Starbucks or McDonald’s Mc Cafe?

Released on 2011-11-29 by Emily

A breakfast war seems to be going on between Starbucks and McDonald's. Breakfast line of many items was previously launched by Starbucks and presently a “meal deal” is being served along with a small and tall glass full of latte. Also, a breakfast sandwich or oatmeal is being provided with your preferred latte as a part of one stop breakfast shop.

Expansion of McDonald's premium coffee section was done recently and an official announcement was made about the brand new line of Mc Cafe lattes in different flavours, cappuccinos and mochas in a number of countries. In many franchisee restaurants, in order to complement to the atmosphere, there has been an addition of special coffee bars and services. You can now try your favourite latte along with breakfast combo meal.

Now the question is that in these difficult economic times, will a superior and inexpensive substitute specialty coffee drink from a fast food restaurant beat out the preferred epicurean branded coffee house?

Shortest queue at drive through and the direction where I am headed are usually the factors that decide which coffee I will choose and drink. I am aware that coffee prices in McDonald’s are less than Starbucks and coffee costs the most in Caribou. Since time is money for me, I’d rather go to some place where I am handed over my coffee in five minutes and I am on my way. Saving time appeals more to me than waiting in line for fifteen minutes or more while the specialty coffee houses do their thing. Also, if there really were cost concerns, I would spend extra time making coffee at my house and take it along with me.

Looking at nutritional content and cost, we see that both these factors depend on the ingredients and size that are there in a coffee. Mocha prepared with whole milk and full of whipped cream will obviously be richer in calories than the one prepared with skimmed milk.

Below you can find comparison between nutrients and costs of coffees served at McDonald’s and Starbucks.

Non-fat Grande Latte at Starbucks costs $3.25. It is a rich and full-bodied espresso prepared with steamed milk and topped with light foam. It contains 19 grams of carbohydrates, 130 calories and 150 mg of Sodium. In comparison to this, Non-fat Medium Latte served at McDonald’s costs $2.89, has 110 calories in it with 15 grams of carbs and sodium content is 140mg. This one is also prepared with steamed milk and has a deep layer of foam.

Similarly, low fat medium cappuccino costs $2.89 at McDonald’s. It is an espresso coffee made with whole or skimmed milk and added flavours of sugar free vanilla, hazelnut and caramel. It contains 80 calories, 12 gram carbohydrates and 110 gram sodium. Grand café Mocha low fat coffee available at Starbucks costs $3.55. It is a rich and full bodied espresso with mocha bittersweet syrup along with steamed milk. It has 290 calories and 44 grams of carbs in it. Medium sized mocha coffee cup available at McDonald’s costs you $2.89 and has 290 calories in it.

Now it is up to you to decide which coffee is better for you both nutritionally as well as financially and if you will be giving McDonald’s speciality coffees a try.