Rumors of a Starbucks’ value menu swirl just as Consumer Reports chooses an unexpected favorite among ground coffees.

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. If that’s true, then it’s possible that Starbucks is taking the if-you-can’t-beat-‘em-join-‘em approach to the latest clash with McDonalds and Dunkin’ Donuts.

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz told investors last week that the company is on the verge of rolling out “breakfast pairings” at “attractive prices”. More information is expected soon, but for now, investors and customers are left to wonder if that means we’ll soon see a McDonalds-esque value menu complete with breakfast sandwiches next to pricier lattes and frappuccinos on Starbucks’ menu.

You can’t blame Schultz for being just a bit cryptic. His company has taken several hits below the belt in the past year with the closing of more than 600 stores, layoffs into the thousands, and every business that ever even thought about serving coffee hot on their heels. With McDonalds’ new McCafe, Dunkins’ blatantly anti-Starbucks ad campaigns, and a sagging economy that leaves little room for daily $4 mochas, the company seems to be grabbing at straws for any measure to stay ahead of the curve.

“You’ve got a lot of options right now for the more price-conscious consumer to save money,” Andrew Hetzel, the founder of coffee consulting group Cafemakers, told the Associated Press on Tuesday.

At the very least, this move makes me wonder if Starbucks will finally legitimize their little-known “short” size. But, with Schultz on board, Starbucks has shown in the past that just about anything can happen. Stay tuned.

Lots of flavor for a little cost

Speaking of budget-conscious coffee, Consumer Reports says grocery store staple Eight O’Clock Coffee is America’s favorite. The magazine tested 19 different brands of ground coffees and found that Eight O’Clock’s 100% Colombian was the favorite in terms of flavor and cost.

At just $6.28 a pound, Consumer Reports describes the Colombian blend as a “complex blend of earthy and fruity, with a bright, pleasing sourness”.

The brand beat out other well-known morning jump-starters like Folgers, Maxwell House, and even Starbucks. Ranking just below Eight O’Clock in the “Very Good” category were Caribou Coffee Colombia Timana at $11.76 a pound and Midwest brand Kicakapoo Coffee Organic Colombia at a pricier $14.33 per pound.

“You don’t have to spend a lot to get a great cup of coffee, despite what some coffee snobs may tell you,” Consumer Reports Bob Markovich said.

The magazine’s rankings also took a look at Decaf brands. Dunkin’ Donuts Dunkin’ Decaf took home the top prize there at $10.25 per pound, followed by Millstone Decaf 100% Colombian Medium Roast and Folgers Gourmet Selections Lively Colombian Decaf Medium Roast.

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