McDonald's coffee tops Starbucks in Consumer Reports' taste-test

The magazine says McDonald's Premium Roast Coffee has "no flaws," labeling it "decent and moderately strong." The java from Starbucks, meanwhile, was determined to be "strong, but burnt and bitter enough to make your eyes water instead of open." (Bloomberg | Associated Press)
> Newsweek readers say they make better coffee than Starbucks or McDonald's

Comments

[Jon]

Consumer Reports: stick with washers and microwaves. You're terrible at evaluating anything that's an aesthetic experience.

That said, isn't it a little worrisome for the specialty coffee industry when the typical American consumer genuinely *prefers* McDonald's coffee or gas station crappuccinos to your french-pressed Ethiopia Sidamo? What are we doing wrong?

[joe]

Can't wait to hear from the apologists/excuse makers on this one.

[average consumer]

I will first admit that I don't drink a lot of coffee anymore because the acid rips my stomach to shreds, but... sorry... S$ beans are often bitter and the coffee comes out tasting scorched. The only reason most people don't notice is that they throw a bunch of flavors, etc into it which hides it. I'm not surprised by this at all, honestly.

[johnmoore (from Brand Autopsy)]

Ain't nothing really new here ... Consumer Reports has done coffee taste test rankings before. Starbucks has ALWAYS lost out to "lesser quality" coffee brands in the Consumer Reports study. Hasn't hurt the company's success but it does make one reconsider the "expertise" of the Consumer Reports panel.

[sbuxnewbie]

It would be interesting to see what McDonald's coffees they tasted, vs. what Starbucks coffee they tasted.

In the Northeast, McD's uses a Green Mountain Coffee/Newman's Own blend which, I'm told, is actually quite good.

If they were comparing a black Newman's Own Organic to a black Sumatra, well then, I'm not surprised that the Newman's Own Organic was a better brew. Sumatra has too much of a compost-like taste (Or call it "earthy", if you choose.)

[Boston Starbucks Rebel]

I agree. I would like to see exactly how they did the tests for the coffee. If they just went to any store, gasps a licensed store, then maybe they weren't use Urnex to clean the urns. That could be a definite factor if you ask me. Use URNEX to get rid of the bad bitter taste.

[Interested Observer]

I'm not a huge coffee drinker, but my wife the addict has always preferred Dunkin Donuts and 7-11 to Starbucks (there's a reason they call it Charbucks). And she tried McD coffee during a free promo and she said it wasn't half bad.

So better coffee for better price? Starbucks should be concerned.

[Jon]

Yes, Green Mountain can be the shiznit, but the article says it was their Premium Roast. I'm assuming they use a different name for the organic coffee? But even if they are using a good bean, that doesn't change things: the average, untrained consumer who doesn't know to look for the citrus notes and smoky bite doesn't really like Starbucks coffee. It doesn't matter if its competition is Green Mountain's awesome sauce or the usual Vietnamese sludge. We all know this. Why the cinnamon dulce latte and ever more complicated Frappuccinos? It's cuz they don't like the way the coffee tastes on its own. What's going wrong here?

[Dima K]

There are a few questions that remain. What kind of a study is it that uses only two stores of each company? There is nothing scientific about this and I am pretty sure that the "professional testers" were influenced by knowing the brand they were sampling. For this study to be credible not only should they have to do a wider sample (more than two locations) in order to reduce sampling mistakes, but also to perform the study as a double blind study, where the tester doesn't know, what coffee is being sampled.
Now, we all know that in Starbucks we brew different coffee each week. So what are we comparing to? Apples to pears, or apples to oranges?
Now, while I might disagree with a basic premise of this study, as well as a way the study was performed, I must admit, that very often I see standards of quality not being observed in their entirety. Urnex, hot water rinsing, fresh grind, fresh brew, etc.

[BNbarista]

I drive past a McDonald's on my daily commute. They have a sign out front that says that they're brewing Seattle's Best . . .

It really tears you up to know that your company isn't the best at coffee, doesn't it...it's because they don't take quality care with their coffee, they feel that people should buy it for the name.

