# data[].attributes.headline
McDonald's Coffee is NOT giving Starbucks a run for its money.

# data[].attributes.subject
McDonald's Coffee is NOT giving Starbucks a run for its money.

# data[].attributes.body
Starbucks is the largest international coffeehouse chain in the world.

-Veronica's opinion

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
McDonalds and Starbucks are direct competitors in the coffee market these days. While McDonald's used to be just a place to get cheap fast food, they started offering espresso drinks few years ago, with the launch of the McCafe coffee line in the US. Likewise, the coffeehouse chain Starbucks added more hot breakfast items and heated sandwiches to their menus, as well as drive-thrus to some of their stores.

Both companies offer gourmet coffee drinks, food and snacks, and free wi-fi - but the atmosphere, prices and the taste are different. Where do you go for your cup of coffee? Make sure to share your opinion in the McDonalds vs Starbucks discussion below.

McDonald's is the largest fast food chain in the world, operating in 119 countries and serving over 58 million customers every day. Their usual menu includes hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, French fries, salads, soft drinks and desserts.

The company launched a campaign called Unsnobby Coffee back in 2008 when they started expanding in the coffee market. The aim was to offer delicious gourmet retail coffee at a lower price than the competition. McDs added espresso machines to thousands of their locations, and rolled out aggressive ad campaigns for their new coffee offerings. McDonald's also owns the McCafe coffeehouse chain which has stores all over the world.

Online homepage: McDonalds.com

Starbucks is the largest international coffeehouse chain in the world, with about 18,000 stores in more than 60 different countries ( source). It is based in Seattle, Washington and was launched on March 30, 1971. Starbucks menu includes various coffee drinks, teas, hot breakfast items, salads, pastries, sandwiches, fruit and more.

The aim of the company seems to be providing a hangout where people come to have a coffee, read a newspaper or browse the net using the free WiFi. However, ater the latest McDonald's makeover in an attempt to offer the same things to their customers, Starbucks might have lost some of their target market.

Online homepage: Starbucks.com

Is McDonalds or Starbucks a better place to have a coffee? Which one makes better-tasting hot beverages?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
McDonalds and Starbucks are direct competitors in the coffee market these days. While McDonald's used to be just a place to get cheap fast food, they started offering espresso drinks few years ago, with the launch of the McCafe coffee line in the US.

# data[].attributes.body
Consumers are willing to pay more for higher quality products that align with how they want to be perceived by the world. The quality of experience is higher at Starbucks as well as the quality of their coffee.

-Veronica

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Starbucks' recently acknowledged that it is facing operating issues in handling the huge volume of orders generated by the success of its Mobile Order & Pay app. The average number of daily customers at a Starbucks store is less than a third of what McDonald's handles every day and, despite this significant difference, Starbucks' annual revenues are higher than McDonald's.

The reason for Starbucks' higher revenues despite a lower volume of customers is that the average spend per customer visit at a Starbucks store is almost three times that of a customer at a McDonald's restaurant.

Starbucks' business model is aimed at high spending customers and, hence, its stores are geared for a lower daily volume, compared to McDonald's quick service format. McDonald's is working on a transformation and introducing more "gourmet" menu items, which should increase the average customer spend per visit. That said, its model is not comparable with Starbucks. Both companies acknowledge that a significant change in the model impacts their revenues. For instance McDonald's serving fresh patties is an operating issue because it increases the time spent to serve a customer order, impacting its volumes and revenues negatively. Similarly, Starbucks faced a decline in comparable sales in its latest reported quarter, primarily because it could not manage the huge volume caused by the success of mobile order and pay.

Starbucks' strategy to grow via its premium Reserve Roasteries will ensure that the company is able to retain its model and grow revenues. The Reserve stores encourage higher customer spending through "gourmet" coffee and the model will ensure that volumes are manageable and revenues grow at the same time. This will enable Starbucks to leverage its strengths and deliver growth. McDonald's is still struggling to find its identity and the company is experimenting with various options. However, if it is able to attract customers with innovations within the quick service model, the company should see steady growth over the long term.

View Interactive Institutional Research (Powered by Trefis):

Like our charts? Embed them in your own posts using the Trefis WordPress Plugin .

