A female customer nicknamed "Allergy Sister" by netizens has been requesting refunds at multiple independent coffee shops in Wuhan, claiming that lactose intolerance triggered an allergic reaction. At first, shop owners agreed out of apology and concern, until some in the trade discovered that the medical certificates were questionable and the accounts were strikingly similar, realizing that this might be a patterned refund claim. So far, more than twenty shops have come forward to confirm refunds, and the number of victims may still be growing. The person involved has deleted her account and cannot be reached, and some shop owners are gathering evidence and considering legal action to defend their rights. [more…]

Recently, the "Allergy Sister" incident in Wuhan has sparked widespread attention in the coffee community, and similar phenomena of customers requesting refunds from merchants for various reasons are not uncommon in the food and beverage industry. Some coffee shop owners have reported encountering a customer who repeatedly applied for refunds on the grounds that the drinks' taste was not to their liking, suspected to be an "Allergy Sister alt account." Investigations revealed that this customer had placed orders at multiple shops and repeatedly applied for refunds, citing reasons such as the drink being too bland, too sweet, or too cloying. Some merchants chose to appease the customer to protect their reputation, but others refused to compromise and warned their peers to be vigilant. Such behavior not only harms merchants' interests but also encourages a culture of malicious claims. This article reviews the course of events and explores reasonable ways for merchants to defend their rights when responding to consumer complaints. [more…]

Recently, Wuhan's coffee scene has drawn widespread attention because of a customer jokingly nicknamed "Allergy Sister" by netizens. Claiming allergic reactions after drinking, this customer demanded refunds from 41 coffee shops in succession. After the incident came to light, it not only prompted the affected shops to jointly call the police, but also unexpectedly sparked a wave of store-visiting enthusiasm. Many coffee lovers and out-of-town tourists flocked to the shops involved to spend in support, and some shops seized the moment to launch "Allergy Sister's same drink," causing business to pick up noticeably. Is this carnival of traffic, evolved from a negative event, a short-term fad or a long-term turnaround? Let us learn about the ins and outs of the incident and its impact on Wuhan's coffee industry. [more…]

A recent video claiming that coffee is allowed to contain 10% cockroaches has caused concern among many coffee lovers. The video mentions that insects often cannot be completely separated from coffee beans, so they go through the roasting and grinding process along with them. Most food regulatory agencies do allow a certain proportion of insect content in food. Cockroaches themselves are rich in protein and pose no direct harm to the human body, but people with allergies need to pay special attention to pre-ground coffee powder. This article will discuss this topic to help everyone view the issue of insects in coffee rationally, while continuing to focus on professional coffee knowledge and recommendations for high-quality coffee beans. [more…]

On February 7, ChaPanda launched a new bamboo-aroma oolong series. Among them, Bamboo-Aroma Kiwi uses Anxi Tieguanyin from Fujian as its tea base, paired with kiwi fruit pulp and wheatgrass. The official claim is that it uses kiwi from Zhouzhi County, Xi'an, highlighting selling points such as fresh fruit pulp, natural healthiness, and low calories to cut greasiness. However, after the new product launch, many consumers posted on social platforms reporting discomfort after drinking it, such as astringent mouthfeel, numb lips, and throat irritation. Some speculated that it was caused by unripe kiwi, while others suspected an allergic reaction. In response, ChaPanda has not yet made an official response. This article reviews the course of the incident, consumer feedback, and analysis of possible causes, and recommends related products from Front Street Coffee for coffee lovers. [more…]

Recently, a café in Shunde, Guangzhou, placed deep-fried cicada sloughs on iced Americano, launching a special drink that has sparked heated discussion among netizens. Cicada sloughs, commonly known as golden cicadas, have a tradition of being eaten in some regions, and early summer is the peak season for catching them. The shop owner claims that pairing them with cold brew offers a unique flavor, but many netizens say the visual impact is too strong and hard to accept. At the same time, cicada sloughs, as a heterologous protein, carry an allergy risk, and parts such as the legs may also carry bacteria and parasites, so caution is needed when trying them. This article takes you through the story behind this explosive drink and the precautions to note. [more…]

