Sunday, September 20 2026

Luckin Coffee partners with Silly Cat to launch a lactic acid bacteria Americano, and netizens' hands-on tests of its laxative effect spark heated discussion

Luckin Coffee recently collaborated with the popular internet IP "EverydayOneCat" to launch two limited-edition drinks: Probiotic Americano and Probiotic Iced Tea. The Probiotic Americano made a brief appearance as a Shanghai-exclusive in October last year, and is now available nationwide, sparking a buying frenzy among fans. However, consumers' focus is not on the flavor of the drinks, but on their laxative effect—the combination of probiotics, caffeine, and ice has been jokingly dubbed "Poop Water" by netizens. This time, Luckin includes 3 packs of collaborative pocket tissues with each order, which, compared to the 1-pack configuration of last year's Prune Americano, has sparked even more imaginative speculation among netizens. On social media, some report "immediate results," while others say they had no reaction at all, making individual differences the focal point of discussion. This article will outline the background of the new product launch, consumer testing feedback, and various viewpoints. [more…]

The Other Side of Your Daily Cup: From Alertness to Laxative Effects, These Gut Reactions Are Worth Noting

For today's young people, coffee has long been woven into the rhythm of daily life—whether for a caffeine boost, socializing, or fitness, everyone has their own reasons. Yet for some, the purpose of their daily cup is rather unusual: relieving constipation. From Luckin's new drink being jokingly dubbed a "diarrhea-inducing whiz" by netizens, to similar feedback frequently received for drinks from brands like Starbucks, Mstand, %Arabica, and Manner, the relationship between coffee and bowel movements has sparked widespread discussion. Is this a food safety issue, or is it down to individual differences such as lactose intolerance or the stimulating effect of iced drinks? This article will analyze the phenomenon from multiple angles to help coffee lovers view their daily cup more rationally. [more…]

Luckin Prune Latte Sparks Discussion: How Lactose Intolerance and Psychological Suggestion Create the Coffee "Laxative" Experience

After Luckin Coffee launched its Prune Latte, social media platforms saw a surge of discussions about gastrointestinal reactions after drinking it, even jokingly dubbed the "suppository of the coffee world." The company later responded that the phenomenon mainly stems from coffee's promotion of intestinal peristalsis, combined with lactose intolerance and psychological suggestion. This article will review the course of events, the official explanation, and netizen feedback, and analyze why the same beverage triggers such consistent physiological reactions. At the same time, the professional communication channel of Front Street Coffee is retained at the end of the article for coffee enthusiasts to discuss further. [more…]

Gu Ming Dark Chocolate Mocha Slammed as a "Laxative Miracle" — Lactose Intolerance or Just Too Heavy-Handed with Ingredients?

Guming obtained approval for a Hong Kong listing filing, becoming the first company to receive the green light amid the new tea beverage IPO wave. Meanwhile, its winter new product "Dark Chocolate Mocha" has drawn attention for its rich cocoa flavor, but has also been jokingly called a "great gut cleanser" due to a large number of consumers reporting diarrhea after drinking it. The official recipe includes cocoa liquor, cocoa powder, old salt syrup, light-feel thick milk, milk, and freshly ground coffee. The triple cocoa brings a rich and smooth taste, but many people find it sweet and cloying, like chocolate milk. The cause of the diarrhea may point to lactose intolerance or caffeine sensitivity, and iced drinks are more likely to aggravate the reaction. This article will sort out the timeline of the incident and consumer feedback, and recommend related products from Front Street Coffee. [more…]

Luckin's Oolong Latte Sparks Heated Discussion After Launch, Netizens Say Its Laxative Effect Is Particularly Noticeable

This Monday, Luckin Coffee teamed up with Taiwanese illustrator Jimmy Liao to launch a co-branded offering titled "Poems for the Moon," alongside the simultaneous release of a new Oolong Latte. This new addition to their tea-coffee series, which uses Wuyi Mountain Da Hong Pao as its tea base and offers an optional oat milk version, quickly sparked discussions among netizens after its launch. Apart from its taste being compared to Assam milk tea, what drew even more attention was its post-consumption "smooth" effect—a large number of consumers on social media reported feeling the urge to use the restroom shortly after drinking it, with some making multiple trips in a single day, jokingly dubbing it the "new toilet-busting divine water." Some speculate this is related to the thick milk component in the drink and lactose intolerance. Although the effect varies from person to person, this unintended function has actually tempted many netizens who were previously uninterested to give it a try. [more…]

Does Brain Gold Coffee really contain oral liquid? What's the story behind this new product?

