Hannah Frye is the Beauty & Health Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including beauty, women’s health, mental health, sustainability, social media trends, and more. She previously worked for Almost 30, a top-rated health and wellness podcast. In her current role, Hannah reports on the latest beauty trends and innovations, women’s health research, brain health news, and plenty more.
Iced lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, seasonal drinks or maybe a shot of espresso — these are some of my go-to orders at coffee shops across Charlotte.
As one of my favorite pop girls, Sabrina Carpenter says, “That’s that me, espresso.” The best part? After three years of living here, I’ve discovered there’s no shortage of great spots, from old favorites to the newer shops popping up around town.
Countless cups later, jolts of energy and lingering taste of nutty, chocolatey or caramel notes, each coffee shop in every neighborhood has its own voice and personality. I love hearing the chatter of girls catching up, murmurs of note taking from a graphic designer and a tech bro in a 10 a.m. meeting asking everyone, “How was your weekend?”
I live for hearing the espresso machine churn out a caffeinated drink, hearing a familiar song by Faye Webster and Laufey or talking to baristas about stuff going on in the city. Regardless of the reason, I love community and I love coffee.
Consider this my love letter — written in espresso shots and milk foam.
Here’s a curated list of my personal picks. Full disclosure: I’m an avid almond milk drinker, so most of my orders feature a milk alternative.
An iced latte from The Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters, located in Plaza Midwood. Tamia Boyd CharlotteFive
I frequent Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters, and for good reason. Parking (let alone finding a seat) can be tricky, but it’s worth it. I always try to sit inside in front of the coffee roaster itself. In the mornings, the aroma of freshly ground coffee fills the air as you sip whatever concoction you’ve ordered.
My go-to is a cappuccino with almond milk, extra hot — it takes me a while to finish a drink, and this keeps it warm.
If the weather’s mild, sit at the picnic tables or under the umbrellas. It’s perfect for people-watching since so many pedestrians pass through the area.
For food, don’t miss Giddy Goat’s croissants or quiche. The quiche is buttery and rich but light at the same time — one of my favorite refined breakfast foods.
Choosing a favorite in NoDa was tough, but my heart says The Hobbyist. I discovered it shortly after moving here, after friends raved about its convenience and charm. I even considered moving up the street for it.
The Hobbyist has two moods, depending on the garage door: dark and moody, or bright and calm. Both suit the space perfectly. I love sitting at the bar rail, eavesdropping on the baristas’ lore and maybe even making a friend, since most patrons sit alone. If the garage door is open, sit by it to catch the sun’s warmth without overheating. Truly, I used to be a regular here.
Decorated with greenery I envy (I can barely keep one plant alive), it feels inviting. My usual order is a hot coffee with vanilla or an iced matcha with vanilla. I’ve debated with many friends about the best matcha in Charlotte — The Hobbyist always wins.
Parking in uptown gives me the heebie-jeebies, but I make an exception for Lottie’s Cafe. My first visit was during a monthly coffee set hosted by a local group called The 4C, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
I typically get the “Iced Airplane Latte,” a creamy Biscoff cookie butter iced latte. Sweet? Yes — but in all the right ways. Imagine a DJ playing your favorite song while people dance, chat and sip coffee at 11 a.m. on a Saturday — that’s Lottie’s vibe.
The space is bright, with just enough indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy the energy without feeling crowded. And the baristas are fun, too. I love watching them interact when they hear a song they like — they do a little two step and shuffle while making my order.
Stable Hand is my top pick in South End. Unlike other crowded spots, it’s never congested — the perfect place to meet friends or even grab a quiet coffee before an interview.
Inside, the space feels modern, clean and straight to the point. My favorite thing about the space is how bright it is; regardless where you’re sitting, you’ll see and feel the sun peeking through.
I usually sit outside, letting the sun’s warmth soak in as I sip an iced vanilla matcha or try one of Stable Hand’s funky seasonal drinks. The seasonal menu is unlike most coffee shops. (No, seriously, last year it had a spiced plum syrup that was to die for!) But the matcha is always a perfect, vibrant green. Not in the mood for coffee? They serve beer and wine, too.
Stable Hand frequently collaborates with local businesses like Hello Uncle and Rowan Coffee.
Come in the morning, and pair your drink with the tofu scramble and add the Verdant sourdough to dip it in. It’s so hearty!
I first discovered Burr & Berry on TikTok earlier this year. Though originally from South Carolina, it now has locations in Lower South End and Matthews.
This is my favorite grab-and-go spot — the drive-thru makes it easy, and the baristas’ fun energy shines through in every cup. I rarely stick to one specific drink; I usually ask, “What’s the most popular right now?” and go with that.
Any iced drink comes with a chocolate-covered coffee bean, a small touch that makes the experience extra delightful. I especially love visiting during colder months so I can stay in my car while sipping my order.
Burr & Berry Coffee opened its second Charlotte-area location at 4209 South Boulevard with drive-thru and walk-up service. MVP Properties
A hot vanilla latte from Not Just Coffee, Dilworth. Tamia Boyd CharlotteFive
When I first moved to Charlotte, everyone told me to go visit Not Just Coffee, and they will still tell you that to this day. Whenever I have friends come down to visit me, I will always take them to Not Just Coffee, because, really, this place has it all. There are a lot of locations you can choose from, but I love the Dilworth one.
It’s incredibly cozy inside, but if you’re an outdoor person, the patio is also really nice to sit at. You can catch me on a Saturday morning with the line out the door, mostly because half of the customers are coming from an early morning cycling class at Sky Cycle (me) or yoga at Y2.
