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Poll: McCafe or Starbucks?

By: Tanya Jolliffe : 5/11/2009 12:30:08 PM : 352 comments

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?

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Comments (Scroll to end to leave a comment)

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JENNYVIDAL 3/20/2010 6:20:29 AM	You are right Tanya. I never really stop to ponder that time is money and sometimes, I really hated the long queues at Starbucks. Maybe I will try McCafe line of coffees for a change. http://www.bedbugsremovalguide.com	350
PICKIE98 11/14/2009 9:02:48 AM	The sweet tea at McD's is made with 64 oz of sugar (less than a bag) to four gallons of tea, freshly brewed,, the tea urn holds about three and a half gallons.. ( friend works there) the McCafes are made with freshly ground beans, skim or whole milk on request, any ingredient can be removed upon customer request, or added,, there are charts explaining each drink for htose not familiar and lists of ingredients for same. I lvoe the new Frappe's!! especially the catamel one!!! It tastes exactly like those caramel Nips candies!! As far as Starbucks, they are geared for upper middle class customers, ones that can afford it at any price; I prepare my own, but do LOVE the McD's unsweetened tea and the caramel frappe!! As far as business practices, every McD's within a 700 mile radius of me donates to numerous local and worldwide charities: one of our local franchises has a roofsit for a million pennies to donate to a local Advocacy center for child abuse and neglect!! It provides counseling, a safe place to "testify" for sexually abused children so they do not have to face their predators in court, among other things others here give to the WOmens shelter, crippled children, city beautification, provide stock options, health insurance, etc. they offer scholarships to college students too I guess each business has their "babies", so to speak for giving,,	349
EGRAMMY 9/2/2009 7:07:26 AM	Big Business makes us bigger to make bigger profits. Again. OK I just say NO, because I don't drink coffee.	348
TERRYMEMPHIS 9/1/2009 10:12:46 PM	We take great pride in my McDonalds to do it right. I love Coffee. But some times people are not nice in there descriptions of how they classify the people who service them. Starbucks can keep the snobs. I treat rude poeple everyday with a great big smile. I'm lovin it!! Terrymemphis.	347
AMRITAARORA011 6/23/2009 7:08:35 AM	I have tried the McDonald cold coffee.I like it.I have also like.Mcdonalds burger and ice tea.I think McDonald products are best. www.teethwhiteninginstructions.com	346
KAT1ARN 5/28/2009 6:19:17 PM	I'm not crazy about McDonalds or Starbucks, but on a really hot day when I am particularly worn out, a Mocha Moolatte from Dairy Queen sure hits the spot! Too bad they aren't health food.	345
911_LAURAB 5/26/2009 4:21:05 PM	Well being from Canada, I am a TIMMIES all the way, but the Mc Dee's coffee here in the Wal-Mart is a very close second. Got to love my Triple triples!	344
VICKY31MOM 5/26/2009 3:08:44 PM	For me Mcdonalds is more economical. Plus its very easy to get it made to order I can get a med iced vanilla coffee for like$1.89 or something and can have them use SF vanilla and FF milk! WONDERFUL!	343
MAMASLY 5/26/2009 11:33:14 AM	I have to say if there is something I am ADDICTED to, its iced coffee drinks. I recently started making them myself at home to save money. An extra benefit is I can use splenda, 1% milk, and add my own vanilla, and have a drink thats more like 50 cals than 300. Okay so it doesnt quite taste the same, but I messed around and found out how much of each ingredient I needed to make it at least close to tasting the same, I got pretty happy with it considering the price and the reduced calories.	342
STRANGECHIC 5/26/2009 10:44:28 AM	While I frequent McDs for their coffee (large - two creams/two splenda), if I'm in the mood for a latte I go to Starbucks. I generally do a venti skinny vanilla latte which saves me on some of the calories and sugar. It includes skim milk instead of whole and sugar free vanilla syrup (sweetened with splenda).	341
HIKERBIKER75 5/25/2009 11:44:44 PM	I haven't tried any of the McCafes except for the iced coffee. It comes with liquid sugar and 2 creams, but I like 10 Splenda and 10 creamers, and they never, not once, have gotten it right at any of the ones I have been to. So I quit going there and I drive the fifteen miles out of my way for Starbucks, or sometimes I make my own. Flavor-wise, Starbucks blows McDonald's out of the water. Period.	340
JENNYR84 5/25/2009 11:06:44 AM	I am a Starbucks girl all the way! McDonald's may have low cal coffee options, but I guess I'm sort of ethically apposed to them because they also sell salty fatty gross burgers and make America fat...hehe j/k but anyone ever seen Supersize Me?	339
