COLUMBUS, Ohio -- McDonald's launched its specialty-coffee program at participating restaurants in central Ohio this week. The new McCafe Coffees aim to feature the taste and quality of a coffeehouse with the convenience and price of McDonald's, which has taken strides to increase coffee and beverage options since the launch of its Premium Roast Coffee in 2006 and Iced Coffees in 2007.
The Central Ohio Co-Op for McDonald's is one of the first markets in the country and the first in Ohio to offer the McCafe product line, according to the company.
New coffees include lattes, mochas [image-nocss] and cappuccinos in a variety of options and flavors, including iced, hazelnut, caramel and vanilla (regular and sugar free), and Premium Roast Coffee and hot chocolate. Most are available in small (12 oz.), medium (16 oz.) and large (20 oz.).
Prices and participation may vary, but generally start at $1.99. Shots of espresso are also available. With the new specialty coffees, McDonald's is giving customers the choice of whole or non-fat milk.
McCafe Specialty Coffees start with coffee beans, which are harvested by hand in the warm climates of Central and South America, as well as in the mountainous regions of Indonesia. A state-of-the-art espresso machine freshly grinds McCafe Specialty Coffee beans before brewing them under pressure, with milk and flavor syrups added.
"McDonald's continues to engage customers by extending premium coffee choices during breakfast and throughout the day," said Jeff Newman, president of McDonald's Central Ohio Marketing Cooperative. "Our customers can now enjoy a variety of new McCafe Coffees at a great value."
Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee per day, making the United States the leading consumer of coffee in the world, according to research conducted by the National Coffee Association and the Specialty Coffee Association of America.
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