I normally get a vanilla latte, the Dukkah Avocado Toast, the breakfast sandwich or if it’s the afternoon, the tuna melt. Many coffee shops might have food items, but to me, NJC has the best. Guaranteed, there’s not an item you won’t like.
It isn’t just the coffee that warms you here — it’s also the people behind the counter. The staff greets you like an old friend.
I think I’m a sucker for coffee shops with real food. Not the kind where someone reheats a pastry for you, but the kind with a kitchen where a burger is sizzling on the grill.
Platform Coffee is that place. You’ll want to order The Moonlight, its ube latte layered with coconut and ube-infused milk. Drink it iced, and, yes, you will finish this drink in two minutes — because it’s that good. Sometimes, I will add cold foam if I’m feeling fancy. This drink is also good as a matcha, as well. Come early to Platform Coffee because it does fill it up quickly. I love sitting by the roastery, it fills the space with such a strong aroma — it’s like getting an extra shot of espresso in your body.
I would say anything off Platform’s food menu would be the perfect pair, but I haven’t tried everything yet. Do get the breakfast burrito or the Railyard Burger if you’re coming closer to lunch time. You’ll leave here filled, warm and wanting to come back the next day if you live up the street like me.
The seating area is spacious and accented with greenery at Vavela Café. Vavela Café
Vavela Cafe opened this year, and it’s a spacious Turkish cafe that offers beautiful views, delicious desserts and plenty of food options.
But the real reason this spot is a standout for me is because everyone kept raving online about the pistachio latte. Listen, this is coming from someone who doesn’t like pistachio, but this drink surprised me. From the looks of it, I thought it was going to be super sweet, but it was right in the middle.
I usually pair my drink with, of course, the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry cup and an eclair. I’m a sucker for a sweet treat with coffee. My favorite thing about this café is that there’s always somewhere to sit. Cozy, green and inspiring, perfect for getting work done.
The Cumulus, an iced matcha at Fly Kid Fly located at The Bowl at Ballantyne. Tamia Boyd CharlotteFive
I was a little skeptical about Fly Kid Fly at first because a friend told me it could be hit or miss. But after my first few visits, I quickly realized it was a hidden gem.
The space is small, so it’s not my typical spot to work for hours, but the few times I’ve been, I’ve been able to claim a corner cubicle and loved it. The music here feels like it’s curated just for me, like someone peeked at my Spotify playlist.
Order the Cumulus: It’s an iced matcha with toasted coconut, blue spirulina, and a cloud of cream, agave and sea salt. If you’re not a coconut fan, skip it, but otherwise, this drink is a little work of art. I swear, I finished mine in under five minutes — it’s that soft, creamy and refreshing.
There are several locations of Night Swim Coffee, but the Brevard Street location is by far my favorite of the bunch. It throws “For The Early Birds,” a Saturday morning daytime jam session with a local DJ. Along with listening to some good tunes, it has a killer matcha colada that tastes like you should be somewhere warm with your toes in the sand. Here’s what you should get: a bag of beans. I’m serious. Night Swim Coffee, in my opinion, has the best coffee beans. My go-to bags are Bahire, which are sourced from Burundi. These bags have a lighter, fruiter taste in comparison to Ultraviolet, another bag that I frequently buy.
Aside from buying beans, my go-to is a cortado with almond milk and — hear me out — quarter-sweet simple syrup. It’s still got that velvety strong taste but with a little extra sweetness.
Technically a market, The People’s Market serves great coffee. It’s one of those places I kept seeing on TikTok and everyone kept hyping up — and rightfully so.
Locally, this place has the best chai lattes. Now, I only drink chai from October until spring rolls around because it’s the perfect fall drink in my opinion. I get mine hot, never iced. It warms the soul, truly. It’s never not too sweet, and the aromas really sell it for me. The velvety texture of the milk and the spices really makes me feel like I’m living in an episode of Gilmore Girls, although Luke’s would never serve chai. If The People’s Market has a seasonal chai latte, like the pumpkin chai latte, do it. It’ll really put you in the mood to jump in a pile of leaves.
If you’re going in the morning, grab yourself a breakfast burrito with it and sit outside on the patio, at a table closest to the street in a corner. Or if you want something hearty with it, get a side of grits and bacon.
Cup of Cappuccino at Julia’s Cafe & Books, a used bookshop located by Habitat for Humanity. Tamia Boyd CharlotteFive
Tucked away off Independence and North Wendover Road, Julia’s Cafe and Books is easy to miss — but trust, you don’t want to miss this. The vibes inside are busy and bustling, but still quiet enough that it feels like you’ve stepped into a library that just happens to serve great coffee.
Julia’s is an extension of Habitat for Humanity ReStore of the Charlotte Region, so while you’re shopping, you can stop by the café and its used bookstore, which has an amazing, well-loved collection.
There’s a little bit of everything on the menu, plus some fun seasonals. But my go-to is always the cappuccino. The few times I’ve been, I’ve had it plain — just a classic cappuccino — and other times I’ve added flavor shots of toasted marshmallow or butter pecan. The cappuccino is this soft, foamy dream with smooth milk and that bold espresso kick running underneath. It’s organic, rich and the kind of drink that wakes you up and warms you up all at once. The coffee is not burnt, not bitter — just balanced.
I love sitting upstairs on the small second floor that gives off major loft vibes. If you’re nosy like me, it’s the perfect perch to people-watch and take in the cozy vibes below. But they also have nooks tucked throughout the bookstore, where each one feels like a secret spot waiting to be claimed.
Notable Mentions
Caffeto: A Colombian coffee bar, located on North Davidson Street. I went to Colombia last year and had my first bombon, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. The sweetened condensed milk and espresso combo is like having a dessert I could drink every day.
