Have you ever wondered what the best coffee drinks at McDonald’s UK are? McDonald’s has transformed its coffee offerings over the years, introducing McCafé, a dedicated range of hot and cold beverages catering to all coffee lovers.
Whether you prefer a classic black coffee, a creamy latte, a sweet caramel frappé, or a refreshing iced coffee, McDonald’s has a variety of drinks to suit different tastes.
With so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which drink to try. This guide explores the full range of McDonald’s coffee drinks available in the UK, their flavours, calorie content, and whether they are worth trying.
What Coffee Drinks Does McDonald’s Offer in the UK?
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McDonald’s UK offers a mix of classic hot coffees, flavoured lattes, and iced coffee drinks, alongside a selection of seasonal specials and fruit-based smoothies. Below is a complete list of McDonald’s coffee and cold drinks, along with their calorie content.
McDonald’s Coffee & Cold Drinks Menu (UK)
| Drink | Regular Size (kcal) | Large Size (kcal) |
| Flat White | 86 | – |
| Cappuccino | 97 | 128 |
| White Coffee | 54 | 74 |
| Latte | 145 | 197 |
| Americano | 6 | 8 |
| Espresso (Double Shot) | 1 | – |
| Espresso (Single Shot) | 1 | – |
| Hot Chocolate | 173 | 231 |
| Tea | 6 | 12 |
| Iced Latte | 136 | 166 |
| Frozen Strawberry Lemonade | 201 | 255 |
| Caramel Iced Frappé | 319 | 399 |
| Mango & Pineapple Smoothie | 179 | 235 |
| Galaxy Caramel Latte (Limited) | 210 | 259 |
| Galaxy Caramel Hot Chocolate (Limited) | 278 | – |
| Toffee Latte (Limited) | 186 | 231 |
Each of these drinks is available in participating McDonald’s restaurants across the UK.
What Are the Best Hot Coffee Drinks at McDonald’s UK?
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Is McDonald’s Latte a Good Choice?
The McDonald’s Latte is one of the most popular options on the menu. Made with smooth espresso and steamed milk, it has a creamy texture and mild coffee flavour, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a balanced and milky coffee.
Why Is McDonald’s Cappuccino So Popular?
A Cappuccino is a classic choice for those who enjoy a frothy and rich coffee experience. McDonald’s version is made with a shot of espresso, steamed milk, and thick foam, providing a more intense flavour than a latte.
Is McDonald’s Espresso Strong Enough for Coffee Lovers?
If you need a quick caffeine boost, McDonald’s Espresso is a strong and concentrated coffee option. Available as a single or double shot, it offers a bold flavour with a smooth finish.
How Does McDonald’s Flat White Compare to a Latte?
The Flat White is a stronger alternative to a Latte, made with less milk but topped with a silky microfoam for a smooth texture. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer a more intense espresso flavour with a creamy finish.
Is McDonald’s Mocha the Best Chocolate-Infused Coffee?
The McDonald’s Mocha is a perfect blend of espresso, steamed milk, and rich chocolate syrup, creating a deliciously sweet coffee drink for those who enjoy a combination of coffee and chocolate flavours.
What Are the Best Iced Coffee Drinks at McDonald’s UK?
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Is the Iced Latte a Refreshing Choice?
The Iced Latte is a simple yet refreshing coffee drink, made with espresso and chilled milk over ice. It’s a great alternative to hot coffee, especially during the warmer months.
How Does the Iced Mocha Taste Compared to the Hot Version?
The Iced Mocha offers the same chocolate and coffee combination as the hot version, but served over ice for a cooler and more refreshing twist.
Is McDonald’s Iced Caramel Coffee Worth Trying?
The Caramel Iced Frappé is one of the most popular iced drinks at McDonald’s UK. It combines coffee, caramel syrup, and ice, blended together to create a thick, creamy, and indulgent treat.
What Seasonal and Limited Edition Coffee Drinks Does McDonald’s Offer?
McDonald’s often introduces limited-edition coffee drinks for special occasions or holidays. Some of the most popular seasonal drinks include:
- Galaxy Caramel Latte: A caramel-infused latte with a smooth and sweet flavour.
