McDonald’s McCafé revamp shows where coffee chain competition is headed

As McDonald’s seeks to become the go-to beverage destination for Gen Z consumers, McCafé stores are bringing colourful, flavour-led and customisable beverages to the fore – and continuing a growing trend among the world’s largest coffee chains

Two and a half years ago, McDonald’s unveiled a new café concept designed to capture the market for indulgent beverages, with a menu including Churro Shaken Espressos, Iced Matcha Lattes and Sour Cherry Energy Bursts.

The CosMc’s concept was discontinued in June 2025. However, after taking stock of the venture, McDonald’s is applying lessons learned to its highly successful McCafé sub-brand.

The result is a McCafé brand refresh and a new beverage line-up that highlights the growing importance of catering to Gen Z and how branded coffee chains are seeking to capture their attention and, more importantly, loyalty.

One of the world’s largest and most recognisable coffee brands, McCafé beverages are sold across McDonald’s 13,800 restaurants, as well as more than 14,350 outlets and in-store McDonald’s concession counters across 57 markets globally.