Undercurrent Coffee: It’s not on the menu currently, but seasonally, it does the best espresso and tonic water/soda combinations. If the drinks come back, get the Little Gay Tonic and the Dirty Shirley. They’re so different and refreshing.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he had a positive meeting on Sunday with U.S. President Donald Trump, and their respective teams will start “immediately” to discuss tariffs and other matters.
Trump and Lula spoke on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in a meeting to overcome tensions between Brazil and the United States after Trump increased tariffs on U.S. imports of most Brazilian goods to 50 percent from 10 percent in August.
“We agreed that our teams will meet immediately to advance the search for solutions to the tariffs and sanctions against Brazilian authorities,” Lula said in a social media post following the meeting.
Trump had linked the tariff move to what he called a “witch hunt” against Jair Bolsonaro, the South American country’s former president. The U.S. government also put sanctions on a number of Brazilian officials, including Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversaw the trial that led to Bolsonaro’s conviction for attempting a coup.
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Ahead of the meeting on Sunday though, Trump said he could reach some agreements with Lula.
“I think we should be able to make some pretty good deals for both countries,” Trump said.
Lula previously described the tariff hike as a “mistake”, citing a $410 billion U.S. trade surplus with Brazil over 15 years.
Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said negotiations will start immediately to work on solutions and a meeting with the U.S. delegation was planned for Sunday.
“We will establish a negotiation schedule and establish the sectors we will talk about so that we can move forward,” Vieira told journalists at the summit, adding that Brazil had requested that tariffs be suspended during the negotiation process.
It was not immediately clear if the United States agreed to the request.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer were present at the meeting, Vieira said.
“We hope to conclude bilateral negotiations that address each of the sectors of the current American (tariffs on) Brazil in the near future, in a few weeks,” Vieira added.
Bolsonaro was not mentioned in the meeting, said Marcio Rosa, the executive secretary for Brazil’s ministry of development, industry and commerce, who stood next to Vieira.
Higher U.S. tariffs on Brazilian goods have begun reshaping the global beef trade, pushing up prices in the United States and encouraging triangulation via third countries such as Mexico, while Brazilian exports to its biggest beef market, China, are booming.
Brazilian beef industry group Abiec said it viewed the meeting between the two leaders as a positive step.
“The understanding between the two countries can preserve the competitiveness of the Brazilian product, guarantee predictability for exporters and expand the presence of (Brazilian) beef in the North American market,” it said in a statement.
Globally, Brazil’s total beef exports, including fresh and processed meat, edible offal and tallow, generated $1.92 billion in revenue in September, with volumes reaching 373,867 metric tons, up 49 percent in value and 17 percent in volume year-on-year.
Brazilian coffee industry group ABIC said it was confident in the historic partnership between the two countries. Brazil is the world’s top coffee producer and exporter, while the United States is the biggest importer.
“The recent meetings between the presidents of the United States and Brazil have been more positive, and at ABIC we are optimistic,” ABIC president Pavel Cardoso said in a statement.
Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Eduardo Simoes; Additional reporting by Roberto Samora; Writing by Oliver Griffin; Editing by John Mair, David Stanway, Will Dunham and Elaine Hardcastle
If you’re looking for a new single-cup coffee maker, but only have limited counter space, you’re in luck. The Keurig K-Mini, our favorite pod coffee maker for small spaces, is marked down to just $70 on Amazon in several colors. That’s a healthy $30 discount on your morning cup of brew, as long as you aren’t too picky about the particulars, or just want an afternoon lift in your home office without getting out of your chair.
Photograph: Louryn Strampe
While larger coffee makers might offer more features, like timers or warm carafe plates, the Keurig K-Mini focuses on squeezing into the smallest spots in the tiniest kitchens or break rooms. It’s just over 12 inches tall, and under five inches wide, making it one of the most compact powered options for making coffee of any sort. It’s only undercut by tiny manual coffee makers like a pour-over or Aeropress, but if you don’t feel like grinding beans and boiling water, the K-Mini is an all-in-one alternative.
Beyond its exceptionally compact footprint, the Keurig K-Mini is also super simple and straightforward to use. The tank holds just enough water to brew one cup of coffee to tea, so it’s easy to just fill it with your mug, plop in a pod, and hit the button. There are no extra settings or filters to deal with, which is perfect if you just need caffeine, and don’t want anything standing between you and that first sip.
While the K-Mini is available in a variety of colors, I was able to find the $30 discount on Black, Oasis, and Evergreen. They have a bit more pop than a lot of other coffee makers, and should cover most common kitchen color schemes. It’s a great option for occasional coffee drinkers, or a sneaky second cup in your home office, but if you have a little more space, make sure to check out our full guide to pod-based coffee makers. If your mornings need multiple mugs, or a full pot, make sure to swing by our favorite traditional coffee makers, or even consider upgrading to an espresso machine.
More than half of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) sufferers appear to have a form of atypical food allergy.
A chronic gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome affects about one in ten people. You may have heard about low-FODMAP diets, but they don’t appear to work any better than the standard advice to avoid things like coffee or spicy and fatty foods. In fact, you can hardly tell which is which, as shown below and at 0:27 in my video Friday Favorites: Fasting for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Most IBS patients, however, do seem to react to specific foods, such as eggs, wheat, dairy, or soy sauce, but when they’re tested with skin prick tests for typical food allergies, they may come up negative. We want to know what happens inside their gut when they eat those things, though, not what happens on their skin. Enter confocal laser endomicroscopy.