Led by MIT engineers and Wall Street analysts, Trefis (through its dashboards platform dashboards.trefis.com) helps you understand how a company's products, that you touch, read, or hear about everyday, impact its stock price. Surprisingly, the founders of Trefis discovered...

Read More

Great Speculations' contributor page is devoted to investing ideas that will help make you wiser and richer. Most articles will contain actionable advice.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Quality Vs. Quick Service: The Difference Between Starbucks And McDonald's

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Starbucks' recently said it is facing operating issues with the huge volume of orders from its Mobile Order & Pay app.

# data[].attributes.body
Starbucks values community and makes a connection with each customer by writing their name on their drink cup. Not only does this personalize the consumer experience but also creates a connection with the community members purchasing their products.

McDonalds:

Mcdonalds business model is based on convenience and has no express value for community or personalizing the experience they offer. Therefore, serving the most customers in a given day is valued higher than connecting with each one.

-Veronica

# data[].attributes.body
Options:

Starbucks carries a wider selection of coffee, products and accessories. Starbucks has an extensive, relatively healthy breakfast menu to pair with coffee.

Mcdonalds provides 7 varieties of coffee and do not offer coffee related items and accessories. McDonalds has a limited, unhealthy breakfast menu to pair with coffee.

-Veronica

# data[].attributes.body
Starbucks is associated with specialty coffee. Their La Boulage menu is specifically curated to pair with coffee.

“Great coffee deserves great food made with simple, high-quality ingredients that are truly exceptional. And that’s exactly what you can enjoy every day with all our food from La Boulange. From pastries and breakfast sandwiches to start your day, or an afternoon treat to end your day, their expertise lies in creating delicious, skillfully crafted items.”

Mcdonalds is associated with fast food and does not bother to curate an exceptional breakfast experience
-Veronica

# data[].attributes.body
Starbucks has an 'order-ahead' feature in its app, making it easier for consumers to get their coffee fix on-the-go
- Kelley

# data[].attributes.body
McDonalds is associated with a certain image. Although McDdonalds is less expensive, consumers are willing to pay a higher price for Starbucks because of its reputation in our culture.

Starbucks is associated with privilege and ugg boots. McDonalds is associated with obesity and whatever they make their chicken nuggets out of.

If someone said they ate McDonalds every day, we would think they are unhealthy and dont care for themselves.

If someone said they ate Starbucks everyday, we would think they are rich and care about their experience.

Our minds associate social status with these two organizations, especially when it comes to coffee.
-Veronica

# data[].attributes.body
In McDonald's advertisements they display the McCafe line of frappuccinos. Looks visually appealing in the commercials and convinces consumers to purchase one.

# data[].attributes.body
McDonald's McCafe is available to consumers, no need to visit the restaurant chain.
-Brittney

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
McDonald's McCafe packaged coffee products available in supermarkets

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Coffee comes in varieties such as premium roast, breakfast blend and French roast

# data[].attributes.body
There is more advertisements in the media promoting McDonalds. versus   Starbucks. Consumers can get coffee and a breakfast meal.
-Brittney

# data[].attributes.body
Starbucks invests in economic empowerment and development.

"Starbucks invests in programs designed to strengthen economic and social development in local communities, while also caring for the environment. To extend the reach and impact of our programs, we collaborate with nongovernmental organizations that have experience and expertise in working with farming communities."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Starbucks invests in programs designed to strengthen economic and social development in local communities, while also caring for the environment. To extend the reach and impact of our programs, we collaborate with nongovernmental organizations that have experience and expertise in working with farming communities.

# data[].attributes.body
Starbucks coffee has gone up in price and the quality of the coffee has stayed consistent. Mcdonalds is  more affordable compared to Starbucks.
-Brittney

# data[].attributes.body
Some prefer Mcdonalds for price convenience

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Since I moved to New York City five years ago, Starbucks has been an almost daily part of my routine.

The Seattle-based coffee chain is so ubiquitous in Manhattan that I pass two in my short walk from the subway to work. Stopping in and ordering a coffee or mocha latte in the morning became part of my subconscious.

But recently, I discovered a better alternative - McDonald's.

