Short answer: Generally no, chicory root should not be used by Jains.

Reason in simple Jain terms:

• Chicory (used as coffee substitute or mixed in coffee) is usually the root of the plant.
• In Jain food discipline, roots (kand-mool) like potato, onion, garlic, carrot, beetroot, radish, etc. are avoided, especially by practicing/observant Jains.
• The reason:

- Uprooting the plant kills it completely. - The root region usually contains many living beings (micro-organisms), so more himsā (violence) happens.

• Chicory used in beverages (like “chicory coffee”) is typically roasted root powder, so it falls in the root-vegetable category, and therefore is not suitable for regular Jain consumption.

About chicory leaves:

• If someone is talking about leafy varieties (similar to endive), then:

- Leaves are generally less problematic than roots. - But most commercial “chicory” in tea/coffee is from the root, not the leaf.

• So practically, what most people call “chicory” in food/coffee = root = to be avoided.

So in day-to-day practice:

• Strict Jains: Avoid chicory completely (especially in coffee/tea mixes).
• General recommendation: If you are following Jain food rules, choose pure coffee, pure tea, or grain-based drinks, and avoid anything labeled with chicory.