AI is driving down the price of knowledge – universities have to rethink what they offer 
The ghost of Robodebt – Federal Court rules billions of dollars in welfare debts must be recalculated 
Time to buy local: war fuel price shocks reveal the folly of a long food supply chain 
Google promotes ‘teacher approved’ apps for kids. Here’s what parents should know 
Why have so few atrocities ever been recognised as genocide? 
6 simple questions to tell if a ‘finfluencer’ is more flash than cash 
The Beauty Beneath the Expressway: A Journey from Self to Service 
How to support someone who is grieving: five research-backed strategies 
The pandemic is still disrupting young people’s careers 
Stuck in a creativity slump at work? Here are some surprising ways to get your spark back 
The American mass exodus to Canada amid Trump 2.0 has yet to materialize 
Locked up then locked out: how NZ’s bank rules make life for ex-prisoners even harder 
Debate over H-1B visas shines spotlight on US tech worker shortages 
Disaster or digital spectacle? The dangers of using floods to create social media content 
Add as a preferred source on Google
7-Eleven Japan quietly introduced a limited-edition Cafe Latte Smoothie at select stores in Tokyo and Kyushu. Priced at 290 yen, this rich and smooth coffee-flavored treat surprised customers with its quality and refreshing taste, offering a hidden gem for summer.
Reporter Discovers Secret Cafe Latte Smoothie at 7-Eleven, a Hidden Gem in Select Tokyo Stores
Convenience stores in Japan are known for occasionally adding secret items to select locations with little notice or promotion, creating a sense of excitement for customers who stumble upon new products. According to SoraNews24, this is precisely what happened to Mr. Sato, a reporter when he discovered a new product at his local 7-Eleven — the Cafe Latte Smoothie.
While browsing the fridge and freezer sections, Mr. Sato noticed the unfamiliar smoothie cups filled with caramel-colored cubes, instantly piquing his curiosity. A quick online search revealed that the Cafe Latte Smoothie had quietly gone on sale at select branches in Tokyo and Kyushu over the summer. Despite its availability in Tokyo, Mr. Sato had never encountered it, making it a rare find.
Priced at 290 yen (US$1.92), the smoothie seemed like a bargain, and Mr. Sato quickly purchased one. After paying, he followed the simple instructions to prepare the drink. Using the dedicated machine in-store, he scanned the barcode, placed the cup in the machine, and pressed “OK.” The machine blended the smoothie within minutes, filling the air with a sweet, milky coffee aroma.
Mr. Sato Praises 7-Eleven’s Limited Cafe Latte Smoothie for Its Smooth, Rich Coffee Flavor
The first sip left Mr. Sato pleasantly surprised by the smooth, rich coffee flavor. The drink was remarkably flavorful for a convenience store item, reminding him of 7-Eleven’s famous coffees, known for their quality and popularity in Japan. The smoothie tasted like 7-Eleven’s regular coffee, so Mr. Sato felt a sense of déjà vu. As a fan of the chain’s coffee, which he sometimes prefers over his home brew, this new cafe latte smoothie was a delightful discovery.
With the limited-edition smoothie likely disappearing as the colder months approach, Mr. Sato hopes it will be re-released next summer. Until then, he urges anyone who comes across it to try it — perhaps pair it with a secret 7-Eleven doughnut for a perfect convenience store treat.
