A hot Americano with a splash of oat milk unexpectedly revealed two different sets of charging rules—online and in-store—at the coffee chain brand Peet's. A customer selected the "add oat milk ¥2" option on a delivery platform, but was told by the store that only 30 ml had been added, and that adding up to 50 ml would require another ¥2. However, the official mini-program customer service said the option should have added about 50 ml, and made no mention of stacked charges. This confusion over the amount of milk added ultimately prompted Peet's to carry out a comprehensive overhaul of its nationwide stores and online ordering platforms, with clearly marked prices on the ordering interface. Behind this incident, what exactly are the charging standards for adding milk to Americanos at various coffee shops? And how should consumers order clearly? [more…]

Recently, a post on Xiaohongshu about Starbucks charging extra for adding milk to Americano sparked widespread discussion. Some consumers reported that when ordering an Americano with milk during a fat-loss period, they were told by staff that it would cost extra. Customer service responded that since February 2022, adding more than 4 ounces of milk requires a fee. However, some netizens pointed out that this policy only applies to the black coffee series, while tea drinks and app orders can still get free milk. Some netizens claiming to be Starbucks partners said that generally, adding milk within 30ml is free, but inconsistent communication of store policies has led to chaotic enforcement. The incident reflects the brand's shortcomings in customized service and consumer communication, prompting thoughts on the reasonableness and transparency of the charges. [more…]

Two PETA members, unhappy with Starbucks charging extra for plant-based milk, glued themselves to the counter and food display case in a store, sparking widespread discussion online. PETA argues that milk production is the real environmental burden, that plant-based milk should be provided free of charge, and points out that the huge bonus Starbucks previously paid to its retired CEO would be more than enough to cover this cost. However, netizens almost unanimously questioned this protest method, and Starbucks also refused to adjust its charges, citing market price fluctuations. Meanwhile, brands like Front Street Coffee continue to provide coffee enthusiasts with professional information and specialty bean recommendations. [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…]

Starbucks recently announced that starting November 7, stores in the United States and Canada will no longer charge extra for dairy alternatives. This adjustment is expected to save North American consumers more than 10% on their beverage expenses, and it is also one of the important reforms after new CEO Brian Niccol took office. Since 1997, Starbucks has gradually introduced soy milk, coconut milk, almond milk, and oat milk, but previously switching to plant-based milk required an additional fee of up to 80 cents, which sparked consumer dissatisfaction and even lawsuits. Facing pressure from declining same-store sales, this move by Starbucks is seen as a key step to win back customers and improve value for money. Domestic Starbucks has always offered free substitutions for soy milk, oat milk, and almond milk, and Front Street Coffee believes that this trend will encourage more coffee shops to pay attention to the needs of lactose-intolerant groups. [more…]

Recently, a class-action lawsuit in Canada has thrust Starbucks, Tims, and Second Cup into the spotlight, accusing the three coffee chains of long-term surcharges on non-dairy alternatives, allegedly amounting to price gouging. The plaintiffs point out that plant-based milk does not cost more than regular milk, yet coffee shops have profited tens of millions of Canadian dollars from it. Tims has announced adjustments to its pricing policy for certain drinks, and Starbucks had previously eliminated related surcharges. This lawsuit is not only about consumers' wallets but has also sparked widespread industry discussion on the reasonableness of plant-based milk pricing. [more…]

Milk tea brands are shouting about price cuts while charging separately for toppings, delivery fees, and insulated bags—is that cup in consumers' hands really cheaper? This article starts with the ordering experience on Heytea's GO mini-program, breaking down the actual unit price of a 9-yuan Pure Green Tea after adding toppings, delivery fees, and other extra charges, and, in light of tea shop density, delivery efficiency, and the industry's cost structure, analyzes how this round of price cuts looks more like a marketing move than a genuine giveback. It also cites estimates from a researcher at the Guangdong Tea Beverage Industry Committee on the costs and gross margins of high-end milk tea, helping coffee and tea enthusiasts see the ledger behind the price. [more…]