- Galaxy Caramel Hot Chocolate: A rich hot chocolate blended with Galaxy caramel flavouring.
- Toffee Latte: A sweet and nutty toffee-flavoured latte, perfect for the colder months.
These drinks are only available for a limited time, so it’s worth checking the menu for new releases.
How Much Do McDonald’s Coffee Drinks Cost in the UK?
McDonald’s coffee prices vary based on size and type, but typically fall within these ranges:
- Espresso: Around £1.19
- Latte, Cappuccino, Americano: £1.79–£2.49
- Iced Latte, Frappé, Smoothies: £2.49–£3.49
Compared to competitors like Costa, Starbucks, and Greggs, McDonald’s coffee is generally more affordable while maintaining decent quality.
Is McDonald’s Coffee Worth It in the UK?
When it comes to coffee, quality, affordability, and convenience are three of the biggest factors that influence a customer’s choice.
McDonald’s has made significant improvements to its coffee offerings over the years, ensuring that customers receive high-quality coffee at a reasonable price.
Quality and Taste
- McDonald’s coffee is made from 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified beans, which means it is sourced from farms that follow ethical and sustainable farming practices.
- This certification ensures that the coffee is grown in a way that supports both the environment and farmers’ livelihoods.
- In terms of taste, McDonald’s coffee is mild and smooth, making it a great option for those who prefer a balanced and easy-to-drink coffee rather than the bold and intense flavours found in some specialty coffee shops.
- The Flat White and Americano provide a stronger coffee taste, while the Latte and Cappuccino offer a more milk-based, creamy experience.
Price vs. Value
One of the biggest advantages of McDonald’s coffee is its affordability. Compared to competitors like Costa Coffee and Starbucks,
McDonald’s offers coffee at a fraction of the price, making it a great option for budget-conscious coffee drinkers. For example:
- McDonald’s Latte (Regular): ~£1.79
- Costa Latte (Regular): ~£3.50
- Starbucks Latte (Tall): ~£3.60
This means that you can enjoy a decent quality coffee at almost half the price of other high-street coffee chains.
Convenience and Availability
- McDonald’s has a huge advantage in terms of accessibility. With over 1,200 locations in the UK, including many drive-thru options, getting a coffee on the go is incredibly easy.
- Unlike Starbucks or Costa, which tend to be located in shopping centres and city centres, McDonald’s is more widely available in suburban areas, motorway service stations, and smaller towns.
- For many customers, the ability to grab a quick and affordable coffee without waiting in long queues makes McDonald’s a top choice for convenience.
Customisation and Variety
- McDonald’s coffee menu includes a range of hot and iced drinks, seasonal specials, and flavoured options, giving customers plenty of variety.
- However, customisation options are more limited compared to coffee shops like Costa or Starbucks.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
If you’re looking for affordable, good-quality coffee that’s quick and convenient, then McDonald’s coffee is absolutely worth trying.
While it may not satisfy those looking for specialty coffee or extensive customisation, it provides great value for money for everyday coffee drinkers.
How Can You Customise Your McDonald’s Coffee?
While McDonald’s doesn’t offer as many customisation options as premium coffee chains, there are still a few ways to personalise your coffee to match your preferences.
Choice of Milk
- Most McDonald’s locations offer semi-skimmed milk as the standard option.
- Some locations may offer whole milk for a creamier taste.
- Unlike Starbucks or Costa, McDonald’s UK doesn’t widely offer plant-based milk alternatives such as oat, almonds, or soy. However, some locations may have limited availability.
Extra Espresso Shots
- If you like stronger coffee, you can ask for an extra shot of espresso to be added to your drink.
- This works well with lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos.
Flavoured Syrups
- McDonald’s offers caramel, vanilla, and occasionally seasonal syrup flavours.
- These syrups can be added to lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffee drinks for a sweeter taste.
Adjusting Sweetness
- Sugar and sweeteners are available upon request.
- Some customers prefer adding their own sugar to control the sweetness level.
Is Customisation at McDonald’s Sufficient?
If you’re someone who enjoys basic customisation, such as adding extra espresso shots or flavoured syrups, McDonald’s provides a decent level of flexibility.