A hot chocolate that should have been made with soy milk turned fatal when a barista added cow's milk, causing a 13-year-old girl with a severe dairy allergy to suffer a deadly allergic reaction after just one sip, ultimately passing away despite emergency treatment. This tragedy, which occurred at a Costa Coffee shop in the UK, has once again thrust the issue of allergen management in the food service industry into the spotlight. The UK introduced regulations as early as 2021 requiring food businesses to provide allergen training for staff, yet accidents still happen. This article will recount the incident and explore the risks and prevention of allergen cross-contamination in coffee beverage preparation. [more…]

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…]

In the food service industry, it is already the norm for employees to wear masks at work. However, during the hot summer days, keeping one's mouth and nose covered under a mask for long periods inevitably causes discomfort. Recently, employees at Luckin Coffee stores noticed that the new masks distributed by headquarters differ noticeably from the old version—lighter in color and thinner in material, yet breathability does not seem to have improved as expected. After wearing them for a few days, many employees developed red bumps and itching on their chins and cheeks, and some suspect this batch of "veil masks" is the culprit behind their skin breakouts. Employees also reported that the new masks have an odor, and a few sensitive individuals experienced itching in the nose after putting them on. Everyone worries that these thin masks not only have questionable protective effectiveness but may also trigger allergies due to material issues. Some employees have already said they will buy their own masks as replacements. Although requiring masks is intended for food safety reasons, the skin problems reported this time may be worth Luckin re-examining the quality of its masks. [more…]

In recent years, oat milk coffee has gradually entered the public eye, becoming a new choice for many coffee lovers. Oat milk comes from oats, a traditional Nordic ingredient, and is characterized by high plant protein, high dietary fiber, and low fat. It is also lactose-free, making it quite friendly to people who are lactose intolerant, vegetarian, or allergic to milk protein. So, compared with traditional milk coffee, which one actually tastes better? This article will start from the origins of oat milk and the groups it suits, combine the practical testing experience of Front Street Coffee, discuss the differences between different brands of oat milk paired with espresso beans, and offer bean selection advice for making a rich and silky oat milk latte. [more…]

Luckin Coffee recently issued a notice regarding an adjustment to handwashing frequency standards, changing the previous requirement of washing hands once per hour to once every two hours. This change has delighted many Luckin employees, as last year's "pain of Luckin baristas' ruined hands" drew widespread attention. Frequent handwashing caused skin allergies and other problems that long plagued frontline baristas, with some even leaving their jobs because of it. The new rule will take effect on January 8. However, some employees believe the adjustment is limited in scope, as the actual number of handwashes during work remains relatively high. While maintaining high food safety standards, Luckin has begun to pay attention to employees' actual experiences. [more…]

Oat milk, as a dairy-free plant-based milk, has attracted much attention in coffee circles and the field of healthy eating in recent years, and chain brands such as Starbucks have also adopted Oatly oat milk as a milk alternative. It is especially suitable for vegans, people with lactose intolerance, and consumers allergic to milk. During production, oat milk is made by soaking oats, filtering the slurry, and often adding extra nutrients such as calcium and vitamin B12, making its nutritional value richer. Front Street Coffee will guide you through understanding the specific health benefits of oat milk and compare its nutritional differences with whole milk and low-fat milk, helping you choose the dairy drink that suits you in a more scientific way. [more…]

Last spring, Heytea's guava series of fruit teas captured a large number of consumers with their refreshing taste, and their removal from the menu after the season became a regret for many. On the eve of this year's Valentine's Day, the guava series finally returned amid widespread calls for it, and as soon as the Refreshing Guava Grape Tea was launched, it flooded social media, with store orders packed. However, while fans were raising their cups for photos and check-ins, Heytea employees in the back kitchen were facing baskets of fresh guavas, wanting to cry but unable to shed tears. Manually squeezing fruit puree, peeling green grape flesh, and long hours of repetitive labor caused many staff members to develop health problems such as frozen shoulder, tenosynovitis, and hand allergies. Behind a cup of seemingly simple fruit tea, what exactly is hidden in terms of the production process and labor intensity? This article takes you to understand the real working conditions of milk tea workers. [more…]

