I just came across the interesting news that Starbucks was rated lower for its coffee than McDonalds in a taste test of mega-chain’s coffees by Consumer Reports. Apparently Starbucks coffee “was strong, but burnt and bitter enough to make your eyes water… McDonalds, the winner, had the rather lukewarm review: “…decent and moderately strong. Although it lacked the subtle top notes needed to make it rise and shine, it had no flaws.” (Newsmax)
I guess if it’s good coffee you want, one way to do it is to follow the lead of Morning Coffee and Afternoon Tea and make it yourself! Me, I’m just delighted that our shops are back open and the espresso machine is waiting for me in the morning…
Technorati tags: Starbucks, McDonalds, Consumer Reports, coffee, taste test
If you like dark coffee, McDonalds delivers a better cup straight up over Starbucks. My personally ground Cofesa pallete tells me that.
I’m with you, make your own or try to find your favorite local coffee shop. Personally, I’ve yet to master how I add cream and sugar to my McDonald’s coffee from the drive though window- very dangerous 😉
Thanks, Bernie. You’re in agreement, then. I have to admit that I haven’t tasted either coffee for many years. However, I can agree with Prissy that juggling add-ins in the car, especially with hot liquids involved, is not a pretty thing!
While visiting our favorite local coffee shop today I got a piece of coffeeology about the history of coffee that I thought you might enjoy.
According to one historian, the effect of coffee beans on behavior was first noticed by a sheep herder from Caffa Ethopia named kaldi as he tended his sheep. He noticed that his sheep became hyperactive after eating the “Red Cherries” from a certain plant when they changed pastures. He tried a few himself, and was soon as overactive as his heard. The story relates that a monk happened by and scolded him for “partaking of the devil’s fruit.” However the monks soon discovered that this fruit from the shiny green plant could help them stay awake for their prayers. (sounds like the beginning of all-night study sessions)
That’s a great one, Ron. Thanks!
Hi Kieran – nice to hear that your shops are open again! Strangely enough, I haven’t tried either McDonalds or Starbucks coffee, although it’s quite prevalent here. It’s Tim Hortons coffee that rules supreme – although honestly I prefer to just buy my beans at the market and brew myself.
I think the best “chain” coffee would probably be the kind served at Borders (which I believe is Seattle’s Best) or maybe Caribou Coffee.
was just having a look for irish blogs and came on to have a look. this is a very good site. congrats on the irish blog awards. i have just started a personal blog on my memories, going fishing, camping, painting,stories, and a bit more.i hope you win the award. good luck
Have not tried MacDonalds coffee but used to drink Starbucks everyday when I lived in Colorado. The best thing about Starbucks is that it is consistent. After going to my local Starbucks 3 times, they knew my name and my exact order and would have it made for me by the time I got to the counter – it was all about that personal contact, familiarity and consistency – that is rare in America – not so much in Ireland where there is a greater sense of community. The coffee was not too bad either……