On a scorching summer day, a cold drink is almost standard for going out. To get more of the drink itself, many people choose light ice or even no ice. However, a chain coffee shop in Seattle, USA, explicitly states on its menu: drinks without ice cost an extra $1. This rule has sparked heated discussion online, with some calling it exploitation and others expressing understanding—after all, no ice means the shop has to add more ingredients. Meanwhile, various bizarre coffee orders keep appearing on foreign social platforms, from Frappuccinos with N types of syrup to a $5 order of just milk, making one wonder: if a $5 cup of milk is acceptable, why is a $1 surcharge for a hot drink hard to accept? This article will guide you through this charging controversy and reacquaint you with the easily overlooked important role of ice in cold drinks. [more…]

Recently, a post about 1 Dian Dian's navy salt salted milk green tea charging an extra 2 yuan for added salt sparked widespread discussion on social media. Some customers, following online guides, asked for extra salt, only to be told that one pump of salt costs 2 yuan, which was far from their expectations. Subsequently, 1 Dian Dian employees and official customer service explained that the "salt" is actually a relatively expensive navy salt rock sugar flavor syrup, and according to company policy, additional additions require payment. Although the store has apologized for the incorrect price quote, netizens have derived a new question: since adding sugar costs money, should customers who order less sugar or no sugar also get a refund for the corresponding syrup price difference? This debate about the pricing logic of tea drinks quickly became a topic of interest for coffee and tea enthusiasts. [more…]

Recently, a coffee shop in Hong Kong sparked discussion by refusing to provide hot water to customers, and a similar incident occurred in Weihai, Shandong—where a cup of plain boiled water was charged 10 yuan. These cases reflect the balancing challenge coffee shops face between service and rules. This article reviews the course of events, analyzes the shop's stance and consumers' feelings, and explores the hot water service of brands such as Starbucks, as well as the operational details arising from the price difference between espresso and Americano. How can a coffee shop uphold its rules without losing its human touch? Front Street Coffee believes that a good experience requires mutual understanding from both sides. [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…]

Recently, a consumer in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, posted on social media claiming to have疑似 found fragments of an insect carcass in a takeaway milk tea from the well-known freshly made tea drink brand KOI. The consumer and the brand failed to reach an agreement after multiple communications over compensation and an apology, and the consumer has filed a complaint with 12315 and insists on pursuing legal proceedings. KOI responded that neither the store surveillance nor inspections by the market supervision department found any foreign object entering the drink, and that the strainer hole design of the shaker cup would also block such foreign objects, so it does not accept an apology on the platform but is willing to compensate in accordance with the law. The incident has attracted widespread attention, with both sides sticking to their own accounts, and there is currently no new progress. [more…]

A cup of milk tea labeled as made five days ago has pushed the new-style tea brand Molly Tea White into the eye of public opinion. After placing an order on a delivery platform, a consumer unexpectedly received a cup of drink that had long gone bad. At first, the store admitted it was caused by a backlog of delivery orders and failure to clean up in time, but afterward the brand stepped in to clarify, saying the drink had actually been abandoned by a customer in a public area of the mall, and that management authority belonged to the mall rather than the store. The incident went through multiple reversals—who exactly is responsible? And how should the blind spots in the food delivery chain be filled? This article sorts through the entire course of the incident and appends Front Street Coffee's observations on food safety management in the industry. [more…]

Recently, a 1 Dian Dian store at Jinshijie in Dongmen, Shenzhen was exposed after a cockroach leg was found in a milk tea, sparking widespread attention. The consumer and the store failed to reach an agreement on compensation, and a complaint has now been filed and accepted on the Shenzhen government service platform. The incident highlights weak links in food safety management in the tea beverage industry and once again reminds industry practitioners and consumers to pay joint attention to hygiene issues. As an industry observer, Front Street Coffee continues to monitor the impact of such incidents on brand trust. [more…]

