In the interest of the frugality wave hitting this country, I decided to majorly indulge my penchant for Cafe Mocha with a comparison test that I could share with all.
Occasionally, I like to get a coffee out, and my favorite choice, by far, is the Cafe Mocha. Afterall, what combination could be more heavenly than coffee and chocolate? I've tried them at all sorts of small coffee houses, and of course, at the corner Starbucks. Starbucks has a consistently good one, and is convenient because it is literally on every corner. Not too long ago, McDonalds came out with a Cafe Mocha, which I had not yet tried. So, I decided to give it a whirl; all in the interest of research, of course. Here is what I discovered:
Starbucks:
Grande Nonfat Cafe Mocha
$3.75
Dark, strong coffee flavor
Dark chocolate influence
Less sweet
Perfect temperature
Same size
On every corner (convenient)
McDonalds:
Medium Nonfat Mocha
$2.79
Light, nutty coffee flavor
Milk chocolate influence
Much sweeter
Perfect temperature
Same siz
On every corner (convenient)
I compared them side-by-side and sip-for-sip. I really expected to find that I liked the McDonalds Cafe Mocha just as well as the Starbucks, especially considering the price difference. After all, I'm not very picky about coffee or chocolate. To my surprise, however, I found that I did not like the McDonalds version well enough to ever buy it again; I actually couldn't even finish it. The nutty flavor of the coffee was overpowering and at odds with the chocolate, and it was far too sweet. I know. I wouldn't have thought I could call anything too sweet. I have a major sweet tooth. So, any of you who do not like overly sweet drinks to start with would really, really not like this one. The results were surprisingly to me, and a little disappointing. I'll not be exchanging the occasional Starbucks Cafe Mocha for the McDonalds Mocha anytime soon. In fact, I'd rather skip it all together if it is the only option.
I have discovered another comparatively inexpensive alternative, though. We have Keurig single cup coffee maker (a Christmas gift from Franz and I to ourselves!). Click here if you are not sure what this is. Recently a nearby Target has begun stocking Cafe Escapes brand Cafe Mocha K-cups. They are slightly pre-sweetened. For me, they hit the spot. My only complaint, if it can be called that, is that it is too watery when finished (it is made with water). So, just like my coffee, I add a little milk or cream, and it is a perfect Cafe Mocha, and costs an average of just over a dollar; a significant savings over Starbucks and McDonalds, and all from the comfort of home!
In conclusion, I'll probably stick with my K-cups when I feel like indulging. But, if you want to meet me out for coffee, I'll suggest a private label coffee house or Starbucks over McDonalds. I think they should stick to burgers and leave coffee to the professionals.
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2 comments:
This is so interesting to me, since I have had one McDonalds mocha, but not anywhere near to comparing it to the ever-delicious Starbucks' one. I love this. Maybe we should start doing consumer comparisons, just for ourselves? And, when thinking about the Keurig, I've always thought of how expensive it was for just one cup, but when you compare it to a Stbx cup, it's a STEAL. This post seriously just enlightened me big time. I'm going to have to consider it for a long time. Thanks, Em!
And, Lana, I usually use the Keurig maker with the special filter cup that allows you to add your own coffee - no extra cost involved there at all once you've purchased the filter. On Keurig's website the reusable filter assembly (as they call it) is priced at $17.95. It gets a regular workout at our house.
Plus Kyle would like it because it can brew one delicious cup (not that he limits himself, but that he thinks a normal coffee maker can't make good coffee unless it makes a whole pot).
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