The fast food giant started stepping up its coffee game years ago. Since then, the McCafe has become a significant revenue stream for McDonald's, with executives crediting the coffee and breakfast business for helping the brand's recent turnaround.

Here are a few reasons I started frequenting the Golden Arches for my caffeine fix.

1. It's cheaper

My large hot or iced coffee costs just $1. That's less than half the price of Starbucks brewed coffee.

McDonald's lattes are about $2 cheaper than Starbucks ($2.79 for a medium vs. $4.70.) That being said, I find the McDonald's mocha latte to be too sugary, so I would still stick with Starbucks for that.

But when it comes to every day brewed coffee, I think McDonald's is just as good as Starbucks, and actually prefer the lighter taste. Saving money is an added bonus.

2. It's significantly faster and more convenient.

Regardless of the line, I usually get my order in about three minutes at McDonald's. Once I order, I receive a receipt with a number. Once my number is called, I pick up my coffee and leave.

Starbucks' line is typically less efficient, with the whole process taking between 7 and 10 minutes.

There's also a confusing system where you pick up food at one part of the counter, custom drinks like lattes at another, and regular coffee at the register. This means I often receive my order in parts.

Many times, part of my order has been forgotten or misplaced. I've also had someone else mistakenly take my coffee at the register.

If Starbucks wants to compete in the food space, it will have to figure out how to streamline the ordering experience like McDonald's has.

3. McDonald's has a better food menu

While Starbucks has been making an effort to expand its food menu, it can't compete with McDonald's because it doesn't have a kitchen in-house.

McDonald's has great breakfast items like Egg McMuffins, McGriddles, and hash browns.

While Starbucks has some breakfast wraps on the menu, they are prepared and packaged in advance and lack the freshness of McDonald's.

Starbucks does have McDonald's beat in the pastry department, so if I'm craving a blueberry muffin I would still go there.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
I started going to McDonald's instead of Starbucks for my coffee - here's why

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The fast food giant started stepping up its coffee game years ago.

# data[].attributes.body
Is McDonald's as visually appealing? Doesn't make my mouth water...
- Kelley

# data[].attributes.body
This looks delicious and makes me want to drink it
- Kelley

# data[].attributes.body
Starbucks plays it its strengths, marketing food based on brand. McDonald's is attempting to rebrand its black coffee into McCafe, but Starbucks has in-store, ground coffee, k-cups and other products available to the brand.
Lisa

# data[].attributes.body
Starbucks has beverage variety with food specific to its market base. McDonald's is returning to its base with food choices shifted to being more health conscious.
Lisa

# data[].attributes.body
McDonald's is less expensive. They are trying to jump into a market that is not where their brand is known, so it makes sense to be less expensive.
Lisa

# data[].attributes.body
Starbucks beans are ethically sourced:

"Making coffee the world’s first sustainable product to improve the lives of at least 1 million people in coffee communities around the world.

Starbucks is dedicated to helping farmers overcome the challenges facing coffee communities. We are committed to buying 100 percent ethically sourced coffee in partnership with Conservation International. To improve productivity and sustainability, we share our research and resources through our Farmer Support Centers—located in coffee-producing countries around the world. "

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Making coffee the world's first sustainable product to improve the lives of at least 1 million people in coffee communities around the world.

Starbucks is dedicated to helping farmers overcome the challenges facing coffee communities. We are committed to buying 100 percent ethically sourced coffee in partnership with Conservation International. To improve productivity and sustainability, we share our research and resources through our Farmer Support Centers-located in coffee-producing countries around the world. They're open to farmers regardless of whether they sell to us. Thanks to the support of our customers, we're also donating millions of disease-resistant trees to help farmers fight threats like coffee leaf rust. And through our Global Farmer Fund program, we're investing $50 million toward financing for farmers, allowing them to renovate their farm or pursue more sustainable practices.

Now we're collaborating with the industry to make coffee the world's first sustainable agricultural product, as a founding member of the Sustainable Coffee Challenge.

In total, Starbucks has invested more than $100 million in supporting coffee communities. Collaborative farmer programs and activities - including Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) Practices, farmer support centers, farmer loans and forest carbon projects. All of these programs directly support improving farmer livelihoods and ensuring a long-term supply of high-quality coffee for the industry.

