffee.
Chicory is a roasted root that South Indian coffee makers have blended with coffee for generations. It adds body, a dark colour and a slightly bitter edge. More chicory therefore means a stronger, more traditional cup, while less chicory means a lighter, more aromatic one. For more detail on the plant itself, see Wikipedia’s chicory page.
In our blends, the coffee itself is a mix of Arabica and Robusta beans grown on our own estate. Curious how the two beans differ? See our breakdown of Arabica vs Robusta coffee beans.
90:10 Blend — Light and Aromatic
Our 90:10 coffee powder suits people who want the ritual of filter coffee without heavy bitterness. The higher coffee share keeps the cup smooth and fragrant, while the small dose of chicory adds just enough body. In short, choose this blend if you are new to filter coffee or prefer a gentler everyday cup.
Available in 500g and 250g packs.
80:20 Filter Coffee Powder — Strong and Traditional
Our 80:20 coffee powder is the classic South Indian blend. Thanks to the extra chicory, it brews darker, stronger and bolder. Did you grow up on strong tumbler-and-davara coffee at home? Then 80:20 filter coffee powder is probably the taste you remember.
Available in 500g and 250g packs.
Pure Arabica — 100% Coffee, No Chicory
Would you rather skip chicory altogether? Our Pure Arabica coffee powder is 100% coffee — nothing added, nothing diluted. As a result, it is the smoothest and most aromatic option of the three, with natural sweetness and none of chicory’s bitterness. For anyone searching for pure coffee powder without chicory, this is it: no fillers, just coffee grown and roasted on our own Chikmagalur estate.
Available in 500g and 250g packs.
Side-by-Side Comparison
- 90:10: Light, aromatic, smooth — best for everyday drinking and newcomers to filter coffee.
- 80:20: Strong, dark, traditional — best if you love a bold, classic South Indian cup.
- Pure Arabica: No chicory, smoothest and most aromatic — best if you want pure coffee with nothing added.
Which Should You Choose?
Ask yourself one question: how strong do you like your coffee? For a gentle cup that is easy on the palate, go with 90:10. Craving the bold, traditional filter coffee taste? Then 80:20 filter coffee powder is your blend. And for those who want only coffee in the cup, Pure Arabica is the obvious choice.
Whichever you pick, freshness is never the trade-off. All three blends are grown in Chikmagalur — the birthplace of Indian coffee, as documented by the Coffee Board of India — then roasted and packed on our estate. Learn why buying directly from a coffee estate makes such a difference, or browse all blends on our filter coffee powder page.
Finally, if you are new to brewing, our guide to South Indian filter coffee includes step-by-step brewing instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 80:20 and 90:10 coffee powder?
The numbers refer to the ratio of coffee to chicory. In other words, 90:10 has less chicory, so it tastes lighter and more aromatic. 80:20 has more chicory, so it tastes stronger and more traditional.
Which blend is best for South Indian filter coffee?
Both work well in a traditional filter — ultimately, it comes down to taste. 80:20 gives the bolder, classic cup, whereas 90:10 is smoother and lighter.
Is pure Arabica good for filter coffee?
Yes. Pure Arabica brews into a smooth, aromatic filter coffee. Although it lacks chicory’s bitter edge, you still get the full tumbler-and-davara experience.
Does chicory contain caffeine?
No, chicory is naturally caffeine-free. Consequently, blends with more chicory, like 80:20, contain slightly less caffeine per cup than pure coffee.
Which pack size should I buy first?
Start with a 250g pack to find your favourite blend. After that, move up to 500g once you know what you like.