I absolutely hate McDonalds, but I have to agree that their coffee is MUCH better than Starbucks. The service is better too. You have real people to deal with, instead of people who have an attitude because for some reason, they think they're great because they work at Starbucks. I've never met a humble Starbucks employee - which scares the shit out of me because If memory serves, $8.00/Hour is the going rate, isn't it?

Get over yourselves.

[Lauren]

I don't frequent McDo's but...Seattle's Best? Is this strange or what...maybe Starbucks does equal McDonalds!

All that aside, think about it this way: most people when handed two glasses of red wine, if they just say, "like red wine" will pick the softer sweeter one usually. Now does that mean that Yellow Tail is better than an obscure Napa Zin? No. It just means that's what that person prefers.

Most people have just accepted the fact that coffee is something besides just a cup that gets up up in the morning. It is like wine, it's an experience and it's a joyful moment in my day.

But that being said -- some people don't want a moment. They don't want heaven in a cup (sidamo anyone?), they just want a jolt of something that gets them going.

Different purposes to each.

But 7-11 and Dunkin coffee tastes awful. Really. That I will attest to.

[soy_latte]

Amercians are still used to shitty coffee, you know the gas station stuff, and the canned kind, so I'm not surprised by this.

"I absolutely hate McDonalds, but I have to agree that their coffee is MUCH better than Starbucks. The service is better too. You have real people to deal with, instead of people who have an attitude because for some reason, they think they're great because they work at Starbucks. I've never met a humble Starbucks employee - which scares the shit out of me because If memory serves, $8.00/Hour is the going rate, isn't it?

Get over yourselves."

None too humble yourself, are you? One more idiot who judges people by their paycheck...

"None too humble yourself, are you? One more idiot who judges people by their paycheck..."

Yes, actually I am humble. It doesn't embarrass me to drink coffee that isn't from Starbucks. The coffee is over priced and the employees are rude more times than not. You can look through this little website and find all kinds of Starbucks employees complaining about their customers. I saw one not too long ago that said he'd like to throw hot coffee in the face of one of the customers. What kind of employee talks like that? One who thinks he/she is better than the customer. My point was, it's usually people who have a lot of money who judge others. But in the case of Starbucks employees, you can make $8.00 an hour and still have the gaul to talk about throwing hot coffee in the customers face or complaining because they ask for extra sugar and cream.

As for me being an idiot, fine. Call me whatever you'd like to call me. But at the end of the day, I'm not the one working for the company that doesn't value it's customers enough to hire decent employees. And I'm not the one judging them by where they get their coffee either.

P.S. Your mom says hi

Speaking of someone thinking they're better than others... hypocrite much?

[Soyweird]

Wow we're really gonna be taking over the world on that 8 bucks an hour...watch out!!!

[June]

Comparing low grade beans in a brew to high quality beans in a French press - please - at least make the comparison equal.

[STARBUCKSGOSSIP webmaster]

Let's keep the comments on-topic and knock off the attacks on Starbucks employees and others.

[47peratioshift]

hahahahahahahahaha corporate must be burning.

[JW]

Well it just depends...between the Sumatra blend and Mickey D's...I would choose Mickey D's...thats because I have to put 1/2 cup of sugar or more to even barely drink the Sbux. But when it comes to lattes and so forth...Sbux all the way. Everyone I know that have tried Starbucks plan coffee didn't like it. The Sumatra I have at home recommends 2 tablespoons per 6 oz., which is a lot of coffee at one time. I can see where C.R. is coming from.

[Boston Starbucks Rebel]

I think in this situation we should definetely pull out the Black Apron Exclusives and compare Starbucks Kona against McD's and see who wins. Also the Starbucks Roast(r) is used to create the best flavor profile that Starbucks people are used too. Also, can McD's make for you a quad venti soy no-whip toffee nut latte? Didn't think so.

[wheresthecoffee]

I'm thirsty, what do they say about Coke versus Pepsi? Because I always make my decisions based on others opinions and experiences, never my own.

[Lauren]

Wheresthecoffee

Actually...you kind of do. The number two driver for purchases is how it will make us look to others (the first is its personal importance and impact on our life). Also, through a little neuromarketing they taught us that whole Pepsi Challenge thing (I'm feeling old right now) was actually sort of wrong...we drink Coke for the feeling, not the taste.

