Coffee is a globally beloved beverage, but its health effects still raise questions for many. This article scientifically addresses five common concerns: Is black coffee truly beneficial to health? Which groups should consume it with caution? What is the daily intake limit? Is it safe to add milk to hot coffee? And does dark roasted coffee pose carcinogenic risks? Drawing on authoritative research data and nutritional perspectives, it helps readers establish scientific drinking habits and master practical coffee selection tips. [more…]

The extraction quality of your pour over coffee often starts with the proper use of filter paper. Many people encounter issues where the wet filter paper curls up or fails to adhere tightly to the conical filter, which can negatively affect the coffee’s flavor and flow rate. This article will provide a detailed guide on how to fold and fit the filter paper properly—from selecting the right filter cup and paper, the correct folding method, handling the seam at the bottom of the cone, to securing it with water—helping you improve the consistency and quality of your pour over coffee. [more…]

Starbucks has recently raised prices on multiple beverages in the U.S. market, primarily due to a triple whammy of soaring labor costs, a shortage of Brazilian Arabica coffee beans, and inflationary pressures. This article delves into the key factors behind the price increases, analyzes operational challenges in the U.S. market, and explores whether this wave of price hikes affects the Chinese market from perspectives such as pricing strategy, pandemic policies, and competitive environment—bringing you up to speed with the latest developments in the global coffee industry. [more…]

Have you ever admired the graceful figure of a barista brewing coffee under the sunlight streaming through a café? However, the true face of this profession is far more challenging than imagined. This article takes an in-depth look at what a barista actually does in both chain and independent cafés, covering aspects such as skill requirements, daily tasks, customer interactions, and career development. It will help you fully understand the hardships and potential of this job. Whether you’re considering entering the industry or just plain curious, you’ll gain practical insights. [more…]

To reduce plastic pollution, the South Korean government has implemented a plastic restriction policy, requiring coffee shops to charge an additional fee for single-use cups. This environmental measure has led to a general increase in retail prices for both freshly brewed and ready-to-drink coffee, with consumers bearing higher costs. This article delves into the cost-shifting mechanism behind the policy, explains the reasons behind price changes, and explores possible future consumption choices and habit adjustments for consumers, helping you stay updated on the latest trends in South Korea’s coffee market. [more…]

Civet coffee is world-famous for its unique origin, yet it’s also highly controversial due to the chaos in its farming practices. Do you know the fundamental differences between coffee beans produced by palm civets and masked palm civets? Understand the shift from wild selection to captive breeding, as well as the conflict between animal welfare and commercial interests. This article delves into the past and present of civet coffee, helping you view this high-priced, controversial beverage rationally. [more…]

Since acquiring Teavana in 2012, Starbucks has sought breakthroughs in the tea beverage market—from setbacks in its U.S. specialty stores to adjustments in the Chinese market—culminating in the successful launch of Starbucks Tea & Cafe in Japan. This article delves into the evolution of Starbucks' tea beverage strategy, explores the rationale behind its market adjustments, and examines how it tailors products and positioning based on consumer preferences in different regions. [more…]

Tea beverage brands have been adjusting their pricing strategies, and Heytea has even announced price cuts on some drinks. However, in reality, toppings have become separately charged items, and there are minimum order requirements and delivery fees for takeout. So, have consumers really spent less on a cup of milk tea? This article starts with the actual ordering process on the Heytea GO mini-program, analyzing the true cost of a 9-yuan pure Green Yan tea with toppings and delivery fees. It also explores the current state of the tea drink market and industry cost structures to help you understand the business logic behind this wave of “price cuts.” [more…]

The grind size of pour over coffee is a key factor influencing flavor, yet it’s also one of the most challenging parameters for beginners to master. This article uses an 80% passing rate through a 20-mesh sieve as the benchmark, providing an in-depth analysis of the differences in particle size distribution among various grinders. It also offers practical tips such as hand grinder calibration, step grinding, and fine particle management to help you precisely control grind size and brew pour over coffee with rich layers of flavor. [more…]

Bang Bang Group’s ready-to-drink coffee brand, Bond, recently launched a new bottled product priced at just 3.5 yuan, drawing significant market attention. Against the backdrop of fierce competition in the ready-to-drink coffee market and diverse consumer demands, this move not only continues Bang Bang’s long-standing presence in the ready-to-drink sector—dating back to its entry into the market in 1998—but also seeks to break through the competitive landscape with strategies centered on low pricing, health positioning, and esports marketing. This article will analyze the strategic intent behind Bond’s latest market move and explore the development of ready-to-drink coffee in the Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China markets. [more…]

