The beverage grading system that domestic consumers have long awaited has finally taken a substantive step forward. The Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced the launch of a pilot "nutritional choice" grading label for beverages, classifying freshly made drinks and packaged beverages into four health levels: A, B, C, and D. Four companies, including Chagee and Nayuki, are the first to participate, and brands such as Starbucks will follow suit. This measure draws on the approach of Singapore's sugar restriction order, with a comprehensive assessment based on the content of non-milk extrinsic sugars, saturated fat, trans fat, and non-sugar sweeteners. Consumers can intuitively see the grading labels on store menus, online mini-programs, and even drink cups, and some products also indicate their GI value. Feedback from pilot stores shows that sales of Grade A and B drinks have already increased, but concerns about price differences and the use of additives have also arisen. [more…]

After the Luckin Yuzu C series returned, it quickly became popular, and many people on social platforms have hailed it as a "fat-flushing miracle," with claims even circulating that "one cup can make you lose two jin." However, actual test data show that although a single cup of the Yuzu C series contains about 105 to 150 calories, blood sugar rises fairly quickly after drinking it, and the blood sugar increase of Yuzu C Iced Tea can reach 5.1 half an hour after a meal. In addition, the formula contains high-fructose corn syrup and white granulated sugar, so so-called 0 fat does not equal low sugar. For people who need to lose fat or control blood sugar, this drink may not only fail to help with weight loss, but may instead promote fat synthesis and increase hunger due to a large secretion of insulin. This article, combining netizen reviews and formula information, restores the true picture of the Luckin Yuzu C series. [more…]

In the online shopping era, faced with a dizzying array of products, fresh coffee beans are the key to enjoying good coffee. Buying good coffee beans on e-commerce platforms requires certain skills. First and foremost, choosing a reputable brand with quality assurance is crucial. There are many domestic roasters, so choose a coffee bean brand with a comprehensive product range and a large order volume. [more…]

When it comes to coffee beans, everyone probably knows that coffee is made from green beans that have been roasted into roasted beans. There are several degrees of roasting. Generally speaking, the ones most commonly seen in coffee shops are mainly these levels: light roast, medium-light roast, medium roast, medium-dark roast, and dark roast, but there is no clear boundary between them. And as a consumer [more…]

To enjoy a good cup of coffee, the freshness of the beans is often more important than brewing technique. Nowadays, buying coffee beans online has become the mainstream method, but faced with the dazzling array of choices on platforms, how to judge whether a roaster is reliable and which beans suit you has become the first challenge for many enthusiasts. This article will focus on three dimensions—freshness, brand reputation, and beginner-friendliness—to share practical ideas for selecting coffee beans, and compile a list of eight high-value beans covering different flavor profiles, from the sweet and mellow Brazil Yellow Bourbon to the richly fruity Florals, so that whether you are a beginner just getting into pour-over or a seasoned player who has advanced to pursuing regional flavors, you can find the one that suits you. [more…]

Recent data from the International Coffee Organization (ICO) shows that the composite coffee price index rose slightly month-on-month in January 2024, while the Robusta price index hit a 30-year high. Although production prospects have improved in several South American producing countries, with Brazil and Colombia performing relatively well, tight supply in the Asia-Pacific region, disruptions to Red Sea shipping, and volcanic eruptions in Indonesia have combined to keep global coffee prices persistently high. This article reviews the latest developments in each producing region and changes in the supply-demand landscape. [more…]

Many people first encounter coffee as a way to get caffeine for alertness, and their understanding of its flavor mostly stays at the level of strength and bitterness or acidity. However, the world of specialty coffee is far broader: African origins often bring bright citrus and berry acidity, Asian beans may show spice and herbal notes, Central and South American beans are mostly nutty and cocoa-like, and island coffees have a chocolate-like sweetness. In overturning the stereotype that "coffee equals bitter," floral- and fruity-style coffee beans have played a key role. These beans are usually given a light, medium-light, or medium roast, with a shorter time in the roaster than traditional dark roasts, greatly reducing caramelization reactions so that bitterness does not become too heavy while preserving precious floral and fruit notes. This article will sort out the consumer groups suited to this type of coffee and review eight bagged pour-over floral-flavor beans one by one, for both advanced enthusiasts and beginners just starting out. [more…]