Try this

[416barista]

There are McD's people and there are Starbucks people.....I happen to be a Starbucks person (and that was even before I worked there).

There are people out there who prefer the taste of a Big Mac over a nice home-made burger.

Regardless of what Consumer Reports say, Starbucks will still have their customers that would never think of going to McD's for coffee and vice-versa

[Boston Starbucks Rebel]

OK people think about. We are talking about a general population in a country that elected George Bush, not once but twice to be President of the United States, TWICE! Are we going to actually listen to their irrelevant opinion when in fact we know Starbucks offers much better coffee.

I discovered this for myself in the last few months, when I noticed local MA McDonald's started serving Green Mountain Coffee, and decided to give it a shot one morning in a pinch. Better than Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts. As much as I hate going to McDonald's, since I drink my coffee black theirs tastes much better than either DD or that overpriced Starbucks detritus. Starbucks Coffee is burnt to carbon in the worst kind of way. Go to a local roaster/shop if you want real, quality coffee. I'm lucky enough to live in Western MA which alone has 8 or so local joints roasting their own beans in about a 20-minute radius. Starbucks sure makes a good coffee-based milkshake, but the quality of their actual beans is garbage.

[OMG Barista Boi]

I've worked at Starbucks for 9 months now. I've tasted most of our coffees. I will readily admit that I like certain Starbucks blends better than others. (For example, I'm not big on the Asia/Pacific coffees like Sulawesi, but I adore most of the African and Latin American blends.) There are many other great coffee roasters out there too, of course. Take Alterra, for example. They're a small roaster in my hometown of Milwaukee and I wouldn't hesitate to say that their coffees are as superb as those of Starbucks.

But...McDonald's? HA HA HA HA HA HA HA. Sorry, I'm not buying that. The results of this survey don't convince me that McD coffee is better than Sbux...they do however convince me that lots of people lack taste buds.

And for the last f!@#ing time, I have yet to experience this "burnt" taste that so many people claim Sbux coffee to have.

[Jessie]

I just saw this report also. It's important to remember first that the people doing the tasting are the general public. The general public in GENERAL does not have an appreciation for really good coffee - because let's not forget that Maxwell House and Folgers are the BIGGEST coffee names. They far out-sell any specialty coffee company.
I agree that the test should've been done differently also. My first thought was "which coffee from Starbucks did they use??" Because if it's an extra bold roast or a very bold blend, of course the public will prefer a medium roast (which is probably what the McDonalds stuff is). Starbucks offers SO many different roasts, blends, and single origin coffees that you can't just say "starbucks coffee" like it's one thing.

Oh I happen to be a Starbucks employee... :) I love to be happy and super nice to all the customers, and aim to serve and please. It's tons of fun! I hope you don't continue to run into rude starbucks employees - I think that's horrible. :(

~Jessie, humble Starbucks employee :)~

[connie]

While we are on the subject of taste-does Starbucks ever do a Columbian coffee? I don't like Starbucks drip coffee in general but I could handle that.

[Kelowna Starbucks Rebel]

Yes, Starbucks has a Colombian coffee called Colombia Narnio Supremo. If you can't handle the drip coffee what makes you think that you can handle the Colombian? It isn't brewed differently or anything...

The outcome of the survey is exactly to S$'s tastes. Who reads consumer reports anymore? Old people who are watching their dimes and red state 8-baby having suburban folks who have to make a die stretch. Who cares more about the aesthetic experience of thier purchases than a dime-saver? A Starbucks drinker. If the squares who don't appreciate aesthetics don't like you then that's something to triumph about. Plus, throw the "which coffee? Was it the Sumatra?" on top of that and you're guaranteed to get the result that S$ drinkers will say to themselves, they probably got too sophisticated a coffee to handle. S$ wins no matter what. They are still positioned as a premium, adult, complicated brand instead of "on every corner, crowded with teens."

Of course, none of this mentions how either coffee actually tastes...

