For years, espresso and espresso-based drinks were the exclusive domain of European coffee-drinkers and only the ritziest cafes in North America, but the new line of McCafe espresso beverages shows that the coffee style has officially hit the mark with general consumers. The three new menu options bring the variety of independent coffee shops to McDonald's coffee brand, offering a high-end experience at affordable prices.
The three McCafe espresso drinks include a caramel macchiato, a cappuccino, and an americano. The caramel macchiato is made with a dark-roast espresso and mixed with sweet caramel syrup. The cappuccino also comes flavored, with the choice of French vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut. Finally, the americano is the simplest of the trio, with a single or double shot of espresso and hot water only.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Approachable Espresso
- Espresso-based drinks are no longer reserved for the ritziest cafes, creating opportunities for affordable high-end experiences.
- Variety in Fast Food
- McDonald's incorporation of high-end drinks into their McCafe menu shows a trend towards greater variety in fast food.
- Cafe-inspired Fast Food
- The McCafe espresso drinks draw inspiration from independent coffee shops, creating opportunities for fast food chains to incorporate elements of cafe culture.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Fast Food
- Fast food chains may find it lucrative to offer high-end espresso drinks to diversify their menus and appeal to a broader range of consumers.
- Coffee
- The popularity of espresso-based drinks in general signifies a profitable trend for the coffee industry.
- Hospitality
- As more fast food chains experiment with cafe culture elements, there may be opportunities for the hospitality industry to broaden their approach to casual dining.