Pour-over coffee attracts more and more enthusiasts with its unique sense of ritual. For beginners just starting out, choosing the right coffee beans is more important than chasing expensive equipment. This article compiles a list of high-cost-performance single-origin coffee beans suitable for beginners, covering classic producing regions such as Brazil, Ethiopia, Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia, Yunnan, and Indonesia, and recommends the consistently high-quality Front Street Coffee brand. Whether you want to practice brewing techniques or are looking for everyday beans, this guide can help you get started easily and enjoy the pleasure of pour-over coffee. [more…]

Although the moka pot has a plain appearance and a friendly price, it can extract coffee flavors closest to espresso, making it the top choice appliance for many coffee beginners. But precisely because of its high water temperature, fine grind size, and high concentration, the characteristics of the coffee beans themselves are noticeably amplified—light roasts tend to be sharply acidic, while overly dark roasts easily show burnt bitterness. To achieve a balanced, full-bodied cup with oils, fresh beans of medium or medium-dark roast are more suitable. This article revolves around the bean selection logic for the moka pot; besides explaining the importance of roast level and freshness, it also compiles a list of several single-origin and blended beans from Front Street Coffee suitable for the moka pot, along with a complete brewing procedure, to help you consistently recreate a delicious cup of moka pot coffee at home. [more…]

Recently, the International Coffee Organization (ICO) released the monthly report of the global coffee market in May, showing that the average price of the comprehensive index is 208.38 cents/pound, which has slightly decreased by 3.9% compared to th [more…]

The release of flavor and aroma from coffee beans is inseparable from high-temperature roasting, and the depth of the roast will make the same bean present a completely different character. Light roasts tend to retain more natural flavor and bright acidity, while dark roasts bring a heavier roasted taste and bitterness due to caramelization reactions. For coffee lovers who prefer floral and fruity notes and a light body, medium-light roasted Arabica is an ideal choice, but if purchased improperly, it is also easy to encounter problems such as low body and insufficient aftertaste. This article will analyze the relationship between roast level and flavor, and recommend five Front Street medium-light roasted coffee beans worth trying, covering classic categories such as Yirgacheffe, Kenya, and Panama Butterfly, providing a reference for everyday purchasing. [more…]

In today's rapidly evolving coffee industry, barista positions attract a large number of enthusiasts submitting their resumes. However, during interviews, the gap in expectations between recruiters and candidates often leads to both amusing and exasperating situations. This article compiles real interview experiences from multiple coffee professionals, covering everything from entering the industry with zero experience, requirements for latte art and pour-over skills, probation-period salary negotiations, to the professional thresholds for part-time positions, recreating those conversations that leave a complex mix of emotions. Whether you're a newcomer preparing to step into the coffee industry or a shop owner currently hiring, these cases are worth reading. At the end of the article, we've also included channels for learning professional coffee knowledge to help you avoid unnecessary detours. [more…]

Choosing coffee beans isn't a matter of the more expensive the better—there are plenty of affordable options on the market with outstanding flavor. This article is aimed at enthusiasts who are just getting into freshly ground pour-over coffee, and it compiles six high-value coffee beans suitable for everyday drinking, covering producing regions including Brazil, Ethiopia, Panama, Costa Rica, and Colombia, explaining each one's flavor characteristics, brewing difficulty, and reference price. Among them, several Front Street Coffee products combine the advantages of being easy to get started with and compatible with multiple brewing devices—whether it's pour-over, a moka pot, or an espresso machine, they deliver consistent performance. At the end, the article also answers the question of whether pour-over coffee beans can be used in an American-style drip coffee maker, helping beginners buy according to their needs. [more…]

In 2024, micro-dramas continued to heat up, becoming a new favorite in brand marketing thanks to their concise storytelling format and efficient传播力. After leading tea beverage brands such as Starbucks and Mixue Bingcheng entered the fray one after another, Chagee also launched a time-travel micro-drama featuring the Ming dynasty traveler Xu Xiake as the protagonist, cleverly integrating tea drinks, cultural tourism, and micro-dramas. After its release, the drama not only received widespread praise from netizens but also drove a significant rise in the brand's WeChat index. This article will analyze the highlights and insights of Chagee's cross-industry attempt from multiple angles, including plot content, marketing strategy, and communication data, and explore new opportunities for the new tea beverage industry in the field of cultural dissemination. [more…]