PEREGRINE554 5/25/2009 10:53:53 AM	I have never been disappointed in Starbucks. When I tried McCafe, the coffee was unremarkable. What was worse was the service. My cashier didn't understand what I wanted. When she asked someone else,, it turned out they only had 1 employee who could make the McCafe, and she had another job as well. I had to wait through several other customers before they could get her to come make my coffee. I have not tried it again, but I have noticed that in the several McDonald's where I have eaten since, if anyone orders McCafe, it creates confusion and disruption behind the counter. Price is nice, but it's not worth the hassle.	338
BIRDYGAYL 5/25/2009 10:47:54 AM	Just have to respond to Seraphina--the information you provide about Starbucks is false--check out snopes.com, the urban legend website for details. I live near an airbase, and there are always soldiers in the Starbucks near the base. Although as a corporate entity, Starbucks has a policy of only donating to local non-profits, I know that our local Starbucks has organized many packages of coffee sent overseas to our neighbors in uniform through public donations and employee donations. They do way more for our community and our men and women serving our country than our local McDonald's.	337
RINKRAT 5/25/2009 9:35:12 AM	I tried Starbucks once - so bitter I couldn't drink it. McDonalds is not too bad, but here in Canada it's Tim Horton's all the way.	336
SERAPHINA5 5/25/2009 9:28:40 AM	I'm sorry but after learning that THE GREAT STRABUCK' S was asKed by young men and women in Irag, to please send over some bags of there famous ground coffees, and this is the response that the sevicemen received - we DON 'T SUPPORT THE WAR, WE DON'T SUPPORT THE MEN AND WOMEN IN IRAG, WE DON'T BELIVE IN THE WAR - TO me that is just icing on the cake to make me want to NOT SUPPORT STARBUCKS AT ALL - THE bases in the USA have also told STARBUCKS TO remove all of there shops from the bases -GOOD FOR THEM, IF THEY CAN'T SEND FREE COFFEE OVER TO OUR YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN, WHY IN GOD'S NAME DO THEY THINK THEY SHOULD PAY FOR IT HERE!!!! SO BOO TO STARBUCK'S AND YES TO MCDONALD'S	335
Y2B@GOAL 5/25/2009 1:10:15 AM	I have tried McD's coffee off and on, hopeing it would get better. It hasn't so I gave up. They are either really bitter, to sweet or not made well. It's money down the drain, so when I do treat myself, I go to Starbucks or a local coffee house.	334
2010BRIDETOBE 5/24/2009 10:49:10 AM	I like starbucks, but lately I try to make my own coffee at home. It saves money, plus I know everything that I put in it! Keep in mind this nutritional info is the way they come if you order it straight off the menu. You can always ask for Sugar Free syrup/flavorings at starbucks and it reduces the cals/carbs even more (of course it costs more also). McDonalds coffee is decent, I've never had their cappuccino or lattes though. Most places are willing to give you exactly what you want, you just have to ask (skim milk, splenda instead of sugar, NO whip cream etc).	333
LEARNINGTOLUVME 5/24/2009 10:45:07 AM	If it was a choice between just these two it would be starbucks. I have had McDonalds mulitple times trying to give it a chance but each time it sucks. I prefer a company we have here in Washington. Dutch Brothers!	332
TRPL7KAT 5/24/2009 9:37:12 AM	I have coffee "out" as an occasional treat and for me its Starbucks all the way. I've tried the McD's new iced coffees, and I just don't like the flavor compared to Starbucks. The McD's seem to have a bitter taste during and after. So, though the price is a little cheaper, if I'm going to splurge, its with Starbucks.	331
WARMSPRINGDAY 5/23/2009 5:08:48 PM	I mostly just make my own Maxwell House coffee at home and keep some special flavors on hand for the occasional treat. I'm not one to spend money to buy coffee every day, but do treat myself once in awhile. I've tried Starbucks and didn't think it special enough to justify the price. Might try Mickie D's sometime when in the mood for a treat. Don't know if anyone else out there has a Sheetz in their area, but when I really want a treat, I go for a Sheetz sugar free frozen mocha - ooh la la.	330
STROTTER1 5/23/2009 1:56:01 PM	Neither - I only get regular coffee (no calories) and I am good fan of Dutch Brothers!	329
TAMIKATNL 5/23/2009 1:20:55 PM	Not a coffee lover and I do not typically frequent the Starbucks franchise, but I tried the new hot chocolate from McDonald's and I loved it. It was hot, creamy and delicious and I used non-fat milk.	328
DONHARCHC 5/23/2009 11:29:34 AM	I make my own regular coffee. I do buy good beans.	327
WEEBLEWOBEL 5/22/2009 9:27:29 PM	I love my coffee cannot do without it, I love Starbucks.The coffee is brewed when you order it,I can taste the aroma of the diff bean oils Mac D has an after taste.I only drink Mcd if I am desperate for my caffeine fix. So STARBUCKS all the way	326
