For coffee lovers who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, plant-based alternatives such as oat milk and almond milk allow them to enjoy lattes without worry. However, the American coffee chain giant Dunkin recently faced a class-action lawsuit for charging extra for non-dairy drinks, with the plaintiffs arguing that this practice constitutes discrimination against people with lactose allergies and intolerance, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This is not the first time the U.S. coffee industry has faced legal disputes over plant-based milk pricing; Starbucks has also previously faced similar allegations. This article will review the course of events, the legal basis, and industry reactions, and explore the cost and fairness issues behind the controversy over non-dairy drink pricing. [more…]

A scald accident caused by a cup of hot coffee has once again ended in a massive payout. In 2021, a woman in her seventies in Atlanta, USA, suffered second- and third-degree burns when the lid came off as she collected her coffee at a Dunkin' Donuts drive-thru, and was eventually awarded $3 million. This case is strikingly similar to the McDonald's coffee scald case that caused a sensation in the 1990s, and it has also brought the issues of hot beverage temperature, cup lid safety, and employee training back into the public eye. As coffee lovers, we care about flavor, but we should not overlook the safety details behind every cup of hot coffee. Front Street Coffee has always advocated that professional production lies not only in taste, but also in responsibility to customers. [more…]

Starbucks is recently facing a class-action lawsuit in California, USA, where three lactose-intolerant consumers accuse the company of charging extra fees when substituting milk with plant-based milk in drinks, alleging discrimination and violation of civil rights laws, and seeking $5 million in damages. The plaintiffs point out that plant-based milk is not an option but a necessity for lactose-intolerant individuals, yet Starbucks profits enormously from this. Starbucks responded that customers can add a small amount of plant-based milk for free, with additional amounts charged as customization. Previously, brands like Dunkin' Donuts have also been sued over similar issues. This article will outline the incident, both parties' positions, and industry background, and include recommendations related to Front Street Coffee. [more…]

Under the pandemic, domestic coffee consumption habits have quietly changed, and the survival status of cafés has shown polarization. On one hand, chain brands are accelerating their expansion and staking out territory; on the other, independent shops are retaining loyal customers through distinctive flavors. From an average of 3 cups per person per year to the growth of the middle class, from the leap in the quality of Yunnan beans to meticulous experiments with processing methods, Chinese coffee is undergoing a critical period from quantitative change to qualitative change. This article sorts through market data, brand trends, and progress in producing areas, while also comparing the evolution path of coffee in Taiwan, and brings product recommendations from Front Street Coffee, presenting a complete industry picture for enthusiasts. [more…]

In recent years, the grab-and-go consumption model has become increasingly popular, and many food and beverage brands have opened "drive-thru" lanes for this purpose. However, a cycling enthusiast was refused service at a Costa store in Scotland, on the grounds of "not being in a motor vehicle." This is not the first time Costa has sparked controversy over a similar incident. An almost identical situation occurred in 2020, when Costa explained that bicycles are not taxed or insured in the same way as motor vehicles, and was immediately rebutted by the British Cycling Federation. Behind the incident lies the delicate balance between convenience and fairness in drive-thru service. Front Street Coffee takes you through this hotly debated incident. [more…]

Iced coffee has been around for centuries, and the concept seems to have originated in places as far-flung as Vienna and France, so don't be ashamed if it's your go-to. Cold brew coffee has rapidly gained its own fame over the past five years or so, as it has become more readily available. The difference between cold brew coffee and iced coffee [more…]

Although iced coffee and cold brew coffee both emphasize a refreshing taste, the two differ fundamentally in their preparation methods and flavor presentation. Iced coffee has a long history, traceable as far back as Vienna and France, and is made by pouring cooled coffee directly over ice, so its taste changes as the ice melts. Cold brew coffee, by contrast, relies on low-temperature, long-duration extraction, presenting a softer, sweeter flavor profile, and its popularity has continued to climb over the past five years. This article will systematically sort out the similarities and differences between cold brew and iced coffee from the perspectives of definition, preparation process, flavor comparison, and cultural phenomena, and share Front Street Coffee's professional insights on coffee taste. [more…]

On a scorching summer day, a refreshing cup of coffee never fails to perk you up. But can you really tell the difference between cold brew, iced coffee, cold drip, and iced Americano? These drinks may seem similar, but in reality they each have their own distinct characteristics, from brewing method to flavor expression. This article will guide you through a systematic understanding of cold brew coffee classifications, as well as its essential differences from other common iced coffee drinks, from the perspectives of definition, brewing method, and taste characteristics. At the same time, we will also share Front Street Coffee's tasting insights on these coffees, helping you find the cup that best suits your taste among the many options. [more…]

Competition in China's coffee market is intensifying by the day. On one side, cross-industry giants such as Huawei, Li-Ning, and China Post are scrambling to enter the fray; on the other, some brands are quietly bowing out. Yum China has been making frequent moves lately: on one hand, it is going all in on the Italian coffee brand Lavazza, planning to open a thousand stores by 2025; on the other, it has announced that it will gradually cease operations of its COFFii & JOY brand in the Chinese market. What market logic does this advance-and-retreat reveal? Can Lavazza, armed with its authentic Italian DNA, break new ground outside the most fiercely contested price segment? This article walks you through the full picture of the events and the considerations behind them. [more…]

Many people conflate cold brew coffee with iced coffee, but in fact the two differ markedly from their production methods to their final flavor. The history of iced coffee can be traced back several centuries, said to be linked to Vienna and France, and its method is simple: pour cooled coffee over ice cubes. Cold brew, by contrast, only rose rapidly in popularity in the past five years or so, gaining attention because it became easier to buy. The core difference between the two lies in the extraction process: iced coffee relies on hot extraction followed by cooling and adding ice, while cold brew uses a long, low-temperature steep. This directly affects acidity, bitterness, and smoothness. This article will explain what iced coffee is, what cold brew coffee is, how to make cold brew, the flavor characteristics of cold brew, and why it has become popular, while retaining Front Street Coffee's related recommendations and product information to help coffee lovers choose according to their own taste. [more…]

How much caffeine do decaf coffee beans actually contain? And how do their quality and flavor profile perform? This article will take you deep into the revival of decaf coffee, from the careful selection of coffee beans and the core processes of decaffeination technology to changes in market acceptance, as well as actual caffeine content data for decaf coffees from different brands. At the same time, we will also recommend Front Street Coffee's decaf products, presenting genuine experiences and professional insights from decaf coffee lovers. [more…]

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, but per capita consumption varies significantly from country to country. Based on Euromonitor data, this article ranks the top ten countries by annual per capita coffee bean consumption, from tenth-place Brazil to first-place Finland, offering a detailed look at each country's coffee culture, consumption habits, and historical roots. Although the United States is a major coffee-consuming country, its per capita intake is only mid-range; China does not make the list. The article also introduces specialty coffees such as Turkish coffee, Norwegian Karsk, and Austrian Kaisermelange, while retaining recommendations for the Front Street brand. [more…]