The biggest difference between McDonald’s and Starbucks coffee

When it comes to coffee, I don’t discriminate. I actually enjoy McDonald’s coffee, but I also have one from Starbucks from time to time. There are several other places that prepare a  good cup of joe, as well!

In this piece, though, we’re only focusing on coffee from McDonald’s and Starbucks, as mashed recently did a fun comparison between the two and it inspired this story. When I think of the two, there is one huge difference that sticks out the most. And no, it’s not the look of the coffee.

As someone who doesn’t care if a drink is “pretty” or Instagram friendly, the look of a coffee, whether it’s hot or cold, doesn’t really matter to me. This is especially true when you consider that a cute drink will cost several dollars more than a regular coffee that tastes the same (or better).

That said, looks are not the big difference here. And neither is the price of the drink, though that should be obvious. The difference I want to point out here is the inconsistency at McDonald’s.

Starbucks vs McDonald’s coffee

When you order at Starbucks, chances are that your coffee (or any drink) will come out exactly as you ordered it. The barista may even have a few suggestions to make the drink even better. Simply put, it’ll be pricey, but you can’t go wrong with a coffee from Starbucks.

At McDonald’s, as Forrest Gump once said, you never know what you’re going to get! Sorry, but this is the truth.

I, for example, love vanilla iced coffee from McDonald’s. Well, most of the time. Sometimes it turns out really sweet and perfect. Other times…not so much.

Four times out of 10, my iced coffee has no flavor, is too watery, isn’t sweet, or it’s the wrong order entirely! Despite the bad odds, I still stop by for a coffee there at least once a week.

A difference between Starbucks and McDonald’s that came close to this one, is the friendliness of the staff. I don’t even have you tell you which is more attentive and kind, we all know. This could be another reason why there’s so much inconsistency at McDonald’s.

Which of the two do you prefer? What’s your favorite cofee at McDonald’s? What about Starbucks?