It seems that McDonald's and Starbucks have entered a breakfast war. Starbucks previously launched a line of breakfast items and is currently running a "meal deal" with a 'tall' (small) latte and an oatmeal or breakfast sandwich for one stop breakfast shopping with your favorite latte.

Last week, McDonald's expanded their premium coffee selection and officially introduced their new McCafe line of flavored lattes, mochas and cappuccinos across the country. To add to the atmosphere, special coffee bar service areas have also been added in many of the franchise restaurants. Patrons can try a latte with their favorite breakfast combo.

In these tough economic times, will a quality and affordable alternative fast food specialty coffee drink beat out the favored gourmet coffee house brand?

I am not a picky eater nor a coffee aficionado, and I typically only treat myself to a specialty coffee every once in a while. However, I do hit the drive thru for coffee several times a week for a basic cup of coffee. I enjoy the coffee at Starbucks and McDonald's as well as Caribou and a local chain in my community. My choice is typically based on what direction I am heading and which place has the shortest line at the drive thru. I know that McDonald's costs slightly less than Starbucks and Caribou costs the most, but time is money and sitting in line for 15 minutes while the specialty place baristas do their thing is much less appealing than 5 minutes and being on my way. After all, if I were most concerned with the cost, I would allow extra time at home and make it there and take it with me.

When we look at cost and nutritional content, we find that both are based on the size and ingredients that are included. Obviously a mocha made with whole milk and whipped cream will have more calories than one made with skim milk and no whipped cream or syrup.

Here is some general nutritional information for basic drinks as well as the average cost (prices do vary by location).

Starbucks Nonfat Grande Latte - $3.25
Rich, full-bodied Starbucks® espresso in steamed milk lightly topped with foam.
Calories – 130
Carbohydrates – 19 grams
Sodium – 150 mg

McDonald's Nonfat Medium Latte - $2.89
Espresso with steamed skim or whole milk, plain or with vanilla, sugar free vanilla, caramel or hazelnut flavor shot.
Calories – 110
Carbohydrates – 15 grams
Sodium – 140 mg

Starbucks Nonfat Grande Cappuccino - $3.25
Rich, full-bodied Starbucks® espresso in a small amount of steamed milk, with a deep layer of foam.
Calories – 80
Carbohydrates – 12 grams
Sodium – 90 mg

McDonald's Nonfat Medium Cappuccino - $2.89
Espresso with skim or whole milk available with vanilla, sugar free vanilla, caramel or hazelnut flavor shot.
Calories – 80
Carbohydrates – 12 grams
Sodium – 110 mg

Starbucks Nonfat Grande Cafe Mocha - $3.55
Rich, full-bodied Starbucks espresso combined with bittersweet mocha syrup and steamed milk, topped with a cloud of whipped cream.
Calories – 290
Carbohydrates – 44 grams
Sodium – 135 mg

McDonald's Medium Mocha - $2.89
Chocolate syrup with espresso steamed skim or whole milk with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate, plain or with vanilla, sugar free vanilla, caramel or hazelnut flavor shot.
Calories – 280
Carbohydrates – 10
Sodium – 160 mg

Which do you think is the better deal financially as well as nutritionally? Is the benefit worth it to you? Will you be giving one of the McCafe specialty drinks a try?