McDonald's brings to mind Big Macs, McFlurrys and fries. But it's possible that the home of the golden arches will soon conjure fantasies of cappuccinos, lattes and espresso.

McDonald's has begun a nationwide attempt to offer coffee products similar to those served at Starbucks.

Some McDonald's have already begun offering cappuccinos, blended coffee drinks -- such as lattes and mochas -- and even pastries to their customers.

"It is being test-marketed in certain areas, including Pittsburgh, to see if it is initiating enough profit and whether it is successful," said Ken Courtemanche, an employee of McDonald's, 2821 E.College Ave.

There is no information on whether McDonald's restaurants in the State College area are looking into it yet, Courtemanche said.

While area McDonald's have no news on when the trend will strike here, it is certain that if it does, students will have another reason to step inside the home of Ronald McDonald.

"I think of McDonald's as fast food that's not good for you, but maybe I'd give it a try," said Lindsey Gerstlauer (junior-journalism).

Students expressed feelings that, no matter what McDonald's offers, it's the atmosphere and customer service that draws them to Starbucks.

"I actually sit in Starbucks because I want their drinks, and I think it's the aura of the place," Gerstlauer said.

Area Starbucks declined to comment about McDonald's' new products. One student said she felt that McDonald's new venture would not influence Starbucks customers to switch where they get their coffee, and others said they were not impressed by McDonald's decision to start selling coffee.

"The way you order in Starbucks makes you feel important," said Arielle Gart (sophomore-marketing).

"I just don't associate McDonald's with coffee," said Lauren Seidman (sophomore-communication science and disorders).

Commercials are currently airing in Michigan and Kansas City, which are serving as test markets for the coffee bar expansion, according to a CBS news report.

McDonald's plans to add coffee bars to almost 14,000 locations across the country, the report indicates.

Students expressed skepticism over whether McDonald's would be able to compare to the variety of specialties offered by Starbucks.

"Starbucks offers skinny's and skim milk," said Jaci Mayer (freshman-history education).

McDonald's is hoping to give customers incentive to drink their coffee by offering it at prices nearly 60 cents cheaper than the coffee prices at Starbucks, according to the report.

"This is really all about giving our customers yet another reason to come into our restaurants in addition to the great tasting food," said Bill Whitman, McDonald's spokesman, in the report.