You can snake a microscope down the throat, into the gut, and watch in real-time as the gut wall becomes inflamed and leaky after foods are dripped in. Isn’t that fascinating? You can actually see cracks forming within minutes, as shown below and at 1:03 in my video. This had never been tested on a large group of IBS patients, though, until now.
Using this new technology, researchers found that more than half of IBS sufferers have this kind of reaction to various foods—“an atypical food allergy” that flies under the radar of traditional allergy tests. As you can see below and at 1:28 in my video, when you exclude those foods from the diet, there is a significant alleviation of symptoms.
However, outside a research setting, there’s no way to know which foods are the culprit without trying an exclusion diet, and there’s no greater exclusion diet than excluding everything. A 25-year-old woman had complained of abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea for a year, and drugs didn’t seem to help. But, after fasting for ten days, her symptoms improved considerably and appeared to stay that way at least 18 months later. It wasn’t just subjective improvement either. Biopsies were taken that showed the inflammation had gone down, her bowel irritability was measured directly, and expanding balloons and electrodes were inserted in her rectum to measure changes in her sensitivity to pressure and electrical stimulation. Fasting seemed to reboot her gut in a way, but just because it worked for her doesn’t mean it works for others. Case reports are most useful when they inspire researchers to put them to the test.
“Despite research efforts to develop a cure for IBS, medical treatment for this condition is still unsatisfactory.” We can try to suppress the symptoms with drugs, but what do we do when even that doesn’t work? In a study of 84 IBS patients, 58 of whom failed basic treatment (consisting of pharmacotherapy and brief psychotherapy), 36 of the 58 who were still suffering underwent ten days of fasting, whereas the other 22 stuck with the basic treatment. The findings? Those in the fasting group experienced significant improvements in abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, anxiety, and interference with life in general, which were significantly better than those of the control group. The researchers concluded that fasting therapy “could be useful for treating moderate to severe patients with IBS.”
Unfortunately, patient allocation was neither blinded nor randomized in the study, so the comparison to the control group doesn’t mean much. They were also given vitamins B1 and C via IV, which seems typical of Japanese fasting trials, even though one would not expect vitamin-deficiency syndromes—beriberi or scurvy—to present within just ten days of fasting. The study participants were also isolated; might that make the psychotherapy work better? It’s hard to tease out just the fasting effects.
Psychotherapy alone can provide lasting benefits. Researchers randomized 101 outpatients with irritable bowel syndrome to medical treatment or medical treatment with three months of psychotherapy. After three months, the psychotherapy group did better, and the difference was even more pronounced a year later, a year after the psychotherapy ended. Better at three months, and even better at 15 months, as you can see here and at 3:58 in my video.
Psychological approaches appear to work about as well as antidepressant drugs for IBS, but the placebo response for IBS is on the order of 40%, whether psychological interventions, drugs, or alternative medicine approaches. So, doing essentially nothing—taking a sugar pill—improves symptoms 40% of the time. In that case, I figure one might as well choose a therapy that’s cheap, safe, simple, and free of side effects, which extended fasting is most certainly not. But, if all else fails, it may be worth exploring fasting under close physician supervision.
WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. — A drive-thru coffee shop in Wheat Ridge said construction along Wadsworth Boulevard is preventing customers from stopping by.
Like most moms, Cassie Grutz’s day starts before the sun comes up. Every morning, she loads up her two kids, Carson and Ceecee, and heads to two different schools.
But after the drop-offs, she doesn’t get to sit down and have a cup of coffee. She drives nearly an hour in traffic to make coffee for her customers.
Mike Castellucci
Grutz owns the Sugar Cube Coffee Shop at 44th and Wadsworth in Wheatridge. Originally a dental hygienist, she bought the shack during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“No one wanted to see me during that time, that’s for sure,” she said.
That’s when she decided to work at something where people wanted to see her, and who would smile because they felt it.
The coffee shop started out decades ago as a Fotomat, then the check-in hut for a putt-putt course. Grutz has employees, but they usually take separate shifts since the shop is only a few feet wide.
Denver7
Grutz knows Wadsworth is filled to the brim with coffee shops, but if people stop, they’ll come back. She roasts her own beans, and she feels her coffee is the best.
“If they miss our entrance, which they’ve changed since construction started, they immediately see Dutch Brothers coffee, and then there’s no reason for them to turn around,” Grutz said.
In an update, the City of Wheat Ridge said the Wadsworth Improvement Project, which began in November 2021, remains on schedule and should be completed in spring 2026.
City of Wheat Ridge
It can be overwhelming owning a business, roasting your own beans, and serving customers, but Grutz feels joy from it all. It’s just that she has to close at 11:30 a.m. because she’s a mom, and she has Carson and CeeCee to pick up from school.
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Denver7 | Your Voice: Get in touch with Mike Castellucci
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Fall is in full swing, and you know what that means: cozy sweaters, pumpkin everything, and K-Pop comebacks heating up the charts. It’s the season of crunchy leaves and caffeine-fueled study sessions, all set to the soundtrack of your favorite idols. Ever wondered what would happen if those two obsessions (autumn coffee and K-Pop) collided? Here’s the tea (or rather, coffee): six fall coffee drinks that carry the same energy as your ultimate bias!
1. P1Harmony’s Maple Harmony Latte
Picture a latte that brings together a symphony of flavors as smoothly as P1Harmony harmonizes on stage. The Maple Harmony Latte is all about balance: a warm maple syrup base mixed with velvety steamed milk and a shot of espresso for that energizing kick. It’s topped with a light cinnamon sprinkle, adding a subtle spice that keeps things interesting (just like P1Harmony’s genre-blending tracks). One sip and it all comes together in perfect harmony!
