If you’re a coffee lover—or just someone who needs a little pick-me-up before facing the day—there’s big news brewing at your local Macca’s.
McDonald’s Australia has just announced a major shake-up to its McCafé menu, and it’s got caffeine enthusiasts buzzing.
For the first time in four years, the fast-food giant is rolling out a brand-new coffee blend across the country, and they’re calling it their ‘best one yet’.
So, what’s behind this bold claim? Let’s take a closer look at what’s changing and what else is percolating at McDonald’s right now.
A fresh brew for a nation of coffee lovers
Australia’s love affair with coffee is legendary. From the laneways of Melbourne to the beaches of Bondi, Australians are known for their discerning palates and high standards when it comes to their daily brew.
McDonald’s knows this all too well—after all, McCafé was born right here in Melbourne back in 1993, and now serves up more than 300 million cups of coffee and hot drinks every year. That’s one in five café-bought coffees in Australia!
To keep up with our ever-evolving tastes, McDonald’s refreshes its coffee blend every four years.
The latest update, launching this week, is the result of a global search for the perfect beans, roasted and blended right here in Melbourne—Australia’s coffee capital.
What’s new in the cup?
The new McCafé blend is crafted from 100% Arabica beans, sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms in Colombia, Honduras, Brazil, and Ethiopia.
This four-origin blend promises a richer, rounder flavour profile, with subtle fruity and nutty notes that should appeal to both casual sippers and serious coffee aficionados.
Amanda Nakad, McDonald’s Australia’s Marketing Director of Menu and Brand, says, ‘We know how much our Australian customers love coffee and care about the taste and quality of their brew—and so do we. We reckon this one is the best yet.’
But it’s not just about the beans. McDonald’s is also investing in barista training and equipment upgrades to ensure every cup is consistently top-notch, no matter which store you visit.
Matcha makes a surprise appearance
Coffee isn’t the only thing getting a makeover at Macca’s. In a move that’s sure to delight fans of trendy beverages, McDonald’s has quietly launched a limited-edition matcha range at select stores in New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria.
The new drinks include a classic Matcha Latte ($4.60), an Iced Matcha Latte ($5.20) , and a colourful Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte ($6.05).
Sydney food blogger Nina was among the first to spot the new drinks at Wynyard Station, sharing her excitement (and her verdict) on social media.
‘Although they use syrup, the matcha flavour was strong with no bitterness—but it was very, very sweet,’ she reported.
‘Not very traditional, but the sugar sure was a great pick-me-up in the morning. To be honest, I think I’ll be buying this again.’
The matcha range is only available for a limited time, so if you’re keen to try it, you’ll need to act fast.
And if you’re wondering whether this is just another social media prank (after last year’s fake Strawberry Matcha fiasco), rest assured: this time, it’s the real deal.
Why the fuss over matcha?
Matcha lattes—especially the social media-famous strawberry version—have exploded in popularity in recent years, thanks to their vibrant colour, unique flavour, and health benefits.
Matcha is packed with antioxidants, fibre, vitamin C, and minerals like magnesium and zinc. It’s a favourite among those looking for a gentler caffeine hit or a trendy alternative to coffee.
Australian innovation on the global stage
It’s easy to forget that McCafé is a homegrown Australian invention, now exported to McDonald’s restaurants around the world.
The brand’s commitment to evolving with local tastes—whether that means a new coffee blend or a limited-edition matcha latte—shows just how much influence Australian coffee culture has on the global stage.
Have your say!
As McDonald’s Australia rolls out its updated McCafé coffee blend and trials a new matcha range, it’s clear the fast-food giant is tuning in to evolving local tastes.
Whether you’re a long-time Macca’s coffee fan or curious about the new matcha options, these changes signal a refreshed focus on customer experience and beverage variety.
What are your thoughts on the new coffee blend—will the richer, fruitier taste win you over? Have you spotted or tried the limited-time matcha drinks in your area, and if so, how did they stack up? Do you think Macca’s is on the right track by expanding its beverage offerings, or are there other drinks you’d love to see added to the menu? Let us know your take in the comments below.
Also read: Macca’s iconic menu favourite finally lands in Australia—have you tried it yet?
I enjoy coffee from McCafé, but I wonder why they haven’t considered Australian grown coffee. We have excellent coffee grown in the northern rivers of NSW.