[iheartstarbuckslattes]

First, who cares if the general public is doing the tastings. With the number of coffee shops Starbucks has and is planning to open, the general public IS your customer.

Second, who cares which Starbucks they visited, what blend they tried, or even the fact that they only visited 2. Isn't the point of a chain - esp a luxury chain - that you receive a superiour product and service at EVERY location. How many customers try multiple locations before making up their mind? Do you think they have sucky coffee and think - hmmm, maybe the next time it will be better?

Lastly- some of you may not like the comparison of McD to Starbucks- but before you look down your noses at the competition - McD is a strong brand, has nostalgic value, has many locations, and apparently has food that is lower in fat and calories, tastes better, and is cheaper. I garentee that corporate is taking notice (and hoping their customers won't)

[iheartstarbuckslattes]

oh, one more thing, I'm in my 20's and I read consumer reports. Not all readers are baby boomers.

[Sbuxnewbie]

I'm not looking down my nose at McD's coffee- especially since in this area it is the Green Mountain/Newman's Own blend. I've yet to try that blend, but I also have yet to try anything in the Newman's Own line that wasn't a good quality product.

But coffees are all different. Our local Dunkin' Donuts changed their coffee supplier about 3 or so years ago - right about the time I started having problems with it, and stopped drinking it. It just tastes rancid.

I've had plenty of SBux coffee in retaurants that was horrid, and I bet it had to do with the preparation method/keeping it on a burner. I've had some wonderful Seattle's Best Coffee, some great Peet's, and when I travel I always try to visit the local shops - especially those that roast their own.

As far as what we make in SBux, I have definite opinions. I hate French Roast- it tastes like Ashes. I know several other people who would take SBux French Roast over anything else they could get.

And that's what makes competition.

As a life-long Consumers Report reader, I use the magazine as a guide - not as a bible. Can they make mistakes? Sure. Do they use scientific method when possible? Sure. Do they admit when something is subjective, as in relying on an individual's taste buds? They used to.

And remember that we're talking black coffee vs. black coffee, not frappuccino(tm) blended coffees, lattes, cappuccinos, or cafe americanos.

Tastes vary, coffees vary, results vary. I'm not going to get too worked up over this article.

After all, it is just coffee.

[PINWORM]

I don't like Starbucks coffee per se (lattes, capps on the other hand - quite good). It is bitter and unpalatable on its own.

McDonalds has better coffee? Not to worry - Starbucks will redouble their efforts to produce a better breakfast biscuit. That will show who reigns supreme!

[Boston Starbucks Rebel]

How many people know how to use a french press here?
Do they still teach that at Starbucks?
Ummmmmmmmm, I think not!

[averrycafinatedbarrista]

Boston Starbucks Rebel

Yes, yes we do. I frankly prefer it over drip machines. it has a better taste to it than a simple filter.

[CDNBarista]

Hey ... If Mcd's coffee is so great, why the hell are we still getting 5lb bullets and having to grind and make COW each day and dump the old coffee out after an hour and do all these things to ensure quality ... Because I wouldn't be surprised if Mcd's employees open up a pouch to make their coffee and let the pot sit there and BURN until it's EMPTY.

(p.s. I work in a licensed store, I don't know if corporates get ONLY preground for COW nowadays, but we still do it the relatively old fashioned way)

[RjD]

I wouldn't go the McDs for a cup of water let alone coffee. Starbucks has done more than any other company to bring real coffee to the Folgers/Taster's Choice drinkers of America. This country is not coffee savvy and once "brewed" by throwing ground beans into a pot and boiled the living crap out of them or used a percolator which was nearly as bad. No, Americans really have no clue as to what makes a good cup of coffee. Starbucks differentiates its brand from others by its roast, that's what makes them unique. Their roast may not appeal to everyone, so what. Apparently enough people like them to sustains their business. I've never heard anyone say, "let's go to McD for coffee." Never! Great atmosphere too, a giant maniac clown, a playscape with screaming, snot-faced kids and fetid, grease-filled air. Bravo to Starbucks for creating a culture worthy of a good cup of coffee, a place to sit and enjoy a drink as it deserves.

