C is for Coffeeeeee! #grickledoodle #sesamestreet #cookiemonster #coffee #pun #cartoon #drawing #art #caffeine #funny #humor

Hatena Coffee continues to make customers smile as they scratch their heads.

The line that separates cafes from regular restaurants can be a hazy one, but most people would say that cafes generally have a more relaxed vibe that encourages you to linger over your drink or meal. And it’s definitely true that Hatena Coffee, which just arrived in Osaka’s Namba neighborhood, isn’t going to pressure you to hurry up and leave. As a matter of fact, Hatena Coffee has a policy in which they won’t even let you go home until you’ve proved your smarts.

The cafe’s name is a tipoff to this unique rule, as “hatena marks” are what question marks are called in Japanese. In addition to beverages and light fare, Hatena Coffee also serves up brain-teasing puzzles. There’s a selection to choose from, with varying difficulties, and solving the puzzle is an official requirement in order to be allowed to leave.

That might sound like the place is an escape room that you can eat and drink in, but Hatena Coffee takes the opposite approach to time. In an escape room you’re given a certain amount of time in which to try to solve the mystery, and when time’s up, you’re let out regardless of whether or not you succeeded. At Hatena Coffee, though there’s no time limit, so you can approach the puzzle at whatever pace feels fun and enjoyable to you…or to you and your date or friends, since the Namba cafe has three types of seating: counters for solo customers, two-chair tables for pairs, or four-chair tables for larger groups.

All of the cafe’s puzzles are produced by Tokyo-based puzzle/mystery design company Experiful. The estimated time needed to solve most of them is in the range of 30 to 60 minutes, but if you want even more mental stimulation, the tougher ones will take up to 90 minutes, the company says (and while not explicitly stated, we’re sure that if you’re really stumped, they’ll let you go home without solving the puzzle, if you ask nicely).

Each guest pays a 1,500-yen (US$9.70) “puzzle fee” and is asked to also order at least one drink, but there’s no timed seat/table charge at Hatena Coffee, so you don’t need to worry about running up a more expensive tab if it takes you an extra-long time to solve your puzzle. Drinks are all priced at 500 yen (whether soft drinks or alcoholic), while snacks start at 500 yen, sandwiches and pasta plates at 700 yen, and desserts at 1,000 yen.

The Namba Hatena Coffee’s grand opening is scheduled for June 1, when it will become the chain’s sixth branch, joining the three locations in Tokyo (in the Ginza, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro neighborhoods), one in Yokohama, and one already open in Osaka’s Umeda neighborhood. With barely more than a year having passed since the initial branch opened in Yokohama, the fast expansion seems to show that there’s an eager market of fans for puzzles in relaxing spaces, and the new branch should make a great place to visit for a coffee after trying the neighborhood’s innovative sushi pizza.

Cafe information
Hatena Coffee (Osaka Namba branch)/ はてな珈琲店（大阪なんば店）
Address: Osaka-fu, Osaka-shi, Chuo-ku, Dotonbori 2-3-23, Hermanos Building 2nd floor
大阪府大阪市中央区道頓堀２丁目３−２３ エルマーノスビル２階
Open 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. (no new seating between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.)
Website

Related: Hatena Coffee
Source: PR Times, Hatena Coffee
Top image: PR Times
Insert images: PR Times, Hatena Coffee
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How to buy the new viral convenience store coffee that locals are raving about.

Ever since 7-Eleven introduced coffee-making machines at its branches in 2013, the chain has cemented itself in the convenience store landscape as the place to go for coffee. What became known as the “Seven Cafe” brand soon expanded to include other products like freshly brewed tea and smoothies, but now its coffee is back in the spotlight, after the chain released a super creamy version that locals have been raving about on social media.

Called the Creamy Iced Cafe Latte, this new drink is only available at select Seven Cafe stores – so-called as they’re equipped with machines that dispense the branded drinks – and you’ll know if you can purchase it if you see the option for “creamy” after pressing the “cafe latte” button on the machine. When we headed out to try it, we had to visit four stores before we eventually struck gold, and as the golden brown liquid formed in our cup, we could see that it lived up to its online reputation for being super creamy, thanks to the extra generous portion of milk.

