In this past Sunday’s newspaper we got a free coupon for a small Caramel or Mocha McDonald’s Frappe. So on Monday when I had to make a FedEx drop-off or my latest episode of Motorz, I decided to give it a try. I’m a huge fan of the beverage it directly copies, the Starbucks Frappuccino.

I give props to McDonalds for the nuggets to so closely rip off Starbucks on this bev. It is the drive-thru version of a Frappuccino for less money. It even has the exact same look from the rim-up, right down to the goopy mess of caramel.

I’m so used to the Starbucks’ coffee taste that this was the first big difference for me. I wasn’t a huge fan. Also the blend was completely different. The Frappuccino is a bit more icy with the occasional bits of ice, whereas the Frappe was blended to a smoother, creamier mix. I did like that aspect of the drink.

I typically buy a Starbucks coffee Frappuccino with no whip or goop on top. If I do change it up, I get a Caramel one, and the whip and caramel topping on the McFrappe is similar to the Starbucks version.

The upside to the Frappe is that it’s cheaper ($2.79) than Starbucks’ similar offering at $3.52, however the McDonald’s version offers more calories, more sugar, and double the saturated fat!

If you’re stranded at a McDonald’s and are in the mood, go for it. However since there’s usually a Starbucks within a stone’s throw of every McDonald’s, my ‘buds will head to Frappuccinoville.