Delishably taste-tested a coffee from each. Starbucks’ black coffee was a little bitter and a true dark roast (not surprising), while McDonald’s coffee was also a bit bitter but more flavorful, light, and nutty (surprising, given some of the Reddit feedback). McDonald’s coffee typically contains more caffeine because of its lighter roast, which helped it secure the top spot in the comparison. In another Delishably drip coffee taste test, McDonald’s won a tight race with Starbucks because Mickey D’s coffee is budget-friendly and “comparable in taste.” McCafe particularly stole the show with its flavorful iced drinks.
According to some Redditors, at Starbs, you’re likely to get a consistent cup from the pros themselves. They argue that they never get a consistent McCafe experience – employees at one location allegedly didn’t know how to serve a shot of espresso (via Reddit). Another commented that the machines are rarely cleaned and negate any “shot quality,” a claim we can’t verify. Starbucks machines can apparently brew a “decent crema,” but only if you don’t mind what Delishably contributor Christy Kirwan calls the “bland and unremarkable” taste of the chain’s coffee itself.