7-Eleven prides itself on the “Extra Rich Milk” used in its lattes, as it contains milk, skimmed condensed milk, and cream sourced from Hokkaido, Japan’s premier dairy region. With a richer flavour and aroma than regular milk, it’s said to be the perfect pairing for the chain’s freshly ground coffee, offering a gentle, natural milk flavour while maintaining a clean, refreshing aftertaste.

The extra creamy latte contains way more extra rich milk than a standard version – the coffee-to-milk ratio appeared to be about 2:8 – so we were very curious to find out how it would taste.

After taking a sip, we were immediately sold on the texture and flavour. It was incredibly rich and almost entirely made of milk, with the aromatic taste of freshly ground coffee appearing after the fluffy, smooth dairy parted ways on the palate, like the sun peering through clouds. It was incredibly full-bodied, and the gentle sweetness came entirely from the milk so you don’t even need to add any sugar. Despite the rich sweetness, though, it had a surprisingly clean aftertaste.

The extreme creaminess might not be for everyone, especially espresso lovers with stronger tastes, but for people who appreciate what milk brings to a cup of coffee, and those who like the frothy visual appeal, this is likely to become your new go-to order.

It’s also surprisingly good for times when you’re hungry, as the drink turned out to be very filling due to the high milk content. So you might want to start off by sticking to a regular size instead of a large for now, as that will leave you with a little more room in your belly for the chain’s new chocolate chip yokubari and sakura bread fruit sandwiches.

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Nescafé ad
1950s

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Maryland Club Coffee ad
1963

There’s something I truly love about coffee time. It’s that gentle pause in the day, a quiet morning before everything begins, a slow afternoon break, or a simple moment shared around the table. And for me, those moments are always better with something homemade nearby. This collection brings together my favorite cozy, sweet bakes that pair perfectly with a cup of coffee.

You’ll find soft pound cakes, tender crumb cakes, moist banana breads, buttery bundts, comforting muffins, and even warm cinnamon roll twists fresh from the oven. Some are simple and everyday, others feel a little special. All of them are the kind of recipes I bake again and again.

These are the treats that fill the kitchen with warmth and make the house smell like home. A crisp streusel topping, a swirl of cinnamon, a drizzle of chocolate, or just a light dusting of powdered sugar. Nothing complicated, just simple comforting bakes.

Easy Strawberry Pound Cake

This Strawberry pound cake is a delightful and moist dessert that perfectly blends the rich, buttery traditional pound cake with the fresh, vibrant flavor of ripe strawberries.

Check out this recipe

Gluten-Free Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake

This Gluten-Free Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake is a simple, wholesome dessert, a healthier twist on a classic treat. Gluten-free and also refined sugar-free, naturally sweetened with honey, this cake has a cozy, natural sweetness that goes perfectly with the juicy blueberries in every slice.

Check out this recipe

Easy Apple Crumb Cake – No Eggs, No Refined Sugar 

This Easy Apple Crumb Cake turned out so good that I honestly can’t wait to make it again. It’s a simple, cozy cake that feels perfect for any day when you want something warm and comforting. There are no eggs and no refined sugar in the batter—just apples, honey, and a few basic ingredients that come together so easily.

Check out this recipe

Snickerdoodle Chocolate Pound Cake

This Snickerdoodle Chocolate Pound Cake is one of the most comforting end easiest cakes you can prepare during the fall season. It has a moist, sweet, cinnamon-flavored crumb with a crispy topping and enough chocolate to satisfy both cinnamon and chocolate lovers. Cinnamon sugar is sprinkled on top of the cake to create the crispy caramelized topping which is irresistible.

Check out this recipe

Blueberry Lemon Pound Cake

This Blueberry Lemon Pound Cake is a soft and moist cake, packed with the refreshing flavor of lemons and the juicy pop of blueberries.

Check out this recipe

Strawberry Streusel Cake

Strawberry Streusel Cake is a moist buttery cake filled with a generous amount of strawberries and topped with an amazing crispy streusel. By far one of the best coffee cakes you can ever prepare.

Check out this recipe

Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake

This Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake is a delectable and indulgent dessert that combines the timeless flavors of rich chocolate and sweet vanilla. This classic cake is a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it's a birthday celebration, a family gathering, or simply a delightful dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Check out this recipe

Apple Cream Cheese Buns

Some recipes just feel like home, and these Apple Cream Cheese Buns are one of them, warm, cozy, and perfect for crisp fall days. Soft, fluffy yeast dough is filled with creamy, lightly sweetened cream cheese and tender, spiced apples on top. Every bite has that perfect mix of tart fruit, silky filling, and pillowy bread.

