Summer Fruit Coffee: Refreshing & Safe This Season

With heatwaves hitting Taiwan, many coffee lovers are searching for a refreshing drink that’s both hydrating and flavorful—but not overly sugary or artificial. When concerns over food safety arose during the starch scandal, more consumers turned away from bubble tea and sought healthier alternatives. Could fruit-infused coffee be the answer? In Taiwan’s sweltering summer, one coffee shop thinks so.

Yes—O’KOLAO, a Taiwan-based budget coffee chain, has launched a new lineup of fruit coffees blending local seasonal produce with high-quality espresso. Their lychee and banana coffee drinks are priced at just 99 TWD per cup, with a special deal of the second cup for just 1 TWD.

How Taiwanese Coffee Shops Are Making Summer Safer

Taiwan’s 2023 starch scandal left many wary of traditional summer treats like shaved ice and bubble tea. In response, O’KOLAO partnered directly with local agricultural cooperatives to create fruit-forward coffee drinks using only in-season Taiwanese fruit. This approach supports local farmers while offering a natural, reassuring alternative to artificially flavoured beverages. The result? A new category of fruit coffee designed to feel both indulgent and safe.

The Science Behind Lychee & Banana Coffee Blends

O’KOLAO’s owner, Wang Xinguang, explains that each fruit requires a tailored coffee match. After extensive testing, the team found that Ethiopian single-origin beans best complement lychee’s floral sweetness, especially when combined with lychee fruit jam extracted in-house. For banana coffee, a different roast profile and milk-based formula (likely a latte) better balances the fruit’s creaminess. The lychee coffee, in particular, achieves a balance of bright fruit aroma, coffee bitterness, and a lingering sweet finish—qualities that make it a hit for hot days.

A Chain Built on Value & Specialty Coffee

O’KOLAO may position itself as an affordable coffee chain, but it also offers premium options. The company sources beans from a 58-hectare farm in Laos and operates over 20 branches across Taiwan. Alongside its new fruit coffees, customers can still order a 15 TWD hand-brewed Americano or explore higher-end options such as the rare Geisha variety. The fruit coffee series will be available seasonally throughout the summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fruit coffees has O’KOLAO launched this summer?

O’KOLAO has introduced two fruit coffee drinks for summer: one blending lychee with Ethiopian coffee, and another combining banana with another base espresso. The lychee version uses in-house extracted lychee fruit jam and is designed to highlight fruity sweetness alongside coffee bitterness.

How much do O’KOLAO’s fruit coffees cost?

Each fruit coffee costs 99 TWD. A promotion allows customers to buy a second cup for just 1 TWD, making it an affordable summer treat.

Which coffee beans work best with lychee?

According to O’KOLAO’s testing, Ethiopian single-origin beans provide the best flavour match for lychee. Their floral and fruity profile complements the lychee’s natural sweetness and aroma.

Are O’KOLAO’s fruit coffees made with fresh local fruit?

Yes. The chain collaborates with Taiwan’s agricultural cooperatives to source in-season local fruits, including lychee and banana, ensuring freshness and supporting local producers.

Do O’KOLAO’s fruit coffees contain artificial flavours?

No. The fruit element in these drinks comes from real fruit (like lychee jam) or fruit purée, not syrups or artificial flavourings, aiming for a more natural taste experience.

Can I get a regular coffee at O’KOLAO for cheap?

Yes. O’KOLAO offers hand-brewed Americanos for as low as 15 TWD, giving customers budget-friendly options beyond fruit coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Fruit-Forward Iced Coffee

For fruit-inspired iced coffee at home, try FrontStreet’s Kenya Little Tomato—its vibrant Kenyan acidity highlights berry and tomato-like brightness, ideal for pairing with citrus or stone fruit. The Yirgacheffe Gedeb offers clean lemony acidity with floral and jasmine notes, perfect for light, tea-like iced blends. Lastly, Sidra brings bold tropical fruit flavours like passionfruit and blueberry, making it a natural fit for fruity coffee experiments. All three showcase the ‘juice-like’ character that complements seasonal fruit infusions. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.