It mirrors the group’s vibe of combining edgy rap verses with honeyed vocals. You get the cozy fall feeling of maple (think weekend pancake brunch with friends), amped up by an unexpected cinnamon zing. The result? A latte that feels comforting yet dynamic, echoing P1Harmony’s cool confidence.
The Treasure Chestnut Latte channels ATEEZ’s swashbuckling spirit with a rich espresso base, creamy chestnut praline syrup, and a touch of sea salt caramel. It’s basically a treasure chest of flavors: nutty sweetness, buttery caramel depth, and a hint of salt that might remind you of an ocean breeze on a crisp day. Dramatic? Sure. But if you’re an ATINY, you already know this group never does anything half-hearted!
This latte has layers, much like ATEEZ’s concept albums that unfold an epic story. One moment you taste the toasty chestnut (cozy like a campfire on deck), and the next comes that salty caramel note, a little surprise, like finding secret treasure at the bottom of your cup. There’s not even an ATINY bit of boredom here. It’s bold, energizing, and a little wild, just the way ATEEZ makes us feel with their performances.
Leave it to NCT 127 to turn a classic on its head. The Cherry Bomb Mocha starts as a familiar mocha (espresso, chocolate, cozy vibes), but then boom! It drops in a shot of black cherry syrup and even a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper. (Yes, you read that right.) This unexpected combo creates an explosive flavor burst, a nod to NCT 127’s knack for bold, out-of-the-box hits. It’s sweet, it’s spicy, it keeps you guessing with every sip. Sound familiar, NCTzens?
The first taste gives you that rich, chocolatey comfort (like the warm feeling you get hearing the opening notes of ‘Touch’), followed by a tangy cherry note. Just when you think you have it figured out, a subtle heat tingles on your tongue, not enough to burn, but enough to wake you up! Honestly, it’s a rollercoaster in a mug, much like NCT 127’s dynamic range.
We all saw this coming, right? TWICE and pumpkin spice are a match made in fall heaven. The Twice Spice Latte gives the basic PSL a glow-up, doubling down on everything cozy. Think two shots of espresso for extra pep (because TWICE always brings the energy), a generous pump of pumpkin spice syrup, and a pump of maple syrup. Top it off with whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg and cinnamon, and you’ve got a drink as irresistible as a TWICE chorus that you just can’t get out of your head.
The blend of pumpkin and maple creates a sweet medley that’s vibrant but not overwhelming, kind of like TWICE’s mix of nine distinct personalities in one group. Whether you’re strolling through the park, crunching leaves underfoot, or rearranging your photo card book in your room, a Twice Spice Latte in hand makes it that much sweeter!
IVE might be one of the newer groups on the scene, but they’ve already proven they’re trendsetters, and their inspired drink is no exception. The Dive Into Fall Latte starts with a smooth toffee nut base (sweet and nutty, just like IVE’s charming yet polished style) and adds a surprise hint of crisp green apple syrup. It’s an elegant caramel-toffee latte at first sip, but then you catch that subtle apple tang on the finish, keeping it fresh and interesting.
You get the rich, buttery toffee warmth up front (cue the luxurious vibes of ‘After Like’), followed by a playful fruity note that says “Hey, we’re young, we’re having fun” (hello, ‘Love Dive’ energy). Like an IVE stage outfit: perfectly put together with a touch of whimsy. It’s sophisticated yet youthful, basically an edible form of their on-stage confidence!
When LE SSERAFIM said, “I’m fearless,” they meant it, and this fall drink takes that attitude straight to the taste buds. The Fearless Chai Latte isn’t your average cozy chai. It’s got a double espresso shot (for that don’t-mess-with-me strength) blended with spiced chai tea and a swirl of mocha, because why not break a few rules? This latte packs a punch: aromatic cardamom and ginger from the chai, robust coffee depth, and a sultry chocolate finish. It’s the kind of drink that stands tall and unapologetic about being extra. Fear not, it’s supposed to be intense!
From the first sip, you get hit with spicy-sweet chai flavor, bold and intriguing, much like LE SSERAFIM’s bold tracks that keep you on your toes. Then comes the smooth espresso bitterness, grounding you like the group’s confident vocals over an edgy beat. Finally, a whisper of chocolate lingers at the end, a reward for those fearless enough to try this unique blend. It’s indulgent? Sure. Empowering? Definitely. Dare to sip it, and you just might feel as courageous as the music that inspired it.
K-Pop and coffee turn out to be a perfect fall combo, even if only in our imaginations. And honestly, a little daydreaming is what being a fan is all about, right? Which drink do you want to try the most? Let us know all your thoughts in the comments below or over on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook! 🐝
The autumn season isn’t complete without a warm drink. This is when the caffeine-addicted girlies (like us) come out of hiding! There are so many options for autumn-flavored coffee drinks, and we’re trying to taste them all before the season transitions into winter. Since we’re fangirls, we have to bring our favorite pop girls into the mix. If Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, and more of your faves had their own fall-flavored coffee drinks, what would they taste like?
Chappell Roan’s Classic Hot Latte
A Chappell Roan-inspired coffee drink wouldn’t make sense without her song ‘Coffee.’ We’re assigning Chappell a classic latte with her choice of seasonal syrups – pumpkin spice, brown sugar, marshmallow, apple crisp, or cinnamon. If it were up to us, we’d choose brown sugar and apple crisp for the peak fall-flavored coffee!
What are your favorite flavors to add to a classic latte?
