The Piccolo Latte is often mistaken for a small latte or a Flat White, but it actually has a unique origin and specific brewing requirements. This article provides a detailed explanation of this milk-based coffee drink, which originates from the Italian word for "small." It covers its background as a tool for baristas to test their skills, to how it has evolved into a choice for coffee enthusiasts looking to try something new. It also delves into the differences between the Piccolo Latte, regular latte, and Flat White in terms of volume, flavor, and technique, helping you better understand this exquisite coffee beverage. [more…]

In the face of accelerating population aging, some experts have suggested that young people save the cost of a daily coffee—around 30 yuan—and invest it in their personal pension accounts to take advantage of tax incentives. This proposal has sparked heated discussion online, with many questioning whether it aligns with actual consumer behavior. This article delves into the feasibility and controversies of saving on coffee to fund retirement by examining the current state of retirement planning in Taiwan and among global Chinese communities, the specifics of personal pension tax incentive policies, and real coffee consumption habits. [more…]

Once immensely popular among office workers for their exceptional cost-performance ratio, Starbucks’ Breakfast Combo and the classic “This Week’s Coffee” have recently been quietly removed from the menu, leaving many commuters lamenting the loss of their go-to money-saving option. This article delves into the pricing advantages of these two beloved items and the details of their bring-your-own-cup discounts, revisits how they became the “poor man’s meal” for working professionals, and compiles netizens’ real feedback on alternative breakfast choices such as McDonald’s and KFC. Finally, it offers practical alternatives recommended by professional baristas. [more…]

Recently, Starbucks has adjusted some of its breakfast combos at certain stores, which not only surprised many customers but also sparked discussions about the pricing strategies of chain coffee brands. This article delves into the possible reasons behind this move, explores its impact on everyday coffee consumption, and offers practical advice to help readers find high-value options that suit them amid these changes. [more…]

This article delves into how the documentary 《Coffee Wars》 highlights the challenges and growing acceptance of plant-based milk in specialty coffee through the journey of a vegan barista, while also analyzing the significant rule changes regarding plant milk participation in the World Barista Championship (WBC) at the end of 2022. Readers will gain insight into the real industry transformations behind the film’s narrative, the current state of plant milk usage in coffee competitions, and the direction of scoring criteria adjustments. [more…]

Many people are drawn to the seemingly laid-back atmosphere of a barista’s job, but the actual challenges often exceed expectations. This article takes an in-depth look at a barista’s daily routine, the real work environment, salary ranges, and offers practical advice for those considering a career switch. It covers customer service challenges, required skills, possible career paths, and includes firsthand insights from the industry, helping readers fully assess whether becoming a barista is the right fit. [more…]

In 2022, Luckin Coffee turned around from a financial crisis to surpassing annual revenue of 13.293 billion yuan, achieving its first-ever positive operating profit. This reversal stunned the market. How, under the dual pressures of the pandemic and debt, did Luckin succeed in turning things around through store expansion, product strategy, pricing positioning, and youth-oriented marketing? This article will delve into its key tactics and take you through the brand’s complete rebirth journey. [more…]

A tiny coffee shop on Dongshan Island that can only accommodate a few people has gained popularity thanks to the owner’s laid-back philosophy and a unique self-service pour over model. There’s no rigid service routine here—just an open selection of coffee beans and a free space for brewing. We’ll take you inside this viral little spot to explore its chill charm that attracts urbanites, and share practical tips for pour over coffee. [more…]

As environmental awareness grows, more and more coffee enthusiasts are choosing to bring their own cups when purchasing coffee, not only enjoying discount benefits but also contributing to reducing single-use plastic waste. This article delves into the origins and current state of the bring-your-own-cup culture, shares interesting interactions between consumers and baristas around the world, and introduces how to properly use and clean various types of containers, allowing you to enjoy your coffee in an eco-friendly and worry-free way. [more…]

Cotti Coffee recently launched the Peach Drunk series in collaboration with the popular mobile game Honor of Kings, featuring character designs of Gongsun Li, Yang Yuhuan, and Wu Zetian, along with exclusive merchandise. This article delves into the marketing strategy behind this collab, examining whether Cotti’s approach of “rapid store expansion + low-price promotions” can break through in a fiercely competitive market, and provides real-world store coverage and market data for reference. [more…]

