logo
‘This is awkward': Coffee mate released piña colada creamer before White Lotus finale

‘This is awkward': Coffee mate released piña colada creamer before White Lotus finale

The Guardian09-04-2025

Coffee creamer brand Coffee mate developed two limited-edition flavored creamers – piña colada and Thai iced coffee – in collaboration with the HBO hit television show The White Lotus. But, after the show's season finale aired on Sunday night, the Nestlé-owned company was taken aback when a batch of poisoned piña coladas nearly caused the deaths of four of the show's main characters.
'Well this is awkward' the creamer brand wrote in an Instagram post on Monday, accompanied by a picture of the piña colada-flavored creamer.
In the final episode of the show's third season, set in Thailand, disgraced businessman Timothy Ratliff devises a plan to blend seeds from a poisonous tree into the frozen beverage, intending to kill himself, his wife, his elder son and his daughter. He ultimately changes his mind and spares his unsuspecting family.
Unfortunately, nobody cleaned out the blender after he made the lethal cocktail. The next day, Ratliff's son Lachlan uses the blender – which still contains leftovers of the poisonous mixture – to prepare a protein shake, which nearly results in his death.
Daniel Jhung, president of the Nestlé USA coffee and beverage division, told the Wall Street Journal this week that the marketing team behind Coffee mate was notably unaware of the plot involving piña coladas before the episode aired.
'We didn't know that piña colada was such a featured part of the last episode,' Jhung said. 'I will say that in hindsight, we were showing the different flavors, and the fact that The White Lotus team was like, 'Oh, you know, piña colada is a really good idea, you should go in that direction' – it now kind of makes sense.'
The company launched the limited edition The White Lotus-themed flavored creamers in partnership with Warner Bros ahead of the show's third season, which premiered on 16 February.
Jhung said that Sunday night's episode took the Coffee mate team by surprise, and that the team quickly devised a social media plan to react, sharing the 'awkward' post on Instagram.
'The 'awkward' post got picked up quite a bit by consumers, by other brands, because it was so perfect with the show's ending,' Jhung said.
Jhung told the Journal that it's still too early to determine whether the episode impacted sales of the flavored creamers since they won't receive consumption data for another week.
'We'll probably see next week how it did this week,' he said, adding that 'the show going on week by week is helping drive buzz for the flavors. So they're both doing really well in market through the first quarter.'
Jhung said that he suspects that next week, when the sales data comes in, that the piña colada flavor 'will see a bit of a lift as people try it, just for the novelty aspect'.
The essence of limited-time offers, Jhung added, is about 'mysterious flavors, intriguing flavors that are not typical in the coffee set, and so it kind of fits well with the show, which is about mystery and intrigue'.
On TikTok, some fans of the show have made videos reacting to the finale and the flavored coffee creamer collaboration.
One TikTok user shared a video of the piña colada creamer in their fridge, with the caption 'I got this back in February being like wow what a random flavor for the Thailand season', adding 'NOT MIKE WHITE MAKING OUR COFFEE AN EASTER EGG' .
'PSA EVERYONE WASH YOUR BLENDERS BEFORE RE-USING PLZ' the user added.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Diletta Leotta almost upstages Carlos Alcaraz as DAZN presenter spills out of white dress in epic French Open final
Diletta Leotta almost upstages Carlos Alcaraz as DAZN presenter spills out of white dress in epic French Open final

Scottish Sun

time19 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

Diletta Leotta almost upstages Carlos Alcaraz as DAZN presenter spills out of white dress in epic French Open final