Winter vibes are coming early this year! One of Reneé Rapp’s most popular tracks, ‘Snow Angel,’ is inspiring this next coffee drink – the Peppermint Mocha. Just like Reneé, the Peppermint Mocha is a lovable drink to all! It gives a bit of a kick and makes you come back for more year after year. We wish peppermint were available to add to our coffee drinks all year round – Starbucks & Dunkin’, can you hear us!?
We can’t talk about our favorite pop girls without mentioning Sabrina Carpenter! She’s the princess of pop, and her new album, Man’s Best Friend, gave us endless ideas for a caffeinated fall drink. We’re steering away from the obvious choice, ‘Espresso,’ and giving some more seasonal spice with ‘Go Go Juice.’ We need something with a lot of caffeine. Cold brew it is! Instead of opting for a classic pumpkin spice cold brew that we all know and love, we’re elevating it with pumpkin spice cold foam and pumpkin sprinkles. Too much is never enough!
Daniela, Megan, Lara, Yoonchae, Manon, and Sophia, it’s your turn! We’re calling upon our ‘Gnarly’ dancers for this next fall-inspired drink. “Boba tea, gnarly!” It’s coffee-flavored boba, duh! To add a bit more spice to it, we’re adding popping pumpkin lychee or keeping it simple with classic brown sugar tapicoa pearls. This is definitely the sweet treat of our dreams and hopefully KATSEYE‘s too.
Charli knew what she was doing when she released ‘Apple.’ Although brat came out just in time for summer last year, we think it’s coming around again for the fall season. Naturally, we’d be making a Caramel Apple Iced Coffee inspired by Charli xcx’s popular song. If you’re no longer in the mood for iced coffee, make this sweet and fruity drink warm with some freshly sliced green apples on the side – the more apples, the better!
When Doja Cat said she wanted to “paint the town red,” we may have taken it too literally. We’re painting our favorite coffee mugs red with a Cranberry White Mocha. If you’re in the mood for a coffee drink that isn’t cold brew or a classic pour-over, but also has a bit of a tart flavor, then this mocha is definitely for you. To complement the fall season and the new flavors, add some fresh cranberry syrup or crushed cranberries, which will also give it that red coloring. Top it with a sprig of rosemary and whipped cream for that cozy look!
Which of these pop-girl-inspired fall coffee drinks are you making at home? We want to know! Drop a comment or find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and send pics of your delicious drinks!
Coffee prices are spiking as new tariffs take hold and consumers turn more cautious. Kelly O’Grady sat down with the founder of Gregorys Coffee, a New York-based roastery, as coffee chains across the country confront the true price of your daily brew.
Starbucks baristas stand on stage, March 20, 2019, during an annual shareholders meeting in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
SEATTLE, Wash. — Seattle based coffee giant Starbucks is closing more locations as part of their nationwide reduction. A conference call took place this morning which announced the permanent layoff of 369 workers in Washington beginning on December 5th.
The company announced in September that they planned to close around 1% of their locations.
Dry weather and production woes continue to brew higher coffee costs
Coffee prices have remained high amid concerns of dry weather in Brazil, a major coffee-producing country. That’s making your daily cup of coffee more expensive, whether you’re brewing it at home or buying a coffee at a café. Statistics Canada data shows Canadians paid 27.9% more for their coffee at a grocery store in August compared with a year earlier.
Robert Carter, president of the Coffee Association of Canada, said the surge in coffee prices is a continuation of what roasters and cafés saw last year. “The commodity side is still fluctuating, and the production side, we’re still seeing limited production challenges out of various countries such as Colombia and Brazil,” he said.
Carter said cafés and coffee bean roasters were already struggling with rising operational costs, such as with packaging and labour, and now coffee bean prices are adding to their challenges. “The cost of goods, which coffee would fall into, has definitely seen an increase … within the double digits,” he said.
Tariffs and supply pressures squeeze smaller coffee roasters
Coffee prices are also seeing added price pressures from tariffs, even as Canada dropped its counter-tariffs in September.
Von Massow suspects price fluctuations are likely hurting smaller roasters in Canada more than larger players who buy directly from producers. Small-scale coffee roasters typically buy coffee beans from brokers who aggregate supply from farmers and coffee-producing countries. “The smaller roasters are going to get squeezed, everyone gets squeezed, as costs go up because we as consumers are resistant to price increases and they don’t want to see volume go down,” he said.
Von Massow said it will be more difficult for smaller roasters to pass down costs to their customers. “They’ve always differentiated not on price, but on product,” he said of smaller roasters. “But the greater the price disparity is, the less their demand will be.”
However, some costs will be mitigated for these roasters as the impact of counter-tariffs start to wear off, von Massow said. Meanwhile, other costs are likely to be passed on to customers. “We’re seeing big companies start to announce some price increases as the shortages become more sustained,” he said.
Coffee chain Tim Hortons said it will increase the price of its coffee by an average of three cents per cup. “This is the first time in about three years that we’ve adjusted the price of coffee,” said Michael Oliveira, director of communications at Tim Hortons, in an email. “This is significantly below inflation and reflects our commitment to great value and everyday low prices for our guests.”
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The coffee market’s roller-coaster ride isn’t over yet
Speculation on coffee futures—a way of measuring commodity prices based on contracts for future delivery in a publicly-traded market—have also amplified price pressures. “The coffee market has been on a roller-coaster for the past year,” said Adam Pesce, president of Oakville, Ont.-headquartered Reunion Coffee Roasters, which sells wholesale and also runs a retail café in Toronto.
Reunion has had to increase prices over the past several months to match its rising costs, said Pesce. He said market speculators have been active and making a lot of money by holding a longer position on the commodity. Meanwhile, coffee roasters are buying as little as possible, hoping prices might come down. It has been “a very exhausting, very time-consuming year of watching the market,” compared with previous years when markets were more stable and less erratic, Pesce said.