[Catherine]

I think it's something with the huge coffee pots Starbucks uses. I can't drink the coffee from there either. It is always too strong/bitter, however if I order an Americano instead it tastes fine. Personally, I think it is impossible to make a decent cup of coffee in a huge brewing machine.

[iheartstarbuckslattes]

Hmmm, "Starbucks has done more than any other company to bring Real coffee to America"? I think you can say that Starbucks has increased the number of people who choose premium coffee over regular- but as to which coffee company has brought the best product to the market- that's a matter of opinion. Personally, I would argue that Peets coffee- owned and run by the original Starbucks owners- focusses more on roasting, flavor, and providing a premium product, while still serving a (relatively) large population -through their stores, online, and catalog.

[AnnoyedByRandomChange]

yeah I think the elitists have this idea that McDs is selling the coffee they did 10 years ago (e.g. Folger's); Same with Dunkin donuts... I would take a cup of o their coffee over ANY roast I have had at Starbucks. I wish there was a DD in this town.

What really annoys me about Starbucks is when you drink coffee (no not your cup of milk with a shot) you can't rely on being able to get a cup you like... they seem to change the bean on random days...

I think I will give McDs coffee a try tomorrow and draw my own opinion... perhaps I could anticipate what my coffee will taste like on a given day.

[AnnoyedByRandomChange]

416-- "There are McD's people and there are Starbucks people..... There are people out there who prefer the taste of a Big Mac over a nice home-made burger."

I think your comparison would be better if you equated one to Big Mac the other to Whopper; Starbuck's is not the 'homemade burger' representative.

[Monkberrymoon]

"If the squares who don't appreciate aesthetics don't like you then that's something to triumph about."

Leaving aside the question of whether one can "triumph" about anything, does this mean that my local Sbux is full of hepcats and daddios, complete with goatees and soulpatches? Because what I usually see are a bunch of customers whose sense of "aesthetics" is centered on a Starbux branded ipod case and a Cheryl Crow cd. Maybe some day those 8-baby-suburbanites can aspire to similarly high ideals.

[notreallyme]

When McD's starts selling espressos, lattes, capuccinos, and fraps, then maybe I'll buy my coffee drink there. Until then its Starbucks. Or Peets in that rare situation where there isn't a Starbucks close by.

[Charleston]

I didnt read the rest of the link, because this story was AOL yesterday, and on AOL still said that Starbucks was Number one for a plain cup of coffee, due to constinece in taste, temp, and the store themselfes. Donalds is known for coffee among the 60's-almost dead age group that can handle boiling hot coffee with no problem. Starbucks at my store for just coffee gets the 30's-50s age group it seems.Like said before Donalds brews the same coffee, everyday all the time. Starbucks changes it weekly so how fair is that. Plus the might be comparing a mild to an extra bold like Gold Coast. The burnt taste is sometimes mistaken for a stronger cup. But whatever I like starbucks, and its not often that we go through a full pot in mid day in under 30mins. Also tonight a women came to let me know that her Decaf was the best cup of coffee she had ever had

[NewShift]

Catherine, I have run into this problem as well, I think. I've been working at Starbucks since the summer, and I still cannot palate the drip coffee we serve. I have no idea why. I very much enjoy my markout at home that I brew in a $7 Mr. Coffee coffee maker. I have no idea why the big urns taste so much different... I suggest getting a french press if you have the time. It's also reasonably price-competitive considering how many ounces you get (you'll also get freshly-ground beans of your choice).

Cheers!

[OMG Barista Boi]

"When McD's starts selling espressos, lattes, capuccinos, and fraps, then maybe I'll buy my coffee drink there."

But McD's does sell cappuccinos...

OH WAIT, NO THEY DON'T. IT'S POWDERED SCIENCE DISSOLVED IN HOT WATER.

Yeah, tell me McD's "Premium Roast" is better than a french press of Arabian Mocha Sanani or Pike Place Blend. I dare you.

Ha, I just had a funny mental image of a McSlave trying to tamp ground espresso in a portafilter.

[Kelowna Starbucks Rebel]

MMM... I dream of the day the Siren comes floating back into our lives bearing presses of Sanani and Pike Place...*drool*