McDonald’s Coffee Review (UK): Good or Bad?
McDonalds is convenient, and aeven more so on a hangover, but McDonald’s coffee has quietly crept into the daily routine of many a bleary-eyed Brit. But is McDonald’s coffee actually any good? Or are we all just too tired to care?
Let’s dive in, beans first.
What Beans Do McDonald’s Use?
First off, this isn’t instant coffee in a paper cup. McDonald’s UK uses 100% Arabica beans, which are widely considered the posh ones. They're grown in high-altitude regions and generally have smoother, sweeter flavour notes than your basic Robusta. The beans are Rainforest Alliance certified, so you can sip with a smug sense of sustainability.
They're roasted to a medium-dark profile, giving the coffee a chocolatey, nutty edge without tasting like it’s been cremated.
Is McDonald’s Coffee Any Good?
Surprisingly, yes. Actually, more than yes.
According to thousands of customer reviews, McDonald’s takeaway coffee scores highly. We’re talking 4.7 out of 5 levels of approval. That’s higher than most high street cafés and definitely beats some places charging triple for a cappuccino and an attitude problem.
Taste Test: What Does It Actually Taste Like?
If you’re expecting artisan, single-origin flavour bombs, keep walking. But for everyday drinking, it’s decent. You’ll get:
A mild, smooth base with no weird bitter aftertaste
Chocolate and caramel notes, if you squint your taste buds a bit
Enough caffeine to make your morning meeting tolerable
It’s also consistently hot. Doesn’t sound like a win, but after enough lukewarm “lattes” from vending machines, you learn to appreciate the small victories.
How Does It Compare to Other Chains?
We’re not going full spreadsheet here, but let’s say this: if Costa is your dad’s coffee, and Starbucks is your cousin who studied abroad once and now won’t shut up about “proper espresso,” McDonald’s is the reliable mate who shows up, gets the job done, and doesn’t mug you off for £4.80.
Plenty of folks on Reddit and forums like to say they’d take a McDonald’s flat white over a Starbucks one any day. And they’re not wrong. It’s often stronger, smoother, and a fair bit cheaper.
Value for Money?
Arguably the best part. You can grab a regular flat white or cappuccino for under £2, and sometimes even less with the McDonald's app offers. For coffee that doesn’t taste like hot disappointment, that’s pretty solid.
Check out the full McDonalds Coffee Menu and Prices.
Bonus: The loyalty scheme (collect 5 stamps, get 1 free) means if you’re grabbing breakfast or a cheeky sausage and egg McMuffin regularly, your caffeine habit basically pays for itself.
So, Is McDonald’s Coffee Worth It?
For a fast-food chain best known for nuggets and clown nostalgia, McDonald’s coffee holds its own. It’s not artisan, but it’s consistently good, fairly priced, ethically sourced, and better than you think it has any right to be.
Next time someone scoffs at your drive-thru flat white, remind them that 6,000+ Brits have rated it nearly 5 stars. Then sip smugly and carry on with your day.
Final Verdict
McDonald’s UK takeaway coffee: 4.7/5
Smooth, satisfying, and stronger than its fast-food reputation suggests
Arabica beans, Rainforest Alliance certified, made fresh
Worth it? Absolutely especially if you like your caffeine served with no pretentious nonsence.
FAQs
Is McDonald’s coffee better than Starbucks?
Depends on your taste. But many say yes, it’s smoother, stronger, and costs less.
What roast is McDonald’s coffee?
Medium-dark. Think balanced flavour with a bit of depth, but not too heavy.
Are the beans really 100% Arabica?
Yes. No filler, no nonsense.
