Introduction:Luckin Coffee recently launched new products in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, including the 'Coconut Cold Foam Espresso', sparking heated discussions among consumers due to the name's striking similarity to Starbucks' classic 'Cold Foam Espresso Series'. This article delves into the actual differences between the two in terms of naming, production methods, and pricing, and explores whether this new drink can serve as a high-value alternative to Starbucks, helping readers make choices based on taste and budget.

Luckin Coffee has recently introduced two limited-edition summer cold drinks in the southern Chinese cities of Guangzhou and Shenzhen: the 'Coconut Shakerato' and 'Vanilla Shakerato' (Guangzhou version), as well as the 'Coconut Cold Foam Espresso' and 'Vanilla Cold Foam Espresso' (Shenzhen version). Although the names differ, according to official promotional materials, these products are essentially the same drink, with only the names adjusted for regional markets.

This move quickly sparked discussion on social platforms, with many netizens associating the name 'Cold Foam Espresso' with Starbucks' similarly named classic series at first glance. In fact, Starbucks launched the 'Cold Foam Espresso' over two years ago, including flavors such as vanilla and sea salt caramel, which have been well-received by consumers and have gradually become a stable part of its long-term menu.

In terms of preparation method, the Cold Foam Espresso launched by Luckin this time is very similar to the Starbucks version in its on-site brewing process. Customers in-store have observed that baristas pour the espresso into a shaker cup, add other ingredients, then shake vigorously before pouring it into the cup. This technique is almost identical to how Starbucks makes the Cold Foam Espresso, leading many customers to intuitively feel that the two share a highly similar flavor experience.

However, closer comparison reveals some key differences. The first is ingredient selection: Luckin's 'Coconut Cold Foam Espresso' does not use the oat milk commonly used by Starbucks, but instead uses coconut cream as the base, delivering a rich tropical coconut aroma. This also gives the overall taste a more Southeast Asian-style sweetness and creaminess. For consumers who prefer coconut flavor or do not wish to try plant-based milk alternatives, this formulation adjustment may better meet their expectations.

Another notable difference is the price. According to reports from multiple consumers in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, the standard price of this new Luckin drink is 17 RMB, and with in-store discounts or coupons, the actual payment can be as low as 9.9 RMB. In contrast, Starbucks' 'Cold Foam Espresso' series has an average price of around 37 RMB, more than double the price difference. Such a significant price advantage has led many netizens to call it a 'budget Starbucks', with some even jokingly referring to it as the 'PDD version of coffee'.

Moreover, many netizens on social platforms have pointed out that several of Luckin's recent new products seem to bear similarities to those of Starbucks. For example, Luckin's Light Coffee series is considered to have a similar concept to Starbucks' Fresh Brew series; another drink, nicknamed 'egg drop soup' by netizens due to its appearance—a marble-patterned Americano—is noted to have a similar visual and textural structure to Starbucks' rumored hidden drink method: an all-ice Americano with light cream. These coincidences have led some consumers to wonder if Luckin’s R&D team has been knowingly or unknowingly drawing inspiration from Starbucks’ popular elements.

However, some industry observers have pointed out that it is not uncommon to see similar creative concepts in the coffee market, especially in flavor blending and brewing techniques, where different brands may launch similar products in response to market trends. While Luckin’s launch of a Cold Foam Espresso with both a similar name and preparation method may remind people of Starbucks, it also offers a more affordable option, which could help broaden acceptance and may even spur healthy market competition, encouraging brands to develop more distinctive and innovative drinks.

Overall, while Luckin’s 'Coconut Cold Foam Espresso' and Starbucks’ 'Cold Foam Espresso' share many similarities in appearance and preparation process, they still differ significantly in terms of price, milk base, and market positioning. For consumers who want to experience the Cold Foam Espresso flavor but hope to try it on a lower budget, Luckin’s new product is undoubtedly a worthwhile option to consider.

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