Tired of $7 lattes that don’t taste any better than they did when they cost you $4, just a few years ago?
Stop squandering your swiftly devaluing dollars and get back to the piping hot basics with an affordable, steaming cup of java from your local fast food joint, where coffee standards have been rising of late, according to those in the know.
An informative analysis of the state of the grab-and-go grinds scene, published by food and drink experts Eat This, Not That!, spotlighted some of the best — and most-improved — chains around the country, some of which might be right around the corner from where you live.
“Hitting the drive-thru for a coffee was once a gamble undertaken only on long-haul road trips or desperate early-morning outings,” author Emily Latimer wrote.
“No longer. As fast-food chains step up their coffee offerings to vie for a spot in Americans’ caffeine-jolted routines, top-notch coffee served alongside fast-food fare is now the norm,” she said.
Here are the top quick service chains for a good cup of coffee, according to the article.
“For a chicken joint, Chick-fil-A’s coffee has no business being this good,” the article states.
Their secret?
“Specialty coffee beans sustainably sourced from Thrive Farmers, a farmer-direct, specialty-grade coffee purveyor. Rich and nutty, this caramel-tasting coffee has a natural hint of sweetness,” Latimer wrote.
A cup costs just $2 in most, if not all stores.
2. Wendy’s
While currently in the dog house thanks to this week’s outrageous surge pricing announcement, Wendy’s pours a “more than passable” cup of coffee.
“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,” Latimer said.
A small costs just 99 cents, typically.
3. Culver’s
One of America’s best regional fast food chains began in Wisconsin and is now found everywhere from Arizona to Ohio and the Carolinas; known best for their butter burgers, fried cheese curds and frozen custard, Culver’s also knows coffee.
“Again, sourcing is key,” Latimer explained.
“Culver’s serves Blue Spoon Blend, roasted by Torke Coffee, a family-owned and operated Wisconsin coffee roaster. The freshness of the cup, with notes of cocoa, berries, and fruit, stands out the most, thanks to the small-batch roasting process. It’s smooth, delish, and Rainforest Alliance-certified.”
You’ll pay a little more — $2.49, typically — but it’s worth it.
4. Jack in The Box
“The High Mountain Arabica coffee is fresh and medium-bodied without that weird bitter taste,” Latimer said of the java at this West Coast favorite.
“There is a smoky flavor that comes through in the roast. At around $1.59 for a small cup, it’s no gamble,” she wrote.
5. White Castle
This old-school NYC late night fave — which is actually a Midwest thing, first giving the world its slider gift back in 1921 in Wichita, Kan. — pours a pretty good cup of morning thunder, the article states.
“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. One perk? White Castle’s signature blend is sold in grocery stores so that coffee cravers can enjoy it from home.”
6. McDonald’s
“McDonald’s Premium Roast Brewed Coffee is the most basic offering in the McCafe line, and it’s a staple—and one of the most consistent in the biz. While some cheap coffees tend toward bitter and burnt (like many a hotel breakfast cup), McDonald’s coffee is far from that. Yes, it’s on the watery side, but it’s a great choice for those looking for middle-of-the-road coffee, free from the bitterness that often plagues gas station coffee. The coffee takes well to a bit of cream and sugar, thanks to subtle notes of cocoa. At about $1, it’s a no-brainer for a quick caffeine fix,” Latimer explained.
7. Carl’s Jr.
Where the others go weak, this California favorite goes strong, according to Latimer.
“The West Coast-based chain slings a premium dark roast coffee made from 100 percent Arabica beans from Guatemala and Peru alongside its signature charbroiled burgers,” the article states.
“Dark roast lovers will gravitate to this strong, aromatic coffee. It’s got a deep, full-bodied taste. If you’re tired of breakfast-style, light-bodied coffees, Carl’s Jr. is a rare fast-food joint committed to serving a full-tasting dark roast coffee with a smooth finish. And the price is right at around $1.”
8. Whataburger
“This Texas burger chain has long kept it simple regarding coffee—but it’s a rising star,” Latimer stated.
“Of all the hot coffee picks, this is the lightest. For coffee drinkers who enjoy a lighter roast, this 100% Arabica mild coffee blend may be the ticket—a small cup retails for $1.69. If Whataburger’s recent investment into coffee research is any indication, there may be more new brews on the horizon,” she said.