More than three years after reaching an industry milestone of 99% ethically sourced coffee, Starbucks announced the launch of a traceability pilot program aimed to demonstrate how technology and innovative data platforms can give coffee farmers even more financial empowerment and share data along the journey of coffee beans within the supply chain.

The pilot allows Starbucks in collaboration with Conservation International, to explore how the technology solutions will have a positive impact to farmers, and to assess the viability of scaling the traceability technology and ensuring positive impact to farmers. True to its open-source philosophy, Starbucks plans to share what it learns openly.

In deploying a comprehensive strategy, Starbucks is improving the resilience of our supply chain and ensuring the long-term supply of high-quality coffees, as well as building stronger, enduring farming communities for generations to come.

Making coffee the first sustainable agricultural product:

We know that the most pressing issues in coffee can't be solved by one company alone, and that the best solutions require everyone coming together to collaborate in bringing about a better future for farmers. Our journey of ethical sourcing requires looking beyond our own supply chain. After achieving our 99% ethically sourced milestone, Starbucks asked "what's next, and how can we work with the whole sector to get to 100% sustainable coffee?"

Starbucks is a founding member, alongside a growing coalition of industry leaders, of the Sustainable Coffee Challenge, a call to action led by Conservation International to make coffee the world's first sustainable agriculture product. The challenge is convening the sector to sustain the future supply of coffee while ensuring the prosperity and well-being of farmers and workers and conserving nature.

The Sustainable Coffee Challenge, is a joint initiative of over 100 partners working together to make coffee the world's first sustainable agricultural product. Members include coffee producers, retailers, traders, roasters, importers, industry associations, governments, donor agencies and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are building a sustainability roadmap for achieving a fully sustainable coffee sector.

In 2017 the Sustainable Coffee Challenge launched its first action networks to coordinate industry action and investment. By launching Collective Action Networks the Challenge will advance sharing of experience and collaboration to significantly advance our progress toward sustainable coffee production.

One of the first Action Networks tackles the issue around aging trees and a focus to support tree replacement or rehabilitation. Starbucks commitment to providing 100 million trees to farmers by 2025 has a cumulative effect when added to the work of The Sustainable Coffee Challenge who is working on an industry wide effort to re-plant 1 billion coffee trees.

We invite you to join us. To get involved, please contact Conservation International and follow our progress at www.sustaincoffee.org
#sustaincoffee

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Making coffee the world's first sustainable product to improve the lives of at least 1 million people in coffee communities around the world. Starbucks is dedicated to helping farmers overcome the challenges facing coffee communities. We are committed to buying 100 percent ethically sourced coffee in partnership with Conservation International.

# data[].attributes.body
McCafe is an attempt to draw Starbucks customers, but they have no variety in the product line. Starbucks shifts featured products seasonally,  offering variety along with black coffee. Lisa

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Included in Starbucks 2018 Holiday grocery lineup are seasonal coffee blends in a variety of forms (beans, K-Cups, and Vias), hot chocolate in a variety of flavors, and ready-to-drink limited edition beverages. A classic sweet treat will also be returning to the line this year, which could divert your sweet tooth's attention away from Halloween candy since it's already available.

The winter products are now being rolled out at grocery stores nationwide, so you may be tempted to head over to your local supermarket immediately after picking up your first Witch's Brew Frappuccino. Many of items can also be purchased online, so it has never been easier to cheap on Halloween with the winter holiday season.

At Refinery29, we're here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Starbucks Just Released Its Entire Holiday Product Lineup

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Included in Starbucks 2018 Holiday grocery lineup are seasonal coffee blends in a variety of forms (beans, K-Cups, and Vias), hot chocolate in a variety of flavors, and ready-to-drink limited edition beverages. A classic sweet treat will also be returning to the line this year, which could divert your sweet tooth's attention away from Halloween candy since it's already available.