Check out this recipe

Pumpkin Oatmeal Bread – Healthy and Refined Sugar-Free

There’s something about this Pumpkin Oatmeal Bread that feels so comforting. It’s the kind of bake that fills the house with the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg, and somehow, everything instantly feels cozier. It has no refined sugar, just a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and oats that make it hearty and satisfying.

Check out this recipe

Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread – Chocolate Oatmeal Banana Bread

This Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread is a guilt-free treat, with a moist, tender crumb and irresistible chocolatey goodness that is sure to become a beloved favorite in your household. Made with oat flour instead of wheat flour, this recipe ensures a gluten-free delight which makes it friendly for those with with specific dietary requirements.

Check out this recipe

Apples and Oats Biscotti

These Biscotti with apples and oats, featuring rolled oats, apples, and walnuts are likely the healthiest biscotti ever, crunchy and flavorful, packed with a lot of cinnamon flavor.

Check out this recipe

Twisted Cinnamon Rolls

Treat yourself to a heavenly delight with these twisted cinnamon rolls. Picture warm, fluffy rolls, each swirled with fragrant cinnamon and kissed with a touch of buttery goodness. They're twisted into beautiful, small knots and baked in a muffin tin, adding an extra touch of elegance and charm.

Check out this recipe

German Apple Streusel Cake – Apfelkuchen mit Streusel

This flavorful German Apple Streusel Cake is one of the best apple desserts for cozy fall days, with juicy apple and cinnamon filling and crispy buttery almond crumble on top.

Check out this recipe

Breakfast Muffins – Refined Sugar Free Muffins

I have tried to come up with a refined sugar free muffins recipe and I am really pleased with how these breakfast muffins turned out. The muffins are soft and fluffy, sweetened with banana and honey, and packed with berries and oats.

Check out this recipe

Gâteau Moelleux au chocolat – French Chocolate Cake

Moelleux au Chocolat Gateau is a rich moist chocolate cake, a true delight for all chocolate lovers out there. The steps and ingredients are similar to molten lava cakes, the only difference is that this is made in a large pan instead of using small individual ones and baked for a bit more time. The interior is not runny anymore .. but completely moist and melting in your mouth

Check out this recipe

Apple Crumble Muffins

These Apple Crumble Muffins are a delightful combination of soft, moist muffins, infused with juicy apple pieces topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble. These treats begin with a tender muffin base, flavored with cinnamon and packed with juicy apple chunks.

Check out this recipe

Marble Bundt Cake

This Marble Bundt Cake is a delightful way of making the classic marble cake and is definitely a family favorite. This Marble Bundt Cake consists of moist vanilla and chocolate cake layers, swirled in a beautiful pattern that makes it look quite sophisticated and totally irresistible. It makes a perfect treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea.

Check out this recipe

Lemon Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Bars – Light, No Refined Sugar, High-Protein

These Lemon Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Bars are one of those desserts that completely surprised me in the best way. They’re bright, creamy, lightly tangy, and wonderfully fresh — the kind of treat that feels indulgent but still light enough to enjoy any day of the week.

Check out this recipe

Healthy Gluten-Free Banana Bread – Oatmeal Almond Banana Bread

This Healthy Gluten-Free Banana Bread is a yummy and healthy delight you can enjoy in the morning or as a guilt-free afternoon treat. This banana bread is extra special because it doesn't have any wheat flour or refined sugar.

Check out this recipe

Blueberry Cream Cheese Buns

These Blueberry Cream Cheese Buns are a delightful treat that combines soft, fluffy dough with sweet blueberries and creamy cheese filling. They are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them an ideal choice for a cozy morning or a special afternoon treat.

Check out this recipe

Raspberry Yogurt Bars

These Raspberry Yogurt Bars are one of the most delightful summer desserts, so refreshing and full of raspberry and lemon flavor. The addition of Greek yogurt makes these crumble bars even more balanced as the creamy yogurt complements so well with the crust and crispy crumble on top.

Check out this recipe

Homemade Quick Croissants

Homemade Quick Croissants – Crispy on the outside, buttery, flaky, a perfect treat for breakfast or brunch. It takes no more than 20 minutes of work.

