Introduction:Luckin Coffee’s newly launched Rice Milk Latte combines black soil rice with an innovative flash-chilled fresh-brewed process, aiming to create a new winter-exclusive flavor. However, many consumers reported that both the rice aroma and coffee flavor were notably weak after trying it, sparking market discussion. This article will delve into the new product’s formulation design, actual flavor experience, and explore the production principles and impact of “flash-chilled fresh-brewed coffee” to help readers better understand the pros and cons and the craftsmanship behind this winter drink.
Luckin Coffee has recently teamed up again with the popular game Honor of Kings for a second wave of limited-edition collaborations. In addition to the long-awaited return of Mascarpone Fresh Latte, which fans had been eagerly anticipating, this collaboration also debuts an innovative new item — the Rice Milk Latte. Official information indicates that this beverage is based on rice milk made from rice grown in black soil, and with winter temperatures dropping, it has quickly become a go-to warm choice for many consumers.
According to official descriptions, this Rice Milk Latte highlights the natural grainy aroma of rice as the main ingredient, which, when blended with coffee, is meant to deliver a mild and harmonious winter beverage flavor. Many users, responding to the cold weather, have opted for this seemingly warming and creative new product, hoping to enjoy a different coffee experience in the chilly wind.
However, the actual feedback after tasting did not meet expectations. Most consumers stated that they did not noticeably perceive the expected grainy fragrance of the rice milk, with some even bluntly saying, “I couldn’t taste any rice at all.” Many also felt that the overall taste was almost no different from their usual regular latte, and if not for the clearly labeled “Rice Milk” on the cup, it would be nearly impossible to tell the two apart.
Some consumers shared their experiences on social platforms, pointing out that the Rice Milk Latte not only lacked rice aroma but also had a weak coffee flavor. “If I hadn’t specifically ordered this new product, I would have thought it was just a regular latte.” Others further compared it with similar rice milk coffee products from other brands and concluded that Luckin’s new offering underperformed in delivering both flavors, leaving them disappointed.
In response to public doubts about the flavor, Luckin store employees revealed the actual preparation process of the Rice Milk Latte and explained why the taste fell short of expectations. According to staff, this new product does not use traditional espresso liquid but instead employs a special process called “flash-chilled fresh-brewed coffee.”
From in-store preparation videos, it can be observed that baristas pour liquid from a cold water pitcher into the cup, mixing it with rice milk and other components. It is understood that this “flash-chilled fresh-brewed coffee” is actually coffee liquid made by blending freshly brewed concentrated coffee with plain water in a certain ratio, followed by rapid cooling treatment. While this method helps maintain the freshness and a refreshing taste of the coffee, it may also be one of the main reasons why the coffee flavor is not as intense as that of traditional concentrated liquid.
Industry insiders pointed out that flash-chilling technology is generally used to preserve the original flavor molecules of coffee and prevent aroma evaporation caused by high temperatures. However, improper control of the ratio and water temperature may also dilute the overall flavor expression. Therefore, the characteristics of the Rice Milk Latte — “indistinct rice aroma and weak coffee flavor” — are likely directly related to this process.
Of course, taste preferences vary from person to person. Some consumers reported that although the rice and coffee flavors weren’t particularly strong, they could still sense the overall smoothness and freshness of the drink, considering the Rice Milk Latte to be decently balanced and suitable for those who prefer less intense flavors. Some netizens also noted that individual sensitivity differences might lead to varying perceptions of the rice and coffee aromas.
In summary, Luckin’s newly launched Rice Milk Latte is indeed a topic-worthy innovation in terms of craftsmanship and seasonal positioning, but there is still room for discussion regarding its actual flavor performance. For consumers seeking rich rice aroma and dark roast coffee flavors, this new product may seem somewhat bland; however, those who prefer light, low-intensity coffee drinks might still find it worth a try. With an understanding of the characteristics of “flash-chilled fresh-brewed coffee,” consumers can more objectively assess how well the product design matches their own taste preferences.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