Von Massow said coffee prices will continue to reflect the climate impacts of an individual year—with some annual yields better than others. “One thing that we can say definitively is that there’s going to be more variability in prices going forward,” he said.
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I was really annoyed when I realized that Nespresso sent me this brewer in black. Champagne problems, I know—but this brewer comes in so many delightful colors, from deep red and orange to pastel lavender and pink. It looks cute on your countertop with its little rounded figure and relatively short stature. The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ can handle all Vertuo coffee pods. The pods are aluminum and can be recycled by ordering free recycling bags or taking them to a drop-off location. To brew, simply open the machine by twisting the lock on the lid, choose a capsule, and press the button. You can physically move the adjustable drip tray between two ladder-like rungs on the front of the machine. There’s also a companion app that gives you maintenance alerts, video walk-throughs, and easy pod reordering.
Closing and locking the machine, or pressing the coffee button while the machine is locked, will start a heating cycle that takes about 30 seconds. The machine automatically recognizes the capsule you insert, and it extracts brew size based on the capsule as well. For example, espresso capsules will brew 1.35 ounces, double espresso capsules brew 2.7 ounces, and coffee capsules brew 8 ounces. This is different from other machines where you select the capacity you want. In the app you can make minor tweaks, such as making espresso shots shorter or longer. You can press the coffee button to end brewing early (a very handy trick if you accidentally use a 6-ounce mug for an 8-ounce brew, which I may or may not have done.) The machine has a waste basket that’ll automatically collect spent capsules. I’m not a huge fan of Nespresso’s flavored coffee and espresso capsules, simply because I would rather make traditional coffee and then add any whimsical flavorings later to suit my tastes. But if you prefer your coffee with a side of caramel or gingerbread or almond or some other decadent altering, there are many flavored options for you.
With plain old coffee and espresso capsules, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the body and mouthfeel of the drinks. Technically, these espresso pods are not making espresso. But it’s a darn close espresso-like beverage, and you can get it without needing an entire separate machine with a tamping weight and a portafilter and a pressure gauge. And the coffee is on par or slightly better than other machines I’ve tried, with a nice acidic bite that isn’t too watered down. If convenience is what you seek, this do-it-all machine is worth a look.
I was sent the bundle that comes with an optional milk frother. I like having the option, but be aware that it will take up another wall outlet. But the Aeroccino was easy to use—pour in your milk of choice and press the button. It’ll heat and froth your milk automatically—it takes about a minute and it’s whisper-quiet. Every Nespresso capsule I’ve tried has featured a thick layer of crema, and having whipped, thick milk on top of it made my average cup of coffee a more elevated experience.
We often reach for coffee to kickstart our mornings, but your daily cup might be doing more than just waking you up. Emerging research1 suggests that coffee consumption is linked to higher levels of Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus, a beneficial gut bacterium that produces butyrate, a compound known to reduce inflammation and support a healthy digestive system.
Though most well known for its ability to fight fatigue and rev up energy levels, coffee each day may also help you reach your weight loss goals by reducing your appetite, dialing up your metabolism, and enhancing your performance at the gym. However, keep in mind that coffee isn’t a quick fix for weight loss. Instead, it should be enjoyed in moderation alongside a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle to maximize your results.
“When Israel went to war, we put on Israel stickers and started to support some of the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]. I would say that was when I was like, ‘Let’s be courageous,’” De Luca said. “But with Charlie, we had hosted him. We had met him. We’ve met Erika,” she added, referring to Kirk’s wife.
DeLuca said she didn’t even think it “could be controversial.”
“Maybe it’s my ignorance,” she said. “It didn’t even cross my mind that somebody could have some sort of issue with somebody being murdered.”
Invita Café’s decision to honor Charlie Kirk sparked controversy before generating overwhelming community backing.(Juliann Ford)
De Luca printed round white stickers with the words “Thank you, Charlie Kirk” and “We Love You” written on them.
“We’ve supported him for many, many years,” she said — but baristas told her the café’s phones were ringing off the hook with people saying “horrible and horrific things.”
“We ended up having to shut down our Google page and Yelp page because we were getting an insane amount of one-star reviews,” De Luca said.
She said what kept her calm was her San Diego community and her church, Awaken, which “showed up” a few days later.
Coffee shop owner Sarah De Luca told Fox News Digital she’s supported Charlie Kirk for “many, many years.”(Rebecca Noble/AFP via Getty Images; Sara De Luca)
“I was actually tearing [up] because I was like, ‘Where did these people come from?’ We went 312% up in sales,” De Luca said. “We were flooded with righteous people just showing up, supporting us, defending us. They were defending Charlie. Obviously, we all were.”
DeLuca said her small boutique coffee shop was soon packed with people waiting 30 to 45 minutes in line.
“We didn’t have any haters show up,” she said. “It was only the righteous showing up – just God-fearing people who are like, ‘Thank you for what you’re doing. Charlie would be proud.’”
The support came not just from her community but from across the nation, she said.
“We didn’t have any haters show up. It was only the righteous showing up,” said De Luca about the traffic in her shop.(Sara De Luca)
“We had somebody from Georgia call and say, ‘Can I just give you $500 and buy the next 100 drinks?’ Somebody walked in and left $300 and just walked out.”
Invita Café opened nine years ago, inspired by De Luca’s Italian family.
“The idea was to kind of create a space where the espresso is the magnet that unites people, and it brings the community together and brings the traditions that I grew up with here to California,” she said.
Invita Café, inspired by De Luca’s Italian family, is about bringing the community and traditions together, she said.(Sara De Luca)
De Luca said she believes “God is so behind all of this.”