Scroll down for more pics of Diletta SERVING STYLE Diletta Leotta almost upstages Carlos Alcaraz as DAZN presenter spills out of white dress in epic French Open final Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DILETTA LEOTTA stole the show at Roland Garros - as Carlos Alcarez made history on court. The Italian presenter rocked a stunning look during her work for DAZN at the French Open. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 20 Diletta Leotta has given fans a backstage look into her French Open prep Credit: 20 The DAZN presenter gave the insight to her 9million Instagram fans Credit: 20 The 33-year-old rocked a tennis outfit for the final of the French Open Credit: 20 She classed up the look with a smart white blazer Credit: 20 Diletta took her seat at Philippe-Chatrier Court ahead of Carlos Alcaraz's comeback win Credit: 20 Lovestruck fans claimed Diletta had upstaged the five-time Slam winner Credit: Alcarez beat Jannik Sinner in a five-set epic which lasted over five hours. But it was fan favourite Diletta who was turning heads with her sophisticated finals outfit. The 33-year-old rocked a gorgeous fitted white blazer as temperatures soared in Paris. She paired it with a small tennis-style white skirt, winning hearts among her 9 million-strong Instagram fanbase. READ MORE ON TENNIS DEADLY SIN Sinner in sportsmanship fail as French Open final gesture to Alcaraz backfires Diletta uploaded a clip of her preparing for the finale on Philippe-Chatrier Court. She dazzled in a dressing gown before taking to the stands in the French capital. One fan gasped in response: "How cute is this outfit, you look great." Another lovestruck follower added: "Blessed is that dressing gown." BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK While a third replied: "The Sicilian Barbie." Alcaraz produced one of the all-time great comebacks to secure a second French Open crown. Diletta Leotta shows off new 'Bond girl' look as DAZN host puts on revealing display in low cut ski suit The Spaniard survived three Championship points in the fourth set to somehow beat Sinner at Roland Garros. Alcarez won the five-set thriller after five hours and 29 minutes. He becomes only the third man to win a major final after saving a championship point since the Open era began in 1968. Following his epic win, Alcaraz admitted: "Every match I'm playing against him is important. 20 Carlos Alcaraz won a five-set thriller in the French Open final Credit: Alamy "This is the first match in a Grand Slam final. "Hopefully not the last because every time we face each other, we raise our level to the top. "If you want to win Grand Slams, you have to beat the best tennis players in the world." A glimpse inside Diletta's glamorous life with football partner Loris Karius... 20 Diletta is one of the Serie A's best loved presenters Credit: Getty 20 The 33-year-old is married to former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius Credit: INSTAGRAM / dilettaleotta 20 Diletta stunned as she presented the Turin derby on Italian TV Credit: Instagram @dilettaleotta 20 The glamorous TV host put on a leggy display pitchside Credit: Instagram @dilettaleotta 20 She boasts 9 million followers on Instagram alone Credit: Getty 20 Diletta is no stranger to some extravagant outfits on her travels Credit: @dilettaleotta 20 The Italian beauty regularly updates her fans on holiday with Karius 20 She has flipped between blonde and brunette looks Credit: 20 Dilleta has previously worn an outfit similar to her Tomb Raider look Credit: @dilettaleotta 20 She splits her time with DAZN between football and tennis Credit: Getty 20 She is a now a full-time presenter for DAZN in Italy Credit: Instagram @dilettaleotta 20 Leotta burst onto the scene with Sky Sports Credit: Instagram @dilettaleotta

James Argent performs at Megan McKenna's wedding after girlfriend's abuse post
James Argent performs at Megan McKenna's wedding after girlfriend's abuse post

Daily Mirror

time19 minutes ago

  • Daily Mirror

James Argent performs at Megan McKenna's wedding after girlfriend's abuse post

James 'Arg' Argent was seen celebrating his former The Only Way Is Essex co-star Megan McKenna's wedding over the weekend, just hours after his ex put out a heartbreaking statement James 'Arg' Argent danced the night away with his The Only Way Is Essex co-stars, just hours after his ex issued a heartbreaking statement. Nicoline Artursson broke her silence on Friday evening for the first time since her ex admitted to domestic violence. The former Only Way Is Essex star admitted his crime at a court in Spain where he received a six-month suspended prison sentence and a two-year restraining order. Argent pushed his now ex-girlfriend down a flight of stairs, causing the injuries. As Nicoline spoke of how the "fractures on my body have finally healed but I'm wounded inside", just hours later, on the Saturday, Arg was at Megan's wedding, where she tied the knot with her husband Oliver. Taking to Instagram, Arg posted a video of him and Megan dancing at the nuptials. He wrote: "Congratulations to the beautiful Bride, My dear friend @meganmckenna who got married to the lovely @oliverjburke yesterday. "I can't tell you how much it meant to me, That you wanted me there on your special Wedding day. We danced together just like old times in Nu Bar Loughton when we were kids. He added: "We always supported each other in those TOWIE days & remained friends ever since. You've blossomed into an amazing woman. You're a fantastic mum & you're going to make a great wife! And you're a much better singer than me haha. Love ya." In her heartbreaking statement, Nicoline explained more about that night. She wrote: "I was brutally thrown out of our new home in the middle of the night wearing only my pyjamas. I opened the door to let him in and only minutes after I found myself laying down on the stairs outside our house. My clothes and belongings were being thrown out from the balcony down on me. I was injured." She also added: "A gentleman does not abuse you and end up in jail and call you the love of his life. A gentleman does not blame you for his actions. A gentleman will confide in his partner, family and close circle of friends, keeping them close and safe. A gentleman chooses you always and leaves the past in the past - including exes. "Life is to be lived together and not to please people who want to take advantage of you. At the end of the day, fame can only do so much - it's all about being strong and growing together. Life is simply not a reality TV show, life is real. I have tried to understand why. I have cried so many tears thinking about the way he chose to hurt me. He said he loved me and I believed him and here we are." *For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit

Nick Frost reveals he's been targeted by trans activists as he prepares to work with JK Rowling after accepting role of Hagrid in HBO's Harry Potter series
Nick Frost reveals he's been targeted by trans activists as he prepares to work with JK Rowling after accepting role of Hagrid in HBO's Harry Potter series

Daily Mail​

time6 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Nick Frost reveals he's been targeted by trans activists as he prepares to work with JK Rowling after accepting role of Hagrid in HBO's Harry Potter series

Nick Frost has revealed he has been targeted by trans activists after accepting the role of Hagrid in the new HBO Harry Potter series. The actor, 53, will star as the legendary Hogwarts groundskeeper in the much-anticipated show, which is set to begin filming this summer. However after sharing the exciting announcement on Instagram, Nick revealed he was forced to turn off the comments on the post due to being swamped with criticism for collaborating with JK Rowling. The famous author, who is also serving as an executive producer of the new series, has become a vocal presence in the transgender debate. Distancing himself from Rowling's trans views, Nick told the Observer: 'She's allowed her opinion and I'm allowed mine. They just don't align in any way, shape of form.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Rowling has been vocal on the subject of trans people for several years; in 2018, a spokesperson explained that her 'like' of a tweet calling trans women 'men in dresses' had been a 'middle-aged moment'. And following the Supreme Court judgement on April 17, Rowling has consistently referred to transgender women as being 'men'. Despite turning off interaction with fans, the publication asked Nick if he believes the debate may overshadow the new series. He added: ' I don't know but maybe it shouldn't blow over? We shouldn't just hope it will go away because if makes it easier maybe we should educate ourselves.' In his announcement post, the actor posed with a classic copy of the first book in JK Rowling's series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. He is set to play the role that was made famous by veteran actor Robbie Coltrane in the original film series, before his death in 2022. Nick captioned his post: 'You're a wizard, Harry!!! 'Thank you for trusting me with such a loyal, gentle and courageous half-giant like Rubeus Hagrid. Robbie, I promise I won't let you down.' Elsewhere, critics of the Harry Potter author criticised her role as an executive producer on the show because of her views on transgender issues. HBO chiefs later defended her role, saying Rowling had a 'right to express her personal views'. In a move that's sent shockwaves of excitement across the fandom, Hollywood heavyweight John Lithgow has been announced as the new Albus Dumbledore. Janet McTeer, known for her powerhouse performances on stage and screen, will step into the sharp heels of Professor McGonagall, while rising star Paapa Essiedu takes on the darker, more complicated role of Severus Snape – a part made famous by the late Alan Rickman. The casting, which was officially announced earlier this month, forms part of HBO's hotly anticipated reboot of J.K. Rowling 's seven-book series – a full-scale, decade-long adaptation that promises to stick far more closely to the original storylines than the blockbuster films. Fans say this could be the most exciting reboot yet, with many calling the casting 'perfectly magical' and praising the diverse, inclusive approach taken by producers. Showrunner and executive producer Francesca Gardiner said: 'We are happy to announce the casting of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse to play Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell and Filch.' Executive producer and director Mark Mylod added: 'We're delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can't wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.' The new series is aims to 'lead a new generation of fandom' and hopes to recapture the beloved details Harry Potter fans have enjoyed for 25 years. It will be executive produced by Harry Potter author JK Rowling, Ruth Kenley-Letts, Neil Blair and David Heyman. Back in 2023, the Mail's Alison Boshoff revealed how Rowling would personally approve all of the key castings in the forthcoming series. The author previously said: 'Max's commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me. 'And I'm looking forward to being part of this new adaptation, which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long-form television series.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store