HEATHERRAES 5/22/2009 7:52:18 PM	I love the IDEA of McDonalds serving good coffee drinks, but the one taste I have actually had of one of their lattes was a big disappointment. For me, if I'm going to wait in line for coffee and pay for coffee, then it better be GOOD coffee..and that is Starbucks. (besides, I gained about 10 pounds eating McDonald's breakfast for a summer and have yet to lose those pounds, so I stay away from McDonald's in the mornings).	325
TANDABAT 5/22/2009 5:20:41 PM	When I'm going to spend money on coffee, either Starbucks or 7-11. I do like the coffee bars that 7-11 has set up. I'm a big fan of DIY coffee. However, if I need coffee and I'm in a strange area, I hit Starbucks. I know the coffee will be good and just like it is at home. It's a comfort food. It's also something I try not to do much anymore. I have not ordered anything at a Mc D's in probably 2 years. I used to crave their cheeseburgers, but not anymore. I just can't find anything I like there. Someone brought food into work from there, and put it in the office I work out of two days a week. It stank. It was not a pleasant smell to me. When I made a comment about it smelling up the office, his remark, "Oh, I'm sorry, I should have brought you something too." My response, "No no, that's absolutely not necessary." So, Starbucks for me.	324
TIFFNEYMARIE 5/22/2009 7:31:44 AM	I live closer to a McD's so I often have their med. nonfat vanilla latte. Some days it's great, many days it's not. I would go to Starbucks instead of McD's if I didn't have to go across town to get it. I've never had a bad experience, or latte, at Starbucks. Wish I could say the same for McD's.	323
PRIESTESS3713 5/21/2009 5:53:54 PM	I'm a coffee snob, and McDonalds tastes like brown water to me. Starbucks is a better product, and I much prefer their business practices. Will still go to a local coffee shop if I can, though.	322
TEALADY0531 5/21/2009 4:49:09 PM	Coffee shop trips have been cut way down but not out in our household because of budget. Most of the time we go to a local place, where we know the owner; but every once in a while, it's Starbucks (especially when I just HAVE to have a Vanilla Rooiboos Tea Latte - skim, of course!). McDonalds just can't compete, IMHO, tastewise (bleech) or service-wise. And Starbucks treats their employees better, benefit-wise, from what I've heard. The military story is definitely an urban legend. Check it out at snopes.com.	321
JEWELBOX2 5/21/2009 1:49:29 PM	I love Starbucks coffee but did try McDonald's McCafe. I have to say I was very disappointed in the McCafe and not impressed by it at all. I will remain a Strabucks fan and pay the few extra cents for a much better product.	320
SOPHIA1C 5/21/2009 11:31:23 AM	I like Starbucks cafe moca but really don't care for their regular coffee! So nope, not really into Starbucks. It will be Micky D's for mine	319
GIRLNEXTDOOR94 5/20/2009 11:30:18 PM	I tried Starbucks coffee and hated it, but the McD's iced coffee was good, so I prefer it.	318
IMALABGAL 5/20/2009 11:12:32 PM	mcDs is ok, but I'm a Starbucks gal all the way. McDs can have burgers.	317
ROCKTHATBODY 5/20/2009 9:48:58 PM	I, too, tried a McD's nonfat iced latte w/ a vanilla shot. If a beverage can be overly sweet and bitter at the same time, then that's what I had in my hand. I poured the better part of it out. I've started making my own iced coffee using a cold-brew method, and with the lower acidity, it's quite drinkable without milk or sugar. I've been a MyPoints member for years and I still pick up the occasional Starbucks gift card, but I save those trips for a rare treat, as I know I'm bound to skip over the low-fat baked goods and head straight for the brownies. We have precious few indie coffee houses around town, or I'd be frequenting them instead.	316
BROWNBEAR1961 5/20/2009 8:43:39 PM	I am a Starbux fan all the way. The company takes care of customers, especially if you are a regular. No comparison to Mickey D's at all. I will always pay extra for a GREAT coffee drink over trying to some change. Most of the time Mickey D employees cant get my drink order right even if I stand there and watch them make it. They act like they have never heard of lattes mochas or capps and are scared to death when they have to make one. Their drinks may cost less than Bux, but I always end up throwing it down the drain. No savings there. I have purchased one of Starbux new insulated cold cups. Love IT!!! Have been making my own iced coffees at home using Bux coffee.	315
KLDEHM 5/20/2009 5:10:08 PM	I am a strabucks snob, I can admit it.	314
TBARNETTE 5/20/2009 3:46:02 PM	Just started drinking McCafe after being a long time Starbucks drinker.... The McCafe` is VERY good. I have fallen in love with the Med. Non-fat Sugar-Free Vanilla Latte.	313