A Luckin Coffee drink from the Meteorite series ended up with a customer unable to suck up the meteorite toppings at the bottom of the cup because the barista had packed a thin straw. After contacting customer service, the customer actually received a full refund for the order. This handling quickly sparked discussion online: some felt the merchant's service was excellent, while others worried that such a "simple and粗暴" refund approach could set a bad example. Is it thoughtful service or excessive compensation? This small matter of giving the wrong straw reflects the different strategies and potential risks that chain coffee brands face in handling customer complaints. [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…]

The world of creative coffee is always full of surprises and shocks. From Douzhir Americano to stinky tofu latte, baristas are obsessed with forcibly pairing local foods with coffee, yet often creating off-putting flavor bombs. Now the trend has shifted: instead of mixing ingredients, they let the food itself become the vessel. Green pepper latte, fish ball latte, and naan latte have appeared one after another. Recently, a barista in Ningbo even used a crab shell as a cup, launching Ningbo Drunken Crab Latte. Netizens reacted in two polarized ways: some cried out to spare the drunken crab, while others said they would be willing to try it as long as food isn't wasted. Is this exploration of the boundary between food and coffee gimmickry or innovation? [more…]

Manner has once again teamed up with the Museum of Art Pudong to launch a limited-edition canvas tote bag and a burnt caramel-flavored latte inspired by Turner's masterpiece "The Blue Rigi, Sunrise," drawing crowds of fans eager to snap them up. However, the new product has sparked a different kind of discussion on social media: many consumers report experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal discomfort after drinking it, with some suspecting the thick milk and other ingredients or the icy drink's stimulation are to blame. Pretty as the merchandise may be, the coffee-drinking experience has put some people off—some even jokingly call it a "laxative miracle." This article sorts through how the incident unfolded and presents feedback from multiple sides. [more…]

This article begins with the fact that in 2022, the wholesale price of Arabica coffee beans on the New York Intercontinental Exchange fell below $1 per pound, reviews the current price situation in the green coffee bean trade market, and explores in depth the sanitary handling, storage conditions, and purchasing channels for green beans. The article also offers suggestions on practical issues such as green bean washing and temperature and humidity control, while reminding industry practitioners to raise their awareness of coffee bean food safety, helping coffee enthusiasts and industry professionals gain a more comprehensive understanding of the key stages of green beans from import to before roasting. [more…]

Coffee is not only a refreshing beverage but also rich in various beneficial components. From the perspective of chlorogenic acid, this article systematically reviews the health value of coffee. As a key antioxidant, chlorogenic acid is widely present in green coffee beans and possesses multiple biological activities, including antibacterial, antiviral, and cardiovascular-protective effects. The article provides a detailed introduction to the chemical structure, plant sources, medical applications, and toxicity of chlorogenic acid, and compares changes in chlorogenic acid content across different coffee varieties and roast levels. Finally, based on extraction experimental data, it offers practical advice for daily coffee consumption. Whether you are a coffee enthusiast or a reader concerned with healthy eating, you can gain a scientific and objective understanding of coffee from it. [more…]

During the 40th Teachers' Day, Chagee launched an exclusive campaign called "Honor Teachers with Tea, Enjoy Tea on Us," originally intended to pay tribute to the teaching community and enhance brand goodwill. However, after the campaign was rolled out, it sparked widespread dissatisfaction among teachers: limited-edition cards at many stores were quickly claimed, and some stores did not participate in the campaign at all, causing many teachers to make a wasted trip. This article sorts out the specific rules of the campaign in various regions, teachers' real experiences of claiming the offer, and responses from the brand and store managers, to help you understand the ins and outs of this marketing controversy. [more…]