“This is insane. But I think Charlie would have been proud.”
The first Gregory’s Coffee opened in 2006 on Manhattan’s Park Avenue. Nineteen years later, the family-owned business has expanded to over 54 locations around the U.S. as well as a roastery in Queens, New York, that handles coffee beans from Brazil, Rwanda, Nicaragua and other major global producers.
For Gregory Zamfotis, founder of the New York City-based chain, the business is about more than just dollars and cents — it’s also about recognizing the special place coffee has long had in American culture as a driver of social connections.
“Coffee is built into the fabric of our society,” Zamfotis told CBS News. “People come together over coffee. When it’s a meeting or interview, or we just want to get some work done, coffee tends to be the centerpiece of those conversations.”
With many Americans still feeling the effects of elevated inflation, for many coffee drinkers one of those conversations is likely to center on the drink’s soaring costs.
Prices have leaped nearly 21% over the past 12 months, with the average retail price of 100% ground roast coffee recently reaching a record high of $8.87 per pound, up from $7.02 in January USDA data shows.
Several factors are behind the spike in coffee prices, including droughts in Brazil and volatile weather in other regions where the bean is cultivated. More recently, heavy U.S. tariffs on coffee-producing countries — including a hefty 50% levy on Brazil — have also driven up prices.
Though coffee is a staple of American daily life, the vast majority of the beans is imported. Much of that is sourced from Latin America, with Brazil alone accounting for 35%, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
By contrast, the U.S. produces relatively little coffee compared to the rest of the world. Hawaii, the top-producing state, harvested 21 million pounds during the 2024–25 season, according to the USDA. Yet Americans consumed a whopping 3.3 billion pounds of coffee during the same period, the agency said.
“Prices are going to have to go up”
Jake Leonti, director of coffee at Gregory’s Coffee, said it’s also far pricier to grow and produce coffee in the U.S.
“It’s exponentially [more] expensive because it’s Americans farming,” he said. “Whereas we can get super high-quality coffee from different parts of the world at a price that’s much more friendly to the consumer.”
Gregory’s Coffee has not raised prices yet despite the jump in costs. But Leonti said that could change soon.
“Prices are going to have to go up — there’s no other way around it,” he said. “We’re seeing tariffs from the places where we get our bags printed as well. So everything around the coffee business is getting tariffs at some point.”
Like other retailers, Gregory’s prices vary depending on where a store is located, reflecting regional labor and other costs. In New York City, the chain charges $3.45 for a regular cup of coffee, while at its New Jersey and Washington, D.C., outlets the same item runs $3.15.
Other retailers are also preparing for increased coffee costs. Mark Smucker, CEO of The J.M. Smucker Co., whose portfolio includes the Folgers Coffee, Café Bustelo and Dunkin’ at-home brands, said during the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call in June that prices will likely increase for a third time this year “due to higher green coffee costs.”
Meanwhile, Starbucks Chief Financial Officer Catherine R. Smith said during the company’s third-quarter earnings call in July that, due to the company’s coffee buying and hedging practices, customers shouldn’t expect price increases until the first half of fiscal 2026.
At Gregory’s Coffee, “The last thing we want to do is just keep raising prices on our guests,” Zamfotis said. “We’re hoping that if prices go up a few pennies across the board, that doesn’t turn off our everyday customers. We’re not doing this to make more money — we’re doing this to protect our business.”
Starbucks has closed at least 11 locations in metro Denver and Fort Collins after announcing plans last week to shutter hundreds of stores across the United States, Canada and Europe.
Starbucks Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol recently announced that the Seattle-based coffee giant has identified coffeehouses that were unable to provide the physical environment expected by customers and employees, or did not show a path to financial viability.
“Each year, we open and close coffeehouses for a variety of reasons, from financial performance to lease expirations. This is a more significant action that we understand will impact partners and customers. Our coffeehouses are centers of the community, and closing any location is difficult,” Niccol said.
The company said it will end the fiscal year with nearly 18,300 total Starbucks locations, company-operated and licensed, across the U.S. and Canada. As of June 29, the company had 18,734 North American locations, according to its third-quarter fiscal year 2025 results report.
The company also announced further reductions in non-retail headcount and expenses, which include eliminating approximately 900 current non-retail partner roles and closing many open positions.
Starbucks has not specified which locations will be closing, but nearly a dozen Colorado locations have been identified by several media news outlets, social media posts and a coffee enthusiast. A company representative said the Starbucks app is the best place to find up-to-date information on hours of operation, including store closures.
Closed Colorado Starbucks locations:
3617 S. College Ave., Fort Collins
112 W. Laurel St., Fort Collins
1670 Broadway, Denver
1900 16th St., Denver
1416 Platte St., Denver
2975 E. Colfax Ave., Denver
5074 E. Hampden Ave., Denver
4505 Peoria St., Denver
2300 S. Parker Road, Aurora
6712 S. Potomac St., Centennial
4298 S. Broadway, Englewood
Niccol said the company is working hard to offer transfers to nearby locations where possible and will move quickly to help partners understand what opportunities might be available to them. However, for those the company can’t immediately place, Starbucks is focused on partner care, including comprehensive severance packages.
“I know these decisions impact our partners and their families, and we did not make them lightly. I believe these steps are necessary to build a better, stronger, and more resilient Starbucks that deepens its impact on the world and creates more opportunities for our partners, suppliers, and the communities we serve,” Niccol said.
Niccol said that in fiscal year 2026, Starbucks plans to increase the number of coffeehouses it operates and aims to redesign more than 1,000 locations in the next 12 months.
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