In This Economy?

I'm thinking they don't look just like these in person though...

Today’s the day. In a first official nod to the economic downturn, our favorite high-priced coffee purveyor, Starbucks, has introduced its shiny new breakfast pairing options. They feature coffee plus a breakfast style sandwich, or a latte plus a muffin or oatmeal — either pairing for under $4.

Nod number two includes offering new VIA Ready Brew, their line of instant coffee. This powder is supposedly indistinguishable from brewed coffee when mixed with hot water, but only costs $1 a cup, versus the $2 to $5 you can pay in-store. Personally, I’m a Starbucks drinker who hates their drip coffee, yet loves their sweet, sweet espresso. So the VIA ain’t for me.

Looks like a packet of Crystal Light to me...

What’s interesting is that they’re pushing VIA based first on price and then taste, which certainly is a new tactic for Starbucks. That’s why it’s not surprising their new “paring” options look a whole hell of a lot like another famous menu.

The famous McMuffin. Look familiar?

Seriously, does anyone else think these foods look amazingly similar to those found at McDonald’s or even Dunkin’ Donuts?! Way to be transparent, Starbucks. I guess in this economy, you’ve got to do what you can to make a buck.

And in an interesting turn of events, today’s breakfast release has had the unfortunate side effect of causing consumers to look more closely at the foods offered by Starbucks. Here and here you’ll find some harsh words concerning a shift from locally-produced baked goods to those from a national carrier. Needless to say, the green folks have their organic panties in a wad.

Tags: breakfast, coffee, dunkin donuts, McDonalds, starbucks, VIA

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009 at 5:29 PM and is filed under Deals & Free Stuff. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.