Introduction:A consumer in Nanjing discovered a whole insect at the bottom of a Youlan Latte purchased from Chagee, sparking widespread discussion. Many regular customers noted that since the brand typically does not use lids to preserve the texture and appearance of the milk foam and cream on top, it’s unavoidable for flying insects to fall in. This incident has once again drawn public attention to the hygiene and pest prevention issues associated with takeaway beverages. This article details the event, the brand’s response, and offers practical advice on pest prevention and beverage storage.

Recently, a consumer reported purchasing a “Youlan Latte” at the Chagee outlet in the plaza of Nanjing Railway Station. Near the end of drinking, they were shocked and disgusted to find a complete black insect at the bottom of the cup. Compared to previous similar food safety complaints, many regulars said they weren’t surprised this time, as the brand often chooses not to provide lids in order to maintain the visual appeal and texture of the milk foam and cream on top. Instead, drinks are handed over open, which naturally increases the risk of insects or other foreign objects falling in.

It is understood that the customer bought this signature drink at the Chagee outlet on the first floor of the north plaza of Nanjing Railway Station. When nearly finished with the drink, they were startled to find a clearly outlined insect settled at the bottom of the cup. Interestingly, after this news was exposed on social media, many netizens who had previously patronized the brand commented that they were already used to such occurrences.

Many loyal customers pointed out that Chagee differs from other chain tea drink brands in its production process—they usually adopt a made-to-order, grab-and-go approach to ensure customers receive freshly prepared beverages. Especially for products with cream toppings or rich milk foam, like the Youlan Latte, the brand often opts not to use lids in order to preserve their visual and taste qualities. As a result, many regulars complain that it’s quite difficult to ask for a lid when taking drinks away.

Most netizens shared their own experiences, saying that when they asked staff to add a lid, they often heard responses like “a lid affects the taste,” and sometimes they had to insist repeatedly before the staff reluctantly provided one. Therefore, many believe that in open-top milk teas, finding an insect at the bottom is actually not uncommon.

After the incident, the customer quickly contacted the involved outlet to report the issue. The outlet then reviewed the surveillance footage and replied that the entire preparation process was normal, with no abnormalities detected. They apologized for the unpleasant experience, processed a full refund for the customer, and also proposed a compensation plan.

Regarding this incident, a PR representative from Chagee further explained that according to the outlet’s surveillance footage, the entire process from drink preparation to handover was within view. After a detailed review, it could be confirmed that the insect did not enter the cup inside the store, and there were no hygiene issues in the shop. The staff further explained that since the tea extraction process is done by machine, it would be impossible for a whole insect to appear during this stage, so they speculated that the insect most likely entered the cup after the drink left the store and before the customer drank it.

As of now, the brand has completed the refund process for the customer and continues to communicate with both the customer and relevant regulatory authorities, hoping to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution.

This incident also serves as a reminder to consumers: if you purchase a drink without a lid—especially in outdoor or crowded settings—it’s advisable to consume it promptly or bring your own lightweight dust cover. Additionally, when getting takeaway, you might proactively explain your needs to the staff, as patient communication can sometimes increase the chance of getting a lid. For brands like Chagee, which commonly do not offer lids by default, consumers should pay extra attention to the storage and hygiene of their beverages to avoid similar incidents in the future.

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