Article: http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/food/1560077,CST-NWS-coffeetest06.article
Finally, in an article from the Chicago Sun Times, Janet Fuller takes action and tests out McDonald’s, Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donut’s coffee to see what consumers really prefer. Because of the recent competitive spirit by all three companies, Fuller decided it would be a good idea to see which coffee was actually preferred.
When ordering the coffee, McDonald’s took the least amount of time to make and came in at $3.19, for a 22-oz. Starbucks was $3.69 for a 20-oz and Dunkin' Donuts was $3.49 for a 20-oz. The tasters were three coffee-drinking Chicagoans who were asked to join in a blind taste test. All three agreed that McDonalds was dominated by a hazelnut flavor. Three of the four chose Starbucks, and the other one chose McDonald’s for a overall favorite. Most of them complained of the sweetness in the McDonald’s coffee and a good percentage complained of Starbucks being too strong.
I’m really glad this was done because it goes back to the important thing, and that is what tastes the best. Starbucks has always been known for their good tasting coffee but is this true. Well I don’t think a better audience could have been chosen to test this out. All four of the testers were regular coffee drinkers and knew all the brands well.
When it comes down to it, Starbucks gets so much grief from the media and our society for being so expensive, but this just proves that the money is worth it. Starbucks claims to only source the best coffee out there and they are right. Some people don’t have a preference, and for those people, go to McDonalds and get a cheap sugary coffee. But for those of us who care about the taste and freshness of our coffee, stick with Starbucks. It’s on average about a quarter more, which does add up, but if you are going to spend money on coffee, why not go all out? Go big or go home, that’s my motto.
Let’s hope that Starbucks new campaign and cut in prices will reel some customers back in to the cafe we all know and love.
I do agree with you 100%! Coffee is a classic taste and you can't change that with sweeteners or artificial flavorings. No way! The other day I went to McDonalds and ordered a McCafe coffee. To say the least, I did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I do believe that you should spend your money on real coffee that tastes like coffee. The next day I went to Starbucks and got myself a venti caramel mochiato with extra caramel to satisfy my taste buds and to erase the thought of "non-classic" coffees. Like I said, yes, go all out.. don't disappoint your taste buds.
ReplyDeleteI agree that people do make a big deal about Starbucks’ prices. People need to realize that no they do not have to pay those prices they can go down the street and get a coffee from MacDonald’s or Dunkin Donuts for less money, but good luck trying to get that taste after your mouth. People complain about the cost but would they really rather have a lower cost and a worse tasting coffee? I do not think so. If Starbucks changed the taste of their coffee even more people would be outraged because it would not be up to their standard that has already been set. I like the saying “If you can’t take the heat stay out of the kitchen.” This is so true; if people do not want to pay then don’t but don’t continue to drink the coffee and complain while you are doing it.
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