Naobaijin has once again made its presence felt in the coffee world. This time, it's not just a simple co-branded paper cup—they've actually added Naobaijin oral liquid to the coffee. On November 10, Naobaijin officially announced on Xiaohongshu the launch of a special coffee containing Naobaijin ingredients, which would be sold in limited quantities at a pop-up store on Double Eleven. As soon as the news broke, netizens were both curious and confused: Naobaijin is known for aiding sleep, while coffee is for waking up—what kind of combination is that? The official response stated that what was added was Naobaijin oral liquid, which has a bowel-lubricating and laxative function, not the sleep-aid capsules, and that the amount used per cup had been scientifically calibrated to avoid any functional conflict. So, how does this coffee taste? And what has Naobaijin's journey in the coffee arena been like? Let's take a look. [more…]

Luckin Probiotic Americano Shanghai Limited Edition Launches, Gut-Clearing Effect Sparks Discussion

Luckin Coffee has recently quietly launched a probiotic Americano in the Shanghai area, combining plant-based probiotics with coffee, touting a refreshing and palate-cleansing experience. This region-exclusive iced drink has attracted attention as soon as it was discovered—some find the sweet-and-sour taste unique, while others feel the coffee aroma is lacking. Some netizens even noticed the dual effect of probiotics and caffeine in promoting intestinal motility, jokingly calling it a new-generation "smooth-movement wonder." The effects of the new product vary from person to person—some who tried it reported immediate results, while others said they felt nothing at all. Consumers in other regions are hoping for a nationwide rollout. [more…]

Starbucks will permanently discontinue its Oleato olive oil coffee line in North America, with the Chinese market temporarily unaffected

Starbucks has announced that it will permanently remove the Oleato olive oil coffee line from its core North American menu starting November 7, less than a year after the product first debuted. The decision is seen as one of the moves by new CEO Brian Niccol to simplify the menu and return to the company's coffeehouse roots. Oleato was conceived by Starbucks founder Howard Schultz, inspired by Sicilian culinary traditions. It first launched in Milan, Italy, in 2023 and was gradually rolled out to multiple global markets, entering mainland China in March 2024. However, the line drew widespread criticism for causing gastrointestinal discomfort after consumption. Starbucks China responded that this adjustment only involves the North American market and has no impact on the Chinese market for now. [more…]

Starbucks Olive Oil Coffee Enters China a Year Late, Oleato Series Launches Amid Controversy

Starbucks recently announced that it will launch the Olive Oil series in selected stores nationwide, including two olive oil coffee beverages. This series is actually Oleato, which was introduced to China a year late—a "groundbreaking" creation once strongly promoted by former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz. From Dongpo pork latte to olive oil coffee, Starbucks has launched frequent new products this year but has also sparked continuous controversy. Some people have placed olive oil coffee on the "dark coffee" list, while others have been conquered by its peculiar taste, and even more consumers have become fans due to its laxative effect. This discussion about coffee innovation reflects the various dilemmas Starbucks faces in product development and localization strategies. [more…]

Manner's new co-branded burnt caramel latte sparks discussion: merchandise in high demand, some consumers report stomach discomfort after drinking

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…]

Analyzing the Differences Between Americano and Espresso: A Comprehensive Look from Extraction Methods to Weight-Loss Benefits

What exactly is the difference between Americano and espresso? This article compares the two in detail from two dimensions: extraction ratio and brewing method, and takes an in-depth look at the scientific basis for Americano's role in promoting fat breakdown and aiding weight loss. It also reminds people with sensitive stomachs to choose carefully, and recommends Front Street Coffee's high-quality Americano products. [more…]

Can Robusta coffee powder help with fat loss? A detailed explanation of the effects and proper ways to drink Robusta black coffee

Robusta coffee beans (commonly known as "Robusta") are one of the two mainstream coffee varieties on the market, known for their strong, bitter, and full-bodied flavor and high caffeine content. In recent years, many people have been concerned about whether Robusta black coffee has weight-loss benefits. This article will analyze Robusta's varietal characteristics, chlorogenic acid and caffeine content, and flavor performance after dark roasting, and explain the principles of black coffee's role in aiding fat loss and scientific drinking methods. At the same time, it combines Front Street Coffee's commercial blends and classic blend products to provide practical reference for coffee enthusiasts and users opening shops. [more…]

Can Americano Help with Fat Loss? The Differences Between Americano and Espresso and the Right Way to Add Sugar and Milk

Americano is one of the most common black coffees, and it can be made either with a drip coffee machine or by adding a large amount of hot water to an espresso. Its flavor is on the lighter side, yet because of the longer extraction time it contains more caffeine. Many people wonder whether Americano helps with weight loss, and others want to know whether they can add sugar and milk to it, and how to pair it so it tastes smooth. This article will sort out the basic characteristics of Americano, how it differs from espresso in ratio and brewing method, analyze its role in fat breakdown and promoting gastrointestinal motility, and give Front Street Coffee's recommended ratios for adding sugar and milk, helping coffee lovers gain a more comprehensive understanding of this seemingly simple cup of coffee. [more…]