Check out this recipe

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crumble Muffins

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crumble Muffins are a tasty delight that's sure to impress. They are soft with a creamy surprise inside, thanks to a yummy cream cheese filling. The pumpkin flavor adds a cozy touch and intense color, making each bite feel like a warm hug. On top of these little treats sits a crumbly topping that adds a sweet crunch.

Check out this recipe

Strawberry Oat Crumble Bars

Strawberry Crumble Bars are the perfect treat for spring and summer, with a buttery crust, soft strawberry filling inside and a crunchy crumble on top. These bars are a great way to make a quick and easy strawberry dessert that everybody will enjoy.

Check out this recipe

Zebra Cake

Everybody is familiar with this zebra cake with chocolate and vanilla. Still a bit warm, along a cold cup of milk, zebra cake always makes a delicious treat.

Check out this recipe

Chocolate Brioches

These Chocolate Brioches with their crispy exterior and buttery, soft, chocolatey interior are a fantastic treat either for breakfast alongside a cup of coffee or milk or simply as a snack all day round. 

Check out this recipe

Chocolate Gluten-Free Bundt Cake – No Refined Sugar 

If you're looking for a rich, chocolatey dessert that's both gluten-free and free from refined sugar, this Chocolate Gluten-Free Bundt Cake is the perfect choice! Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like oatmeal and cocoa powder, this cake has a deep, intense chocolate flavor while staying naturally sweetened. It's finished with a velvety chocolate ganache, making it as indulgent as any classic chocolate cake, without the need for processed sugars or refined flours.

Check out this recipe

Cream Cheese Banana Bread

This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is one of the most comforting breads you can ever make. If you like banana bread you should definitely try this cream cheese banana bread recipe. Its moist, flavorful crumb and silky cream cheese filling makes it simply irresistible.

Check out this recipe

Lemon Custard Rose Sweet Rolls

These Lemon Custard Rose Sweet Rolls are a mouthwatering pastry treat that combines the flavor of lemon with the sweet creaminess of custard, all wrapped up in a soft, fluffy, rose-shaped bun. These sweet rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you're craving something sweet and indulgent.

Check out this recipe

Chocolate Banana Bread

If you usually love banana bread you will definitely love this Chocolate Banana Bread as it is one of the best ways to prepare it. It is moist, chocolaty and full of flavor and makes a great treat alongside morning coffee or milk.

Check out this recipe

Easy Strawberry Cake

This Easy Strawberry Cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that can satisfy your sweet tooth without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a moist and flavorful cake that is bursting with the taste of fresh strawberries.

Check out this recipe

Chocolate Pound Cake

Chocolate Pound Cake is a buttery and dense cake, with a moist crumb, and a great chocolate flavor. This recipe doesn’t use too much chocolate and uses more cocoa powder instead.

Check out this recipe

Double Chocolate Biscotti

These Double Chocolate Biscotti are one of the best chocolate cookie recipes to serve alongside coffee. Biscotti are different from other cookies as they are baked twice, making them crispy and perfect to be dipped into the hot coffee. They are very easy to prepare and are also a great treat for kids as well.

Check out this recipe

Lemon Bundt Cake with Lemon Glaze

This Lemon Bundt Cake is a heavenly dessert perfect for any occasion. This moist and fluffy dessert combines the zesty freshness of lemons with creamy butter, sugar, buttermilk and eggs, creating a symphony of flavors that is a true delight for all to enjoy.

Check out this recipe

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

This Chocolate zucchini bread is simply delicious. Moist, rich, chocolaty and the chocolate chunks inside are melted and create an amazing texture.The recipe is very easy, you don’t even need a hand mixer to prepare this. Goes really fast and the result is beyond expectations.

Check out this recipe

Chocolate Swirl Milk Bread

This Chocolate Swirl Bread has a soft crumb and is a perfect treat alongside milk or tea, for breakfast or simply as a snack during the day.

Check out this recipe

Blueberry Oat Crumble Bars

These Blueberry Oat Crumble Bars are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. These bars feature a luscious blueberry filling sandwiched between layers of crumbly, buttery oat mixture.

Check out this recipe

Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

Chocolate Cream Cheese Bundt Cake- moist chocolatey cake filled with a creamy cream cheese and topped with chocolate ganache, a true delight.

Check out this recipe

Strawberry Scones

These strawberry scones are best served warm after just taking them out of the oven. The sprinkled sugar on top creates a crispy crust while the interior is soft and filled with strawberries. They're seriously hard to resist.