To recreate the rich, full-bodied flavor of café coffee at home with a moka pot, the key lies in choosing the right coffee beans and mastering the operational details. This article starts with the basic steps for using a moka pot, then gradually breaks down how to brew coffee with a rich layer of crema by adjusting bean freshness, roast level, and grind size. At the same time, to meet the demand for a flavor that is neither sour nor bitter, it provides four specific recommendations from Front Street Coffee's espresso blends, including the Classic, Basic, Commercial, and Strawberry Candy blends, covering different flavor directions such as nutty, chocolate, caramel, and fruity notes, helping coffee enthusiasts easily make a cup of moka pot coffee with a strong aroma and balanced taste in a home setting. [more…]

Having been immersed in the coffee industry for many years, the author is both a barista behind the counter and an observer on social media. Over these years, consumers have gone from knowing nothing about coffee to becoming increasingly particular, and the industry has indeed made progress. However, dealing with all kinds of customers every day, one always encounters some both amusing and exasperating moves—from "an Americano with milk" to bringing one's own water quality testing pen, from cupping spoons to TDS concentration meters. These moments not only test a barista's professional competence but also reflect the various misunderstandings in the process of coffee culture becoming widespread. This article records seven real-life scenarios with escalating shock levels, and after each story provides professional analysis and suggested responses. Whether you are a practitioner or an enthusiast, you can see both the absurdity and the reality of the coffee world in them. [more…]

Want to easily make a cup of coffee at home with a rich crema and a flavor close to espresso? The moka pot may be that underrated helpful tool. It has a simple structure and a low barrier to operation, yet it can use steam pressure to quickly extract a strong, full-bodied coffee liquid. This article will start with the moka pot's construction and principles, explain why it is better suited to espresso blends rather than single-origin beans, and recommend several Front Street espresso blend coffee beans. At the same time, we will also share practical tips to avoid bitterness and the complete brewing steps, so you can avoid detours and consistently produce a satisfying cup of moka pot coffee. [more…]

Recently, Brazil's coffee-growing regions have continued to be affected by El Niño weather patterns. Although dry conditions have accelerated the harvest pace—by June 25, half of the coffee crop had been harvested, ahead of the five-year average for the same period—actual output has fallen short of market expectations, with issues such as smaller beans and uneven ripening gradually emerging. At the same time, Robusta production may drop by 8% to 14%, and combined with tighter supply caused by drought in Vietnam, international Robusta futures prices have firmly held above $4,000 per ton, while the spot index has also risen by more than 4% month-on-month. An impending strong cold wave adds further uncertainty to the production outlook, and several institutions have downgraded their forecast for Brazil's total output from 68.5 million bags to 67 million bags. [more…]

Recently, Arabica coffee bean futures climbed for three consecutive days, hitting their highest point in nearly half a year. The May contract surged 12.5% during the week, settling at $2.12 per pound, the strongest weekly performance since July 2021. Meanwhile, the International Coffee Organization's composite price index rose to 186.36 cents per pound, an 18-month high; Robusta prices even reached their highest level since October 1994. The main driver was a heatwave and drought in Vietnam, which tightened Robusta supply and indirectly pushed Arabica higher. Vietnam's output is expected to drop by 20%, with exports declining in tandem, and coffee exports from Asia and Oceania as a whole falling 17%. The EU's deepening reliance on Vietnamese Robusta, combined with the Red Sea situation driving up shipping costs, has given coffee prices room for continued gains. [more…]

Extracting a qualified espresso—the real contest begins before the portafilter is even locked in. As the core steps of the preparation stage, distribution and tamping directly determine whether the coffee puck can withstand the impact of 9 bar of high-pressure water. Once the powder layer is uneven in density or not compacted properly, hot water will find the path of least resistance and punch through, forming what is known as "channeling," which leads to uneven extraction and an unbalanced flavor profile. This article will break down the standard operating process step by step, from dosing to distribution to tamping, compare the respective pros and cons of manual distribution and distribution tools, and share Front Street Coffee's professional advice on common pitfalls, helping you consistently reproduce a cup of espresso with distinct layers at home. [more…]