What is Chicory Coffee? Chicory coffee is not an actual coffee despite its name. But why call it “coffee” if it is not a coffee at all? Here’s why. Chicory coffee comes from the roots of the chicory plant. Interestingly enough, just like actual coffee beans, chicory roots are also processed by roasting, grounding, and brewing to make a coffee out of it. More interestingly, chicory coffee also tastes almost exactly the same as the coffee, though it has a more “woody” and nutty flavor profile.