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Grabbing coffee in the morning isn’t always an easy decision. There are many options, including Starbucks, Dunkin, and local coffee shops.
However, there’s another great option, Mcdonald’s. Mcdonald’s actually has delicious, quality coffee to meet your morning beverage needs, but what coffee does Mcdonald’s use? Let’s dig in and find out.
What kind of coffee does Mcdonald’s use?
Mcdonald’s actually serves more than one type of coffee in two main categories, Espresso and Brewed. For brewed coffee, Mcdonalds serves 100% Arabica bean in a medium roast.
According to the CoffeeAffection website, Mcdonald’s primary suppliers are Newman’s Own, Green Mountain, Seattle’s Best, and Gavina Gourmet (the primary provider since 1983).
Business Insider points out that most of the coffee beans sourced for Mcdonald’s are grown in Latin America. They even have an interactive map showing exactly where the coffee comes from.
Does McDonald’s Use Fresh Ground Coffee?
The answer will depend on which type of coffee you order. The espresso machines that Mcdonald’s uses are able to grind coffee fresh for each beverage ordered.
However, brewed coffee is made with pre-ground, pre-packaged coffee to ensure it is readily available.
According to the Mcdonald’s website, the coffee is expertly roasted and brewed fresh every 30 minutes. The packages even have a specialty valve that helps to ensure no flavor is lost.
What does McDonald’s Coffee Taste Like?
The coffee served in stores is a smooth, medium body roast. According to Roasty Coffee, the flavor is subtle, with hints of chocolate and nuts, and can at times be bitter.
If you do not like the taste of plain coffee, Mcdonald’s also has flavored syrups you can add in chocolate, vanilla, and caramel.
Mcdonald’s also offers espresso for those that prefer a more robust coffee flavor than their milder brewed coffee.
Is McDonald’s Coffee Better Than Starbucks?
While Starbucks may be the first thought many have when they want a delicious iced caramel macchiato or a vanilla latte, many are surprised to learn that in many taste tests, Mcdonald’s coffee outperforms Starbucks.
This video from Healthy Junk Food features a blind taste test comparing the two beverages. Mcdonald’s not only was the more affordable option but in many cases also the tastier of the two!
What types of coffee beverages can you get at McDonald’s?
While many people may not associate McDonald’s with luxurious coffee house beverages, the chain launched McCaffe, a coffee-based menu, and app, to serve all of the beverages you can get from your local barista.
In addition to their medium blend brews, coffee lovers can order lattes, macchiatos, and a variety of espresso beverages.
In addition to espresso-based drinks, the McCafe menu at McDonald’s also offers iced coffees, hot chocolates, and smoothies.
Can you purchase Mcdonald’s coffee for your home?
You can purchase McCafe brand coffee for your traditional coffee maker, and McDonald’s has also partnered with Keurig to introduce their own line of K-Cups.
Additionally, since McDonald’s sources coffee from companies like Newman’s own, you can also purchase their coffee to brew at home for a similar flavor experience.
McDonald’s is a great option for quality and delicious coffee, if you’re wondering what kind of coffee McDonald’s uses, and if it’s the right choice for you, keep the following in mind:
- They use 100% Arabica beans
- They source their coffee from renowned coffee companies known for their quality such as Seattle’s Best and Newman’s Own
- They serve the same espresso-based beverages that Starbucks does, and in some cases outperform them in taste tests
- They make fresh coffee every 30 minutes
- Espresso is ground fresh for each drink, and brewed coffee is sealed in a pouch with a special bag to ensure freshness
As you can see, McDonald’s uses high-quality coffee to make great-tasting drinks. What do you think? Comment with your favorite coffee beverage from McDonald’s!