Thinking about becoming a barista but unsure what the job really entails? This article takes an in-depth look at the real salaries, job responsibilities, and skill requirements of baristas at both chain and independent coffee shops. From the realities of the workplace, customer interactions to career development, it helps you understand this seemingly romantic yet highly challenging job, enabling you to make more practical career choices. [more…]

In 2021, Indonesia hosted its first COE (Cup of Excellence) competition, becoming the 14th coffee-producing country in the world to participate in this international evaluation. A total of 26 high-quality coffees were selected in this edition. Although none scored above 90 points, their flavor profiles featured more fruity notes, signaling that Indonesian coffee is gradually moving toward the specialty category. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the flavor characteristics of the award-winning coffees, the background of the competition, and the potential impact of this shift on the future market. [more…]

The Ethiopian Dorothy coffee beans from Sora Estate in the Gedeb region are processed using an enzyme-washed method that brings out unique notes of white peach, lemon, and oolong tea, making them an excellent choice for coffee lovers seeking a richly layered flavor experience. This article provides an in-depth look at the bean’s altitude background and processing method, along with practical pour over parameters and steps to help you fully appreciate the charm of this G1-grade coffee. [more…]

In 2018, market regulators in Wuxi cracked a major case involving counterfeit Starbucks instant coffee. The involved company, Shuangshan Food, was ordered by the court to pay punitive damages of 21.72 million yuan. This case not only exposed common tactics in intellectual property infringement but also reflected the fierce competition in the coffee markets of Taiwan and mainland China. This article details the full story of the case and analyzes the growth strategies of local brands such as Luckin and MANNER. [more…]

A "soldiers' café" located inside a Thai military base has gone viral due to its uniformed soldiers serving as staff. The café’s leisurely atmosphere, featuring a lotus pond and paddle boats, has attracted numerous visitors eager to take photos. However, this café, operated by the army’s Fourth Infantry Regiment, has also sparked controversy. Netizens have questioned whether it wastes taxpayer money and even debated the boundaries between soldiers’ primary duties and side jobs. This article delves into the background of this unique café, its operational model, and the underlying social conflicts. [more…]

Specialty coffee is not just about high prices or famous origins—it’s the result of professionalism and balance at every stage, from green bean quality and processing methods to roasting and brewing. This article takes you deep into how to adjust roast profiles and extraction parameters according to the characteristics of the coffee beans, thereby bringing out the most suitable flavor profile. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or new to the industry, you’ll gain practical technical insights and tasting inspiration. [more…]

As a representative origin of Geisha coffee, Finca El Velo categorizes its products into auction, red label, green label, and blue label grades. Each designation differs in terms of plot origin, quality standards, and pricing. Additionally, there is a similar naming convention used by Gesha Village Estate, but the two have no connection whatsoever. This article explores the micro-lot distribution on Finca El Velo’s interactive map to help you understand the meaning and characteristics of each grade, so you can choose the right Geisha coffee beans based on your preferences. [more…]

Many people mistakenly believe that using specialty coffee beans alone is enough to brew the perfect cup of coffee. In reality, every step—from the roasting method and grind size to the pour over water temperature—affects the final flavor. The legendary Japanese café Dafang Coffee has stuck to hand-roasting for 40 years and brewing with flannel filters, proving that the key to a great cup of coffee lies in the harmony of the entire craft process. This article delves into the essential differences between specialty coffee beans and specialty coffee, and shares practical tips to make your coffee smoother and more sweetly lingering. [more…]

Did you know? Smoky notes in coffee aren’t necessarily a flaw—when handled properly, they can become a captivating highlight of flavor. This article takes an in-depth look at an innovative project by Hokkaido University in Japan, in collaboration with local coffee shops, using century-old wood salvaged from demolished school buildings to infuse coffee beans with a distinctive woody smokiness through a unique smoking process. It explores everything from wood selection and roasting techniques to the ideal regional bean varieties, offering a comprehensive breakdown of the craftsmanship and flavor secrets behind this unconventional smoked coffee. [more…]

Starbucks and Pepsi have jointly launched a new energy drink, BAYA Energy, in the Americas, positioning it with low calories, high vitamin C content, and a strong caffeine kick, aiming to break new ground in the growing energy beverage market. This article analyzes the product’s formula design, market background, as well as Starbucks’ strategic thinking and challenges in venturing into the energy drink sector. [more…]