Category Archives: News

Baileys Launches Dairy-Free Oat Milk Liqueurs for Coffee Fans

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Baileys, a staple among many coffee lovers, has just introduced a delicious surprise that will excite dairy-free enthusiasts. For the first time in nearly a decade, the iconic liqueur brand is launching two plant-based options crafted from oat milk, tapping into the rising demand for dairy-free indulgences.

First up is Coffee Toffee, a rich, comforting blend of roasted coffee and sweet caramel flavors, offering the perfect complement to your favorite coffee drinks. Whether you prefer sipping it neat, pouring it over ice, or stirring it into your latte, this new flavor promises a enjoyable twist to your coffee experience.

Next is Cookies & Creamy, blending creamy oat milk with chocolate cookie and vanilla flavors. This option brings the beloved cookies-and-milk experience for dairy-free coffee drinkers, pairing nicely with espresso-based beverages or enjoyed simply on its own.

Baileys’ move into dairy-free territory not only taps into growing consumer demand but also invites everyone to enjoy a creamy experience regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences. These oat milk-based liqueurs mark a delicious new chapter for coffee lovers seeking plant-based indulgence.

While I do not have dairy drinking challenges, these sounded like something to try and compare to the other coffee drinks Baileys has made memorable. 

Please note that if you purchase from clicking on the link, some will result in my getting a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this site going. If you enjoy my work, perhaps you would consider donating to my daily cup of coffee, thank you.

Dunkin’ Spring 2025: Dunkalatte & Pistachio Coffee Return – New Sliders Debut

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Dunkin’ has unveiled its Spring 2025 menu, introducing a blend of returning favorites and new offerings that cater to a wide array of tastes. This seasonal update not only brings back cherished beverages but also introduces innovative food items, ensuring there’s something for every palate.

Dunkalatte Returns

Making a much-anticipated comeback is the Dunkalatte, a beverage that seamlessly blends rich espresso with Dunkin’s proprietary coffee milk. Described as tasting like a “melty milkshake,” this drink offers a creamy and indulgent experience, available both hot and iced. Its initial debut in late 2024 was met with overwhelming demand, leading to stock shortages. Fans will be delighted to see its return this spring. 

Pistachio Coffee Revival

Another highlight is the reintroduction of the Pistachio Coffee. This beverage features a pistachio swirl combined with cream, delivering a sweet and nutty flavor profile. Previously launched in 2018, its return caters to those seeking a unique twist to their regular coffee routine. 

New Culinary Creations

Expanding beyond beverages, without their donuts of yesteryear, Dunkin’s spring menu introduces the Ham & Swiss Pretzel Sliders. These sliders are crafted with Black Forest ham, Swiss cheese, and a touch of honey mustard, all nestled within pretzel-style King’s Hawaiian Slider Buns. This fusion offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. 

Additionally, the Chicken & Bacon Croissant Stuffer makes a return, featuring a buttery croissant filled with chicken, bacon, and Colby Jack cheese, topped with everything bagel seasoning. The Sweet Black Pepper Bacon items, known for their harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes, are also back on the menu. 

Special Offers and Updates

Dunkin‘ continues its $6 Meal Deal throughout the spring season. This value meal includes a medium hot or iced coffee, hash browns, and a Sausage, Egg & Cheese breakfast sandwich, providing a satisfying option for those on the go. 

Dunkin’ has also eliminated the surcharge for non-dairy milk alternatives, aligning with industry trends and catering to a broader customer base. 

Looking Ahead

While the current menu offers an array of enticing options, Dunkin’ has hinted at additional seasonal items expected to roll out before Easter. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for further announcements as the season progresses. 

Dunkin’s Spring 2025 menu reflects the brand’s commitment to innovation while honoring classic flavors, ensuring that both new and returning customers find something to enjoy this season.

Please note that if you purchase from clicking on the link, some will result in my getting a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this site going. If you enjoy my work, perhaps you would consider donating to my daily cup of coffee, thank you.

Fake Coffee Alert! What You Need to Know Before You Buy

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Lately, concerns have been growing over the rise of “fake coffee” in the market, particularly in Brazil, where coffee prices have surged over 50% in just a few months. These counterfeit products are often sold as powdered alternatives to real coffee but contain little to no actual coffee beans. Instead, they are made from coffee waste, vegetable pulp, and artificial coffee flavoring, creating a misleading substitute that can deceive unsuspecting consumers. The Brazilian Coffee Roasters Association (ABIC) has raised alarms, identifying brands that package these products in a way that mimics authentic coffee while quietly labeling them as “coffee-flavored beverages.” In response, the association has asked regulatory agencies to investigate their legality and potential impact on the market.

One of the biggest concerns with fake coffee is its caffeine content—or lack thereof. Since these powders may include coffee peels and leaves, they might contain some caffeine, but in much smaller amounts than real coffee. Some versions have no caffeine at all, relying solely on artificial flavoring. Another key difference is their physical form. These products are never sold as whole beans, only as powder, making it easier for manufacturers to distinguish them from genuine ground coffee while still misleading consumers with packaging that features steaming coffee cups and bold “coffee-like” branding.

For those wanting to avoid fake coffee, there are several ways to spot it. First, always check the label. Authentic coffee will clearly state that it contains “100% coffee,” whether Arabica or Robusta. Fake coffee, on the other hand, often uses vague phrases like “coffee-flavored beverage” or “contains artificial coffee flavor.” Examining the ingredient list is also crucial—if it includes vegetable pulp, coffee peels, soy, corn, or chicory, it’s likely not real coffee. Price can also be a major clue. If a product is significantly cheaper than standard coffee brands, it’s worth taking a closer look. Fake coffee is often marketed as an affordable alternative, but its lower price comes at the cost of quality and authenticity.