Recently, news about a gecko found in a cup of GoodMe milk tea rapidly went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention. According to Southern Metropolis Daily, a consumer at the Shaxi store in Chaozhou, Guangdong discovered a foreign object while drinking, and surveillance video captured the moment they sprang from their seat in shock. The GoodMe store involved immediately suspended operations for self-inspection, and the headquarters responded that the sealing process reaches temperatures as high as 180 degrees Celsius, making it extremely unlikely for a gecko to enter. The store has now been taken offline on the Meituan delivery platform. The truth of the incident is still under investigation, and netizens are discussing it widely. As coffee enthusiasts, we are equally concerned about food safety in the beverage industry, and Front Street Coffee has always advocated for quality and peace of mind in drinking. [more…]

When ordering an Americano or milk coffee at a café, you'll often encounter two choices: the default house blend and a pricier SOE. What exactly does SOE mean? What's the fundamental difference between it and an espresso blend? Why does switching to SOE cost extra? This article starts with the definition and history of SOE, explaining how it moved from atmospheric-pressure pour-over extraction into the realm of espresso, and analyzes its bean-selection logic and cost structure. It also draws on several Front Street single-origin beans to share practical tips on brew ratio, grind size, dose, and yield adjustment, helping you make smoother Americanos and lattes tailored to SOEs of different roast levels and flavor types. [more…]

Recently, a milk tea shop in Qingdao, Shandong launched a creative drink based on clam broth, quickly sparking widespread discussion on social media. The clam milk tea looks as clear as lemonade, with clam shells and lemon slices settled at the bottom of the cup, delivering a strong visual impact. Some people are eager to try it, some say it is hard to accept, and others have raised questions about its food safety. The store manager responded that the clam shells are only for decoration, and the drink does indeed contains broth simmered from Hongdao clams, mixed with perfume lemons and Laoshan white flower snake grass water. The product is currently still in the research, development and testing stage, and whether it will be launched in the future and how the formula will be adjusted remain to be seen. [more…]

Recently, a conflict between a delivery rider and a staff member at a chain milk tea shop in Shanghai drew widespread attention. Initially, the delivery rider posted a video on social media claiming that a staff member threw milk tea on him after he urged them to hurry with the order, sparking outrage among netizens against the store. However, as surveillance footage from the store was released, the incident took a dramatic turn: the delivery rider, while pressing for the order, took the liberty of rummaging through the counter and made physical contact with the staff, escalating the conflict. The brand said both parties have reached a settlement under police mediation, but the delivery rider later posted an incomplete video and livestreamed, and the brand will reserve the right to pursue legal action. As coffee enthusiasts, we care about the service experience in the beverage industry and also call for a rational view of disputes. Front Street Coffee reminds that communication and respect are the key to resolving conflicts. [more…]

When ordering at a café, have you ever noticed that Americanos or milk coffees often come with two choices: the default espresso blend, and an SOE that requires an extra charge? SOE stands for Single Origin Espresso, meaning espresso made from coffee beans from a single origin. From James Hoffmann's championship-winning creation at the 2007 World Barista Championship to today's chain brands promoting it one after another, SOE has moved from niche to mainstream. The core reason it costs more than a blend is that the single-origin beans used are of higher quality and have more distinctive flavors, so the cost naturally rises. But SOE is also a major challenge for baristas—light-roasted beans are hard in texture, and pressurized extraction easily magnifies flaws, so delivering consistent quality is by no means easy. This article will walk you through the ins and outs of SOE, and why Front Street Coffee insists on not offering SOE coffee. [more…]

In recent years, a dark horse has charged into the milk coffee market—Flat White. In 2018, its sales surged 56% year-on-year, closing in on latte, which had long dominated the rankings. It originated from a rivalry between Australia and New Zealand, uses ristretto paired with thin microfoam, and comes in a cup of only about 100ml, yet delivers a more intense coffee flavor. Front Street Coffee takes you through the history and origins of the Flat White, its flavor characteristics, extraction parameters, and the core differences from latte and Dirty coffee in method, ratio, and taste, helping you easily understand this small but refined milk coffee. [more…]