Check out this recipe

Lemon Poppy Seed Crumble Muffins

Lemon Poppy Seed Crumble Muffins are a delightful combination of zesty lemon, crunchy poppy seeds, and a delectable crumbly topping. These muffins offer a burst of refreshing flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Check out this recipe

Pumpkin Chocolate Marble Cake

This amazing Pumpkin Chocolate Marble Cake is a comforting and flavorful cake perfect for fall season. The cake is baked in a loaf pan, with a beautiful chocolate marbled effect. The pumpkin and spices bring a nice color and flavor. The cake is moist and not too sweet, which makes it a great treat alongside a cup of coffee or milk either for breakfast or any time of the day.

Check out this recipe

Apple Pie Bars

These delectable Apple Pie Bars are a mouthwatering dessert perfect for apple season. Each bite is a burst of sweet, cinnamon apple goodness enveloped in a buttery crust and crumble topping. 

Check out this recipe

Banana Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins

These Banana Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins are a delightful and healthy treat, perfect for any time of the day. These muffins blend the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and honey with the moisture of grated zucchini, creating a soft and tender texture.

Check out this recipe

Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake

This Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake is absolutely incredible, boasting a soft texture and bursting with juicy blueberries and zesty lemon flavor. It's truly one of the most exceptional cakes you'll ever taste.

Check out this recipe

Torta Caprese – Flourless Chocolate Almond Cake

Torta Caprese is a traditional cake of the beautiful island of Capri from Italy. It is a dense, moist flourless chocolate cake enriched with ground almonds that bring a great flavor and texture. .Also as no flour is used makes this dessert a perfect choice for those in search of gluten-free dessers.

Check out this recipe

Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake

This Lemon and Poppy seed pound cake is a flavorful cake, moist and lemony, great for breakfast time or for coffee/tea break.

Check out this recipe

Eggless Chocolate Banana Cake

If you're a fan of both bananas and chocolate, this Eggless Chocolate Banana Cake is a must-try recipe! It's a moist and decadent cake that's bursting with banana flavor and rich chocolatey goodness. This cake is perfect for serving at gatherings, as it's sure to please any crowd.

Check out this recipe

Strawberry Frangipane Cake

If you're looking for a cake that feels like summer in every bite, this Strawberry Frangipane Cake is it. It’s the kind of cake that looks effortlessly pretty and tastes even better, soft, golden, and filled with sweet almond flavor and juicy bursts of fresh strawberries.

Check out this recipe

Double Chocolate Scones

These Chocolate Scones are rich and chocolaty, with melted chocolate chips inside they almost taste like brownies, which makes them totally irresistible. So whenever you are craving chocolate or want a quick recipe to prepare for family or friends the scones might be the answer for you.

Check out this recipe

Eggless Fruit Cake

Eggless Fruit Cake – soft and moist vanilla sponge cake, filled with fruits and topped with a crumble topping. One of the best ways to enjoy the abundance of summer fruits.

Check out this recipe

I hope this collection of sweet bakes inspires you to slow down, pour a cup of coffee, and enjoy a cozy moment of your own. If you make any of them, I’d love to see. Share your photos on  Instagram and tag me so I can admire your beautiful creations!

Other recipe collections:

20 Yogurt Desserts
8 Easy Must-Try Zucchini Recipes
30 Irresistible Custard Desserts
20 Delightful Chicken Recipes
35 Mouthwatering Gluten-Free Desserts
25 Dairy-Free Desserts
20 Egg Recipes for Breakfast or Brunch
30 Best Caramel Recipes
20 Baked Cheesecake Recipes
15 No-Bake Cheesecake Recipes
60 Budget-Friendly Desserts
55 High-Protein Recipes
20 Muffin Pan Recipes
40 Best Back-to-School Recipes
30 Amazing Raspberry Desserts
20 High-Protein Desserts
25 Oatmeal Recipes
40 Refined Sugar-Free Sweet Recipes
30 Unique Layer Cake Recipes
30 Best Apple Recipes

The post 50 Sweet Bakes Perfect for Coffee Time appeared first on Home Cooking Adventure.

Find out if this exclusive drink has what it takes to combat a Japanese summer.

Some might say the best time to enjoy a Frappuccino is in the heat of summer, especially in Japan when the high humidity drains all your energy and has you searching for a much-needed boost. This summer, the chain is catering to that need with the Banana Affogato Frappuccino, which combines the pick-me-up powers of banana, with its natural sugars and healthy carbs, with the caffeine kick of espresso, for a refreshing hit of energy in one icy beverage.