However, for more advanced customisation (e.g., alternative milks, different brewing methods), Starbucks and Costa offer more options.
How Does McDonald’s Coffee Compare to Other UK Coffee Chains?
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McDonald’s vs. Starbucks
| Feature | McDonald’s Coffee | Starbucks Coffee |
| Price | Affordable (£1.79–£2.99) | Expensive (£3.00–£5.00) |
| Coffee Strength | Milder, smooth taste | Strong, customisable |
| Milk Options | Limited (semi-skimmed, whole) | Oat, almond, coconut, soy |
| Customisation | Basic (extra shots, syrups) | Extensive (alternative milks, custom syrups) |
| Convenience | Widely available, many drive-thrus | Located mainly in city centres |
Starbucks offers a stronger, richer coffee experience and more customisation, but at a higher price. McDonald’s is much cheaper and more widely available, making it a better option for those who prioritise affordability and convenience.
McDonald’s vs. Costa Coffee
| Feature | McDonald’s Coffee | Costa Coffee |
| Coffee Quality | Good, smooth taste | Rich, intense coffee flavour |
| Customisation | Basic (limited milk choices) | More variety (alternative milks, extra syrups) |
| Price | Cheaper (£1.79–£2.99) | Mid-range (£2.50–£4.00) |
| Availability | Drive-thrus, smaller towns | High-street stores |
Costa Coffee is known for its strong, bold coffee flavour and better customisation options, but McDonald’s is cheaper and more convenient for those on the go.
McDonald’s vs. Greggs
| Feature | McDonald’s Coffee | Greggs Coffee |
| Price | Slightly higher | Very cheap |
| Coffee Strength | Mild and smooth | Mild, slightly weaker |
| Food Pairing | McMuffins, breakfast menu | Pastries, sausage rolls |
| Availability | Nationwide, drive-thrus | High-street locations |
Greggs coffee is the cheapest option, but McDonald’s offers higher quality coffee with more options, especially for those who prefer lattes or iced drinks.
Final Verdict: Which Coffee Should You Choose?
- If you want the cheapest option, Greggs is the best choice.
- If you want high-quality and strong coffee, Starbucks is ideal.
- If you want a balance between price, convenience, and taste, McDonald’s is the best option.
McDonald’s coffee is a great choice for budget-conscious coffee lovers who want a quick and convenient cup of coffee that still tastes good.
While it doesn’t have the customisation of Starbucks or the intense flavours of Costa, it offers great value for everyday coffee drinkers.
Conclusion
McDonald’s UK has significantly improved its coffee offerings over the years, providing a variety of hot and iced coffee drinks that cater to different tastes.
Whether you enjoy a classic Americano, a creamy Latte, a strong Flat White, or a refreshing Iced Coffee, there is something for everyone at an affordable price.
Compared to Starbucks and Costa, McDonald’s coffee is cheaper and more accessible, especially with its drive-thru locations across the UK.
While customisation options are limited, McDonald’s coffee still offers great value for money with its Rainforest Alliance Certified beans and seasonal specials.
If you are looking for a quick, convenient, and budget-friendly coffee, McDonald’s coffee is worth trying. The next time you visit McDonald’s, why not explore a new coffee option from their McCafé menu?
FAQs
What is the most popular coffee drink at McDonald’s UK?
The Latte and Cappuccino are among the most popular choices, offering a smooth and creamy coffee experience.
Does McDonald’s UK serve iced coffee all year round?
Yes, McDonald’s serves Iced Latte and Caramel Iced Frappé all year round, making them great options for a refreshing coffee fix.
How much does a McDonald’s coffee cost in the UK?
Prices vary, but a regular Latte or Cappuccino costs around £1.79–£2.49, making it more affordable than most high-street coffee chains.
Can you customise McDonald’s coffee in the UK?
Yes, you can add extra espresso shots, flavoured syrups (caramel, vanilla), and choose between semi-skimmed or whole milk at most locations.
Is McDonald’s coffee better than Starbucks or Costa?
McDonald’s coffee is cheaper and more convenient, but Starbucks and Costa offer stronger coffee and more customisation options. It depends on your preference.
Disclaimer
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