Introduction:The plum latte launched by Luckin quickly sparked heated discussions among netizens after its release, with many sharing their experiences of noticeable intestinal movements and even "laxative" effects, earning it the nickname "coffee world's laxative." This article delves into the scientific principles behind this phenomenon, including the stimulatory effect of coffee on the intestines, common reactions in lactose-intolerant individuals, and the conditioned reflex caused by psychological suggestion, helping readers better understand the true interaction between beverages and the body.

Luckin’s newly launched plum latte has stirred up a wave of discussion on social platforms, with many netizens reporting significant intestinal movements or even diarrhea after drinking it, leading some to jokingly call it the "coffee world's laxative." In response, the brand officially explained that this phenomenon is actually the combined result of coffee stimulating intestinal movement, lactose intolerance in some consumers, and psychological suggestion. This article will comprehensively outline the sequence of events and analyze from a scientific perspective why this beverage can trigger such a consistent "laxative" experience.

The new product at the center of this discussion is Luckin’s plum latte, launched during plum season. Following the success of the previous “Blue Sky White Cloud Latte,” which was praised for its smooth texture, this new flavor has also become a hot topic. However, unlike previous releases, the focus this time isn’t on flavor but rather the "special effects" after drinking. Many netizens were surprised to find that this latte seemed to make their guts "speed up," even sparking a trend of "real-world testing" within the community.

In response to the widespread discussion, Luckin issued an official statement four days after the product’s launch. The brand explained that terms used by netizens such as “bathroom miracle,” “gut-pulling,” and “squatting until your legs give out” are mainly related to coffee’s ability to stimulate intestinal movement and boost metabolism, hence creating a sensation akin to relief. The brand also kindly reminded consumers that although coffee may have a mild laxative effect on some, it’s still advisable to consume it in moderation based on individual constitution.

However, some consumers further speculated whether this "laxative feeling" might be related to ingredients in the plum-flavored syrup, even suspecting it contained alcohol or fermented substances causing a similar laxative effect. In response, Luckin clarified that the product only uses plum-flavored syrup, with no actual plum concentrate or alcohol. The brand also specifically stated the day after the product’s release that the plum latte is safe to drink, and any "unusual taste" may come from the unique flavor profile of the syrup.

So why have so many users reported similar gastrointestinal reactions? According to nutritional research, most people experience a gradual decline in lactase activity after the age of 3 to 5, resulting in an inability to effectively break down lactose. When undigested lactose enters the intestines, it is fermented by gut bacteria, producing gases such as acetic acid, propionic acid, and carbon dioxide, which can lead to bloating, abdominal pain, and even diarrhea. In China, over 80% of adults have varying degrees of lactose intolerance—mild cases may only feel bloated, while severe cases often experience obvious discomfort after consuming dairy products.

It’s worth noting that previously launched Luckin milk-containing coffees did not trigger such widespread "laxative" feedback. Experts speculate that aside from lactose intolerance, psychological suggestion and online discourse also played a significant role this time. When large numbers of users shared experiences on social platforms like "drinking the plum latte felt like taking a laxative," such collective discussion can create psychological expectations, leading consumers to subconsciously anticipate similar effects when drinking, thereby influencing intestinal nerve responses and forming what is known as "conditioned reflexive peristalsis."

Some people’s intestines are particularly sensitive to such psychological suggestions, potentially experiencing noticeably accelerated movements in a short period, even resembling diarrhea; however, others have stated that although they bought the drink expecting a "laxative effect," they felt absolutely no change. This proves that the same beverage can elicit vastly different physiological reactions in different individuals, with factors such as constitution, psychological expectations, and gut health all playing key roles beyond just the beverage’s ingredients.

Although the online discussions initially focused on "negative" experiences, Luckin quickly adjusted its strategy, using official community channels and hashtags like #CrazyQuickTips to humorously address this wave of "unexpected publicity," successfully leaving a deep impression of the plum latte in consumers’ minds. However, experts also caution that this phenomenon is incidental and do not recommend deliberately consuming large amounts of caffeinated or dairy beverages in pursuit of specific bodily reactions—especially for those who are lactose intolerant or have sensitive stomachs, who should consume in moderation to avoid discomfort.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.