Having issues with milk foam that's too coarse, too thick, or layered? This article details four of the most common milk foam conditions—including thin foam, rough foam, overly thick foam, and separation of milk and foam—analyzing their underlying causes and real impacts in depth, and providing practical adjustment and remediation methods to help you effectively improve the texture of your milk foam and enhance latte art and flavor performance. [more…]

In 2023, a surprising cross-industry phenomenon emerged in Guangdong: coffee made its way into herbal tea shops. This seemingly incongruous combination not only caters to the younger generation’s demand for coffee but also addresses the concerns of the older generation about “excessive internal heat.” This article delves into the social psychology and market motivations behind this cross-industry marketing trend, analyzes the blending of Eastern and Western beverage cultures, and debunks the common misconception of whether drinking coffee causes excessive internal heat, offering practical consumption advice. [more…]

As BMW car owners eagerly waited in the BMW APP for their monthly free Luckin Coffee vouchers, the system buckled under the pressure, experiencing lag and even crashes. This article delves into the root causes of this "coffee voucher battle" — from membership tiers and redemption rules to voucher-snatching strategies — analyzing why even luxury car owners would go to such lengths for a voucher worth just over ten yuan. It also shares practical tips and precautions for securing those vouchers. [more…]

The chicken soup chain Laoxiangji inadvertently spilled coffee in a Starbucks store, unexpectedly sparking an online craze. Rather than blaming the employee, Starbucks showed concern for whether they were burned, demonstrating a magnanimous attitude. Laoxiangji later personally delivered a handwritten apology letter along with complimentary chicken soup vouchers to apologize, earning praise for their sincere response. This article details the incident, analyzes the public relations strategies of both parties, and compiles the whimsical collaborative product ideas from netizens, giving you insight into the humor behind this “cross-industry controversy.” [more…]

Have you ever walked into a coffee shop wanting to order a simple drink, only to be overwhelmed by a bunch of technical terms? From roast levels to flavor descriptions, modern café menus are becoming increasingly refined—but that also makes many customers feel alienated. This article will help you understand why coffee ordering has become more complex, offer practical advice to help beginners easily choose a coffee that suits them, and explain the design thinking behind the industry. [more…]

Animal cafés once gained immense popularity across Asia with their heartwarming image of "close human-animal interaction," but they conceal serious issues such as illegal smuggling and deteriorating animal welfare. This article delves into how cat cafés, originating in Japan, evolved into a global phenomenon of animal commercialization, exposes legal loopholes and health risks associated with keeping wild animals in captivity, and analyzes how various countries are responding to this ethical crisis. [more…]

Want to highlight the bright acidity and fruity sweetness of light-roast beans with pour over, but worried about lacking water control skills? Patrik Rolf, founder of Norway’s April brand and 2019 WBrC runner-up, shares this two-stage pouring method that delivers clean and balanced flavors without blooming. Using an Origami dripper with cake filters simplifies the pouring steps—even beginners can easily replicate it and quickly master the key to extraction. [more…]

In recent years, more and more students have been using cafés as study spaces, often sitting for hours on end. This leads to a decline in table turnover rates and increased operating costs, causing headaches for many café owners. This article delves into how cafés can guide long-staying customers to rotate seats appropriately without compromising their reputation—through thoughtful signage, environmental adjustments, and reasonable regulations. It also shares practical two-hour time-limit experiences from places like Hong Kong to help business owners find the right balance. [more…]

Wahaha launched its new ready-to-drink coffee product “Cawei” (literally “coffee status”) in 2023, featuring two flavors: fresh-brewed latte and coconut latte, with a focus on imported milk sources and Arabica beans, aiming to break through in a highly competitive market. However, facing long-term dominance by brands like Nestlé, Starbucks, and Coca-Cola, along with intense internal competition from rising players such as Nongfu Spring, Wahaha’s return to the ready-to-drink coffee segment is several years behind its major competitors. This article analyzes its product strategy, market environment, and history. [more…]

Plant-based milks have gained widespread popularity due to their eco-friendly and health-conscious image, especially in the specialty coffee market where they have almost become an essential option. However, many consumers may not fully understand the actual nutritional composition of plant-based milks when choosing them, and some even mistakenly believe that all plant-based milks are healthier than dairy milk. The U.S. FDA recently proposed a new draft regulation requiring plant-based milk packaging to clearly indicate nutritional differences compared to dairy milk, enabling consumers to make more informed choices. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the nutritional comparison between plant-based milks and dairy milk, as well as the impact of the new regulations on the market. [more…]