With the days nearing summertime highs already, now is a great time to test the powers of the Frappuccino, so our reporter K. Masami headed out to try the new beverage when it was released on 27 May. As a fan of the chain’s existing Espresso Affogato Frappuccino, a popular menu staple that’s said to have inspired the banana version, Masami wanted to know what the fruit would bring to the new drink.

After placing her order, and following the barista’s recommendation to switch the regular milk in the drink to almond for an additional 55 yen (US$0.34), it didn’t take long for Masami to get her first look at the Frappuccino, and she immediately found she was unable to peel her eyes away from the base of the beverage.

The bottom of the glass was filled with plenty of banana pulp, and not only did it look delicious, it promised to benefit the environment too. That’s because the drink contains bananas that would have otherwise gone to waste, as they were considered substandard for the market due to skin blemishes and size issues. These superficial issues don’t affect the taste of the bananas, so enjoying them in drink form is a clever way to save them from landfill, and every sip will make you feel like you’re doing your bit for the environment.

Sitting atop the banana pulp is a blend of milk and banana powder, with a special espresso sauce made by combining an espresso shot and classic syrup. The syrup works to rein in the bitterness of the espresso, creating a harmonious blend of flavours.

Although Masami had initially been concerned that the espresso might overpower the taste of banana, she needn’t have worried. Upon tasting it, she found that the banana remained the star of the show throughout, largely due to the smooth banana pulp, which was packed with fruit flavour and had a delicious mouthfeel, making every sip a taste sensation.

The almond milk added an earthy note that Masami loved, and although the drink was well balanced, she recommends coffee lovers request an extra espresso shot, as the coffee flavour might seem a little too mild for those who like the bitterness of espresso. In fact, until 21 June, customers who request an espresso shot using the chain’s mobile ordering system will have the usual additional 55-yen fee waived, so it’s a good way to try the customisation.

For 700 yen, the new Banana Affogato Frappuccino gets the thumbs-up from Masami, who felt a jolt of energy coarse through her body after trying the drink. It hit the spot so well that she found herself realising it was exactly what her body had been craving on the hot and muggy day she enjoyed it, so keep an eye out for it when you need to restore your energy levels during the heat of summer.

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Newest Japanese Frappuccino aims to wake you up and reduce food waste.

Japan loves seasonal sweets flavors, but we’re in a bit of a lull right now. Cherry blossom/sakura sweets season is over, and we’re not quite into the midsummer heat when demand for juicy tropical fruit flavors spike.

So since there aren’t necessarily any “Right now!” flavors at the moment, Starbucks Japan is instead turning to a fruit that’s popular all year long with the release of a new banana Frappuccino.

Making its debut later this month is the Banana Affogato Frappuccino, which combines the rich sweetness of banana with aspects of the classy dessert of coffee poured over ice cream. Sitting at the bottom of the glass is a foundation of banana pieces, and above it a thick stratum of milky cream mixed with banana powder. For the finishing touch, espresso sauce, a combination of an espresso shot and Starbucks Classic Syrup, is poured over the top. The result, Starbucks Japan says, is an initial wave of fruity sweetness followed by the lingering aftertaste of coffee and a caramel-like aroma.

Mid/late spring is known as the “shin seikatsu”/”new lifestyle” season in Japan, when people start new jobs or schools, and often also move to new homes to accommodate their new commutes. It can be a hectic, stressful time, and Starbucks Japan says it hopes that the Banana Affogato Frappuccino will serve as a way to “escape from reality for a while” as you indulge. That’s a pretty lofty goal for a dessert drink, but the Banana Affogato Frappuccino actually is trying to do something more than just give people a sweet treat. It’s also trying to be an eco-friendly drink through its use of “mottainai bananas,” a Japanese food/beverage industry term for bananas that, due to insufficient size, irregular shape, or cosmetic damage to their peels, won’t be purchased by supermarkets for sale to shoppers. None of those perceived flaws affect the taste or quality of the fruit itself, though, and by using mottainai bananas, Starbucks is helping to reduce food waste.

The Banana Affogato Frappuccino is priced at 700 yen (US$4.50) for a tall size and goes on sale May 27.

Source, images: Starbucks Japan
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