GOZEKIGRL 5/20/2009 12:39:03 PM	i used to work at starbucks. I L-O-V-E their coffee. I'm not opposed to other coffee's, either. I started out drinking QuickTrip coffee. I recently quit drinking coffee except on special occasions, but i can tell you this: Starbucks has a commitment to each and every customer that walks in that store or goes through that drive thru. They are also committed to the absolute perfection of their coffee. Farms that they buy from have to meet very special requirements and are very well taken care of by Starbucks. Starbucks helps provide health care and schools. They purchase Fair Trade & certified organic coffees and have the perfect roasting curve. Most people think Starbucks is too "dark" for them, and that's fine. But each coffee has its own subtle flavors based on growing region & the elements and why types of things grew around it. Starbucks roasts their coffee to bring out the individuality in each coffee - and each batch is different, because each year the coffee plants are effected differently! I LOVE starbucks, as you can clearly tell (sorry if this turned into a mini info-mercial!). But why do i avoid McD's?? Because if i go through the McD's drive thru, i might be tempted to get a really fatty "treat" for myself - even if i go into the store, its the same deal. I need to avoid that temptation, plus i just think their food is so bad for you. At least if i go to Sbux i have the option of oatmeal, a bagel or a protein rich meal or snack. I might pay a little more, but for me its a treat, and knowing what i do about the company and having the kind of relationship i do with the company, i'm really a-ok with that.	312
SARAHHOLMES65 5/20/2009 11:25:39 AM	Starkbucks is an experience! which will out do anything you drive thru in your car. They also serve consistently precise and excellent coffee. They KNOW you! and they will take the time to make something for you that is exactly what you like, with a smile ... or a refund! Of course it helps to live a block away...	311
SANDYHD 5/20/2009 8:56:37 AM	Tried a McCaffe mocha this weekend and found it bitter and undrinkable! Blech! Starbucks for me!	310
SWEETTART6 5/20/2009 8:30:27 AM	Thank-you for the comparisons & also clarification on how to order exactly what yoy want. I live in a more rural community, so no Starbucks & I have ordered a couple of the coffees @ Mickey D's. I didn't really know how to order them just like I wanted though. I really appreciate having more of a choice in beverages because I never drink soda.	309
ANDRAXIA 5/20/2009 12:43:58 AM	I have always thought Starbucks was a rip off and have cut down on my coffee consumption quite a bit. I got a medium nonfat latte with sugar free vanilla syrup at McDonalds today and noticed that 1) you have to ask for artificial sweetener and cream and 2) they don't have lowfat milk as creamer, just McDonads creamer. Admittedly, I got it because I was curious but to be honest, it was nowhere near the taste of the same drink at Starbucks. Maybe Starbucks is more expensive because it's gourmet coffee? Doesn't matter...McDonald's is closer and may win out based on that but if I go to the Barnes and noble that had a Starbucks attached I will probably shell out the cash. Admittedly as well, without my adding a sugar substitute and cream I cannot drink either. I may have chosen the wrong flavor or just been angry that I had to walk up to the counter and ask for creamer and they didn't have low or non fat creamer. It's a better idea than it is a reality to be honest, but I should lay off the coffee anyway.	308
LOSER541 5/19/2009 11:23:11 PM	I like McDonalds Non-Fat Latte - I think starbucks is a rip off!	307
PEACEBEE2U 5/19/2009 8:36:40 PM	I bought a mccafe and it was toooo sweet. they did not make it good in my neighborhood...... starbucks is always better.	306
BIGVIC2 5/19/2009 7:36:25 PM	I like McDonalds regular coffee and I hate starbucks regular coffee. However ...I just tried one of those Mocha Java ones from McDonalds and it was the worst I have ever tasted...............	305
SPARKLE72023 5/19/2009 6:53:54 PM	I'll agree with MELLIE2627DE that McDs employees don't usually get their orders correctly - - especially when it comes to their new coffee products! plus, the temperature isn't quite right, the taste if always just a little bit off - - not enough quality consistency. I VOTE FOR STARBUCKS!! Sure you pay more . . . but you get a LOT more!!! and their service can't be beat.	304
MELLIE2627DE 5/19/2009 5:31:28 PM	I have tried a few of the cafe drinks from McDonald's, and the only one I like is the Mocha. But beware, even if you ask for skim milk sometimes they forget, because unlike Starbucks their employees are not trained solely on coffee products. If you can taste the difference between skim and whole then don't worry, but if you really are watching the calories I would go for Starbucks where I know I will always get what I ask for.	303