McDonald’s Chef Reveals the Secret of What Makes Its Coffee a Customer Favorite
McDonald's coffee has achieved a reputation for dependability in the fast-food industry.
McDonald’s isn’t just a go-to for fast food. Many customers stop by the eatery solely for a hot, satisfying cup of coffee. And for some, it’s the brew that keeps them coming back.
So why is a company whose mission is, “We serve delicious food people feel good about eating, with convenient locations and hours and affordable prices,” just as well-known for its coffee? A McDonald’s chef has explained the reason why.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, McDonald’s chef Mike Lingo shared details of the secrets behind the restaurant’s exclusive brew. He revealed that the beverage was one of the fast-food chain’s original menu items, and its reputation for consistency keeps customers coming back.
Lingo explained. “Over the years, we’ve worked to perfect the blend to give it the delicious, great flavor it has today. From the selection of our beans and quality of our roast to the equipment we use, we’re paying attention to all the details to help ensure the best result.”
He added that the restaurant has a proprietary blend of beans that is made specifically for McDonald’s McCafé. This special blend contributes to the taste customers have come to depend on.
“It’s a medium-dark roast with a full-body fruity, floral, and chocolate note,” Lingo noted. “We have great partnerships in place to ensure that we are selecting the best beans for our blends and roast levels to bring out that great flavor.”
Coffee Was 1 of 9 Menu Items on McDonald’s Original Menu
Coffee was added to McDonald’s original menu likely due to its affordability and popularity as an American beverage. The original McDonald’s menu was designed for speed and efficiency, and coffee was a relatively simple item to serve.
When the its first restaurant opened in 1940 by Dick and Mac McDonald, a cup of coffee was only 10 cents. At the time, the eatery was a typical drive-in featuring a large menu and car hop service.
By 1948, the brothers whittled down their menu to just nine items. Per the company website, these included hamburgers, cheeseburgers, soft drinks, milk, coffee, potato chips, and a pie slice, with the core product being its 15-cent hamburger. Just one year later, french fries replaced the chips, and the brothers introduced milkshakes to their customer offerings.
However, the trajectory of the brothers’ lives would forever change upon meeting salesman Ray Kroc, who initially visited their restaurant to sell them a product. Kroc was so taken by what McDonald’s had accomplished that, upon learning they were looking for a nationwide franchising agent, he took on the role. Ultimately, Kroc transformed McDonald’s from a local chain into the world’s most profitable fast-food franchise.
McDonald’s entered the premium coffee space in 1993 with the launch of its first McCafé in Australia, and it introduced its first McCafé line in the U.S. in 2009. Over time, the brand has expanded its menu to include expertly crafted espresso drinks, blended iced frappés, smoothies, and indulgent shakes, offering customers a full coffeehouse experience at everyday value.