Another way to detect fake coffee is by paying attention to texture and aroma. Real coffee grounds have a grainy, slightly oily feel and release a strong, rich scent. Fake coffee powders, however, tend to be finer, drier, and sometimes lack a distinct coffee fragrance. If you suspect a product might be fake, a simple water test can help confirm your suspicions. Mixing a spoonful of it with cold water can reveal its composition—real coffee grounds will float, while many fake coffee powders dissolve quickly due to added starches or fillers.

To ensure you’re drinking only high-quality coffee, it’s best to stick with trusted brands and reputable specialty coffee roasters. When trying new brands, researching them online and checking customer reviews can help you make an informed decision. Avoiding purchases from unregulated marketplaces or unfamiliar sellers is another safeguard against buying counterfeit coffee. With coffee prices fluctuating and new products constantly emerging, staying informed is the best way to protect both your taste buds and your wallet.

Please note that if you purchase from clicking on the link, some will result in my getting a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this site going. If you enjoy my work, perhaps you would consider donating to my daily cup of coffee, thank you.

Espresso Pressure Profiling – Unpacking the Next Level of Espresso

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There appears to have been big new mid last year about espresso pressure profiling. It looks to be a fascinating aspect of modern espresso making. After watching videos and reading a bunch, it feels like this is something that should be shared in case others missed hearing about it too.

Traditional espresso machines maintain a constant 9 bars of pressure throughout the extraction. But pressure profiling machines allow you to vary this pressure during different phases of the shot, similar to how a barista might adjust their technique during manual lever extraction.

For example, you might start with a gentle 2-3 bars for pre-infusion, which allows the coffee puck to gradually saturate and expand. Then you could ramp up to full pressure for the main extraction, and finally taper down toward the end of the shot. This control lets you:

  • Reduce channeling (when water finds weak spots in the puck)
  • Highlight different flavor characteristics (acidity, sweetness, body)
  • Compensate for different roast levels and bean densities
  • Create “flow profiles” that mimic different classic machines or styles

Machines like the Decent DE1, La Marzocco GS3 MP, and even some Lelit models were making this technology more accessible to home users. The Decent in particular was revolutionary because it offered real-time pressure, flow, and temperature graphs, letting users visualize and replicate their best shots.

The pressure changes during espresso extraction affect taste in several interesting ways:

During the pre-infusion phase, we work with low pressure between 2-3 bars, which is crucial for preparing the coffee puck for optimal extraction. This gentle initial pressure allows the coffee grounds to expand evenly as they become saturated with water. This careful start helps prevent channeling issues that could otherwise lead to sour or bitter flavors in your cup. It’s particularly effective with light roasts, as it helps draw out delicate flavors and aromatics while maintaining a balanced acidity in the final shot.

The peak pressure phase, running at 8-9 bars, is where the main extraction magic happens. This is when we extract the essential flavors and oils from the coffee grounds, creating that beautiful crema that espresso is famous for. During this phase, the high pressure develops the full body and intensity of your shot, and it’s especially effective at bringing out those beloved chocolatey and nutty notes that are characteristic of medium and dark roasts.

As we move into the declining pressure phase, the pressure gradually reduces to 6-4 bars, which plays a crucial role in finishing the shot properly. This gradual reduction prevents over-extraction that could lead to unwanted bitterness in your cup. The declining pressure helps maintain the sweetness in the final moments of extraction while enhancing the clarity of the overall flavor profile. This phase is particularly important when working with lighter roasts, as it helps prevent any astringent notes from developing in the final taste.

For example, if you’re working with a fruity Ethiopian coffee, you might use a longer pre-infusion to really develop those berry notes, then a gentler peak pressure to avoid making it too sharp. For a chocolatey Brazilian bean, you might use a shorter pre-infusion but maintain higher pressure longer to develop those rich, sweet notes.

Please note that if you purchase from clicking on the link, some will result in my getting a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this site going. If you enjoy my work, perhaps you would consider donating to my daily cup of coffee, thank you.

LG Duobo: Revolutionizing Your Brew with Dual Pod Magic

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LG would like to help you tune your coffee experience by providing a solution to mix Nespresso coffee pods. When I first saw the news about their device, I thought of the Pringles ads where people try mixing flavors chips for a new experience. I have not thought of mixing Nespresso flavors, but perhaps the LG Duobo will push me to try. Since it is LG, there is a lot more going on than a two puck coffee maker.

The control is in your hands, quite literally, with the Duobo mobile app. This tool lets you tweak the brewing process to perfection. Adjust the temperature, play with the pressure, and tailor your cup of joe exactly to your taste. The level of customization here is simply unmatched.

Design-wise, the Duobo is a touch of vintage space exploration. Its sleek, space probe-like appearance isn’t just for show – it’s a symbol of the endless possibilities and new flavors waiting to be discovered in the vast universe of coffee.

The Duobo is about an experience. With the Duobo sitting on an integrated full HD IPS display where you place your coffee cup, right where the rocket fire should come out. You’re treated to an immersive experience with animations and informative content about your beloved brew.

The Duobo was launched on Kickstarter, offering a chance to be among the first to elevate their coffee game. Although it was shown in Vegas at the 2024 CES show, I have yet to find where you can buy one to try. All of the LG mention is only that it is a research project linking to a Kickstarter project that has closed.

Until they ship or at least a influencer gets their hands on one, the info about when we get to play with coffee mixing is a unknown.

Please note that if you purchase from clicking on the link, some will result in my getting a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this site going. If you enjoy my work, perhaps you would consider donating to my daily cup of coffee, thank you.