A Morgan Stanley & Co. survey of about 2,500 coffee-drinking consumers -- conducted roughly three weeks after McDonald’s May launch of national advertising promoting its McCafe offerings -- found that nearly half of Starbucks heavy users said they also buy coffee at McDonald’s at least once per week. About 56 percent of Starbucks heavy users said they buy coffee from McDonald’s “regularly,” up from 51 percent who gave the same response in a similar survey last August.
Those who are hitting Starbucks less frequently are citing economic reasons. About 31 percent said they are looking for cheaper alternatives, while others, including more than one-third of heavy users, said they were ordering smaller and less expensive items.
Still, the survey found that McDonald’s leads in terms of value and convenience, while Starbucks wins in regards to taste and as “the favorite place” to buy coffee.
Yesterday, I decided to give McDonald’s McCafe a try – and boy, was I sorry I did.
My medium iced, nonfat caramel latte tasted nothing like caramel, but a lot like blueberry – and not good blueberry, I should add. Aside from the poor flavor, the price at $3.89 was just a penny less than what I usually pay at Starbucks, so tell me where is the value?
My McCafe experience was definitely bad news for my taste buds, but I think it’s good news for all you convenience retailers out there. In my opinion, unless McDonald’s improves its McCafe offering, your coffee customers are likely to stay put.
Have you tried McCafe? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I'm a heavy Starbucks drinker who also buys coffee at McDonald's, usually when I'm driving somewhere and want a quick meal with my coffee. Starbucks has added breakfast sandwiches to the menu at some stores, perhaps to retain customers like me (it's working!) Like Tim, I prefer regular drip coffee. My experience with McDonald's has varied a lot by location and time of day. I've found it's best to visit a busy store during the morning rush. Otherwise, the coffee isn't so fresh. On the whole, I like McDonald's coffee almost as much as Starbucks and have been satisfied with the price and speed of service.
Posted by: Eddie | June 21, 2009 at 06:03 PM
I've had their regular coffee but not the higher priced products on the menu. It's okay but nothing great, and as usual, the service was terrible. Why it always takes 10 minutes to get your order is a mystery to me. I avoid them mainly because they are too slow!
Posted by: Tim Flowers | June 12, 2009 at 04:02 PM
Yup i liked it
Posted by: Andrew | June 12, 2009 at 06:05 AM