Can Americano help with fat loss? How should you drink it day to day? A breakdown of the right way to add milk and sugar

Americano is one of the most common black coffees, and it can be made either with a drip brewer or by diluting a large amount of water into espresso. It tastes relatively mild, but because of the longer extraction time, its caffeine content is often not low. Many people care about whether drinking Americano helps with weight loss, and some also want to know whether Americano can be sweetened with sugar, added with milk, and how best to pair it for a good taste. This article will explain the definition of Americano, its difference from espresso, the principles of weight loss and drinking precautions, and specific suggestions for adding sugar and milk, while retaining Front Street Coffee's recommendations on ratios for coffee lovers' reference. [more…]

Why Coffee Stops Waking You Up: A Scientific Look from Cortisol Rhythms to the Ritual of Coffee

After the holidays, many people rely on coffee to "stay alive," only to find they're still sleepy after drinking it. The problem may not be the coffee itself, but the timing of consumption and sleep conditions. Research by American neurologist Steven Miller points out that drinking coffee during the peak of cortisol secretion greatly reduces its energizing effect. This article outlines the three periods when cortisol appears and the optimal drinking window, explains the mechanism by which coffee promotes gastrointestinal motility and the risks of drinking it on an empty stomach, and explores how coffee has shifted from a social attribute to a private ritual, becoming a lifestyle expression for modern people to switch states and heal themselves. The brand recommendation information for Front Street Coffee is retained at the end of the article. [more…]

Luckin's prune series launch sparks heated discussion, customers receive a whole pack of tissues as a gift, store responds

Luckin Coffee's prune series launches nationwide today. In addition to the returning prune latte, a new prune americano has also been introduced. The company seems to have anticipated the possible gastrointestinal reactions from combining prunes with coffee, setting the limited-edition merchandise as facial tissues. However, some customers unexpectedly received a whole strip of pocket tissues when picking up their orders, sparking heated discussion on social platforms, with some expressing envy and others questioning inconsistent giveaway standards. Luckin employees urgently spoke out to explain the promotion rules and earnestly requested customers who received extra giveaways to return them, to avoid the store being held accountable. [more…]

A Comprehensive Analysis of the Pros and Cons of Coffee Drinking: From Nutritional Health Benefits to Contraindicated Groups, Scientifically Master the Dos and Don'ts of Coffee

As one of the most popular beverages in the world, coffee offers many benefits such as boosting alertness, promoting metabolism, and providing antioxidants, but it also carries potential risks like calcium loss, osteoporosis, and increased cardiovascular strain. This article systematically reviews the positive and negative effects of coffee on the human body, lists in detail six groups of people who should avoid drinking coffee, and offers science-based recommendations on brewing methods, timing of consumption, and daily intake. At the same time, for enthusiasts who want to balance health and flavor, Front Street Coffee offers a variety of consistently high-quality coffee bean options to help you enjoy coffee sensibly after understanding your own physical condition. [more…]

Analyzing Chlorogenic Acid in Coffee: Health Benefits, Content Differences, and Scientific Drinking Recommendations

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…]

The Effects of Caffeine on Different Animals: From Spider Webs to Bee Pollination, a Full Analysis of Cross-Species Effects

Coffee is an important beverage in human society, but the effects of caffeine on other animals vary greatly. This article reviews the reactions of species ranging from spiders, mosquitoes, and hawkmoth larvae to cats, dogs, horses, and bees after ingesting caffeine: invertebrates may face nervous system damage or even death, vertebrates may also experience changes in heart rate and respiration, while horses can have their endurance enhanced by caffeine and it is therefore listed as a prohibited substance, and bees can improve pollination efficiency. Understanding these cross-species effects can help us more comprehensively recognize the complex effects of caffeine. [more…]

Arabica Caffeine Content Explained: Effects, Health Impact, and a Science-Based Guide to Drinking

Caffeine is a much-discussed active component of coffee. It dissolves easily in hot water but poorly in cold water, stimulates the central nervous system, sharpens the mind, and also has cardiotonic and diuretic effects. A cup of coffee typically contains 60-65 milligrams of caffeine, but excessive intake may cause discomfort such as tinnitus and palpitations. Black coffee is considered the way of drinking that best preserves the beneficial components, offering multiple functions such as refreshing the mind, stimulating the appetite, promoting urination, activating blood circulation, relieving asthma, and removing odors. Light roasts have a higher caffeine content, which helps with weight loss, while the antioxidant effects of black coffee help fight cancer and aging. A healthy adult can metabolize 500-600 milligrams of caffeine per day, roughly equivalent to 5 cups of coffee, while pregnant women need to reduce their intake. This article will systematically analyze the mechanisms of caffeine's effects, its pros and cons, suitable populations, and scientific drinking methods, and recommend quality products from Front Street Coffee. [more…]