# data[].attributes.body
McDonalds coffee is decent but I think it depends on the consumer. I hate black coffee, and prefer lattes and mochas, so I like Starbucks more for its variety. My mom, on the other hand, only drinks black coffee and says that Starbucks is the worst, and she prefers McDonalds black coffee. - Kelley

# data[].attributes.body
McDonalds is known for its fast food and happens to also sell coffee, whereas Starbucks is known for its coffee and also happens to sell some food - Kelley

# data[].attributes.body
Starbucks has seemingly endless flavors and coffee combinations, and McDonalds only has a few
- Kelley

# data[].attributes.body
McDonald's most expensive coffee is $3.39, whereas the most expensive Starbucks coffee is $5.95
-Kelley

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
McDonald's is the largest hamburger fast food chain in the world serving food in about 120 countries. The company was founded in 1940 by two brothers, Richard McDonald and Maurice McDonald. Today, McDonald's menu prices are very competitive with the rest of the fast food industry.

McDonalds sells many types of foods including hamburgers, french fries, chicken, cheeseburgers, soft drinks, and salads. They also have a value menu which sells products for only $1 a piece.
McDonalds Nutrition McDonald's Secret Menu
Below is a list of latest and up-to-date McDonalds menu prices.
Burgers | Chicken & Sandwiches | Nuggets | Salads | Snacks & Sides | Desserts & Shakes | Happy Meals | $1 $2 $3 Menu | Sauces | Limited Time Offers
McDonald's is one of the most popular fast food restaurants in the world. McDonald's menu prices include many low-priced items so there is something for everyone. You can visit our McDonald's coupons page to see deals and coupons on your favorite menu items. Kids also love McDonalds restaurant and it is probably because they offer Happy Meals that come with toys as well as equip their restaurants with playgrounds.

If you would like to know more about McDonald's restaurant, visit their website or look at our nutrition page.

McDonalds FAQ

What time does McDonald's close?

McDonald's closes at 11 p.m. However, some locations may have different closing times, so it is advisable to check the website of your local McDonald's to see when their hours of operation are. You can also use Google Maps to find the specific time your local McDonald's closes. If you're a McDonald's fan, you understand that the fast food chain offers both in-house dining and drive-throughs, which may have different schedules. Some restaurants even operate 24/7.

What time does McDonald's open?

McDonald's opens at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Sunday. Since the fast food restaurant became a franchise, the operational hours of each of the company's outlets vary depending on the owner. Again, it's better that you visit the website of a specific McDonald's restaurant to double check when closing hours take place.

Which McDonald's have Szechuan sauce?

Currently, McDonald's does not serve Szechuan sauce at any of its locations, although the lovers of this sweet-and-sour affair are crying out for a comeback. The fast-food chain introduced the sauce following a collaboration with Walt Disney on the animated film, , in 1998. This partnership resulted in the release of Mulan-themed Happy Meals. The sauce was scrapped out after it became known that it was a copy of the usual red sauce served in many Chinese restaurants.

What time does McDonald's start serving lunch?

McDonald's starts serving lunch at 10:30 a.m. Monday to Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, lunch starts at 11 a.m. The fast food company introduced the concept of breakfast in 1975 with only the Egg Muffin. Today, customers have a wide selection of breakfast meals such as Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuits, the Big Breakfast, Sausage McGriddles, Hotcakes, and Sausage Biscuits, among others.

What time does McDonald's stop serving lunch?

Thanks to the McDonald's All-Day Menu, lunch is served at all hours of the day. Some of the popular dishes on the All-Day Menu include the cheeseburger, Quarter Pounder, McNuggets, and French fries. Keep in mind, these lunch items are only available while supplies lasts.

When does McDonald's start serving breakfast?

McDonald's starts serving breakfast at 4 a.m. depending on the location. Some locations are open 24/7 and serve All-Day breakfast.

What is on the All-Day Breakfast Menu?

The McDonald's All-Day breakfast menu includes:

What time does McDonald's stop serving breakfast?

McDonald's stops serving breakfast at 10:30 a.m. at most restaurants across the globe. However, public demand pushed McDonald's to begin offering breakfast meals at any time of day. In 2013, the CEO, Don Thompson, announced that the fast-food Corporation would start to provide an All-Day Breakfast menu, allowing McDonald's fans to order some of their favorite breakfast items at any time of day.

To learn about working at McDonald's, visit our McDonald's careers page.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
McDonald's Menu Prices - Fast Food Menu Prices

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
View the latest McDonald's menu prices from the latest McDonald's menu which includes burgers, cheeseburgers, french fries, wraps, and salads.