For many Americans, a daily cup of coffee (or two, or perhaps even three for the busiest and most addicted among us) is a ritual as routine as putting on our shoes in the morning.
Some of us make coffee at home, but with machines varying in size, quality, and the skill level required to brew a decent cup of coffee, results may be mixed.
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And now with the return to work, as most employees are back at the office at least on a hybrid schedule, many of them opt to order coffees on the go from a chain or local cafe. It's no surprise that millions opt for Starbucks (SBUX) , which operates approximately 16,000 locations in the U.S. alone. Another popular rival is the New England favorite Dunkin, which claims about 12,000 locations across the country.
But while these coffee shops certainly have a loyal (and outspoken) following, consumers have been tightening their budgets in recent months as dining out gets more costly. Countless calculations and experiments pepper headlines about how much the average person might save per month if he or she were to make a coffee at home every day instead of grabbing one from the nearest shop. These little indulgences certainly add up; a standard 16 ounce Caffe Latte – with no substitutions or add-ons – from a Starbucks in southern Florida costs $7.78 after tax. If you're a hybrid worker that goes into the office three times per week and picks up a coffee on your way in, that pricey little habit adds up to over $93 in coffees for just one month alone.
Coffee habits are expensive
So food and wellness site Eat This Not That recently compiled a list of several fast food chains that offer quality coffee for a fraction of the price you might encounter at a large coffee chain like Starbucks.
The list features eight fast food chains across the country that offer coffee and other breakfast items that might supplant one's daily need for a nearly $10 convenient cup of coffee. It also highlights the convenience factor: fast food chains famously serve customers at a speedier rate than many of its fast casual competitors. And with Starbucks working to solve its long lines and high app traffic which can result in extended customer wait times, many of these options present a compelling alternative for busy commuters.
Top fast food chains offer quality coffee
Here's a list of the best fast food coffees available throughout the U.S., according to the experts:
- Chick Fil A: "Rich and nutty, this caramel-tasting coffee has a natural hint of sweetness," author Emily Latimer writes. A cup costs just $2.
- Wendy's: "Made from medium-roasted Arabica beans from Central and South America, Wendy's serves it up rich — and hot, thanks to well-insulated cups that keep the drink hotter for longer." A coffee is just 99 cents.
- Culver's: "The freshness of the cup, with notes of cocoa, berries, and fruit, stands out the most, thanks to the small-batch roasting process." A cup costs $2.49.
- Jack in the Box: "There is a smoky flavor that comes through in the roast." A cup costs around $1.59.
- White Castle: "The White Castle Original Restaurant Blend is roasted from 100% Arabica beans from Central and South America, which results in a rich, bold, medium-roast coffee." Coffee costs 99 cents.
- McDonald's: "The coffee takes well to a bit of cream and sugar, thanks to subtle notes of cocoa." Cost is around $1.
- Carl's Jr.: "Dark roast lovers will gravitate to this strong, aromatic coffee. It's got a deep, full-bodied taste." Cost is $1.
- Whataburger: "For coffee drinkers who enjoy a lighter roast, this 100% Arabica mild coffee blend may be the ticket." Cost is $1.69.
