Iced coffee is a delightful treat, especially on a scorching hot day. Even though I decided to give up my morning coffee routine this year, it doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy an occasional sweet coffee indulgence in the afternoon as the weather starts to warm up. However, with local coffee chains charging nearly $5 for a vanilla latte, even as an occasional treat, it can be quite expensive. Determined to find a more affordable alternative, I ventured into the drive-thru of various fast-food restaurants to discover if they have a satisfactory (and cheaper) iced coffee option. And guess what? They do!
The Undisputed Champion: Jack in the Box
- Price: $1.79 for a small
- Strength: 3
- Sweetness: 2.5
- Creaminess: 4
During the scorching summer months last year, I stumbled upon Jack in the Box’s iced coffees, and they instantly won me over with their creamy texture and satisfying coffee flavor. Opting for their “original” variation (which I suspect to be vanilla), I found it to be a perfectly balanced blend that wasn’t overly sweet. After visiting multiple Jack in the Box locations in my area, I can confidently say that their iced coffee consistently reigns supreme.
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The Worthy Contender: Chick-Fil-A
- Price: $2.75 for a small
- Strength: 4
- Sweetness: 4
- Creaminess: 3.5
Upon taking my initial sip of Chick-Fil-A’s vanilla iced coffee, I was instantly captivated. The coffee boasts a robust flavor that beautifully complements the added syrup, resulting in a delightful blend. The creaminess is on point, though it may be slightly sweeter than my personal preference. Nevertheless, the sweetness leans towards a “treat” rather than overpowering the coffee itself.
Taco Bell’s Straightforward Brew
- Price: $1.49 for a 20 oz serving
- Strength: 3 (customizable)
- Sweetness: N/A (customizable)
- Creaminess: N/A (customizable)
You may be surprised to learn that Taco Bell indeed offers iced coffee. However, it’s a no-frills experience as they serve traditional brewed coffee poured over ice. The beauty lies in the fact that you can customize it to your liking by adding cream and sugar. I chose six creams and three sugars, but unfortunately, the sugar didn’t fully dissolve, leaving me with occasional granules. The coffee itself wasn’t bad, though I believe it would have been better with a smoother syrup for sweetening. To be honest, I initially felt lukewarm about this option, but it grew on me as I continued to sip.
McDonald’s Misses the Mark
- Price: $1.49 for a small
- Strength: 1.5
- Sweetness: 3
- Creaminess: 2
Regrettably, McDonald’s iced coffee fell short of expectations. The watery consistency diluted the coffee’s flavor to the point where it was nearly imperceptible. The excessive sweetness further exacerbated the disappointing experience. It’s safe to say that McDonald’s is not a contender in the realm of iced coffee.
Burger King’s Excessive Sweetness
- Price: $2.99 for a 16 oz serving
- Strength: 4
- Sweetness: 4
- Creaminess: 3
Burger King’s iced coffee may be the strongest option on this list, but unfortunately, the exaggerated sweetness overshadows any positive aspects. It seems as if they attempted to mask the intensity of the coffee by drowning it in sugar. After just one sip, it became clear that this choice had no chance of winning the competition. It’s best to skip this one at BK.
The Unfortunate Loser: Dairy Queen
- Price: $2.29 for a small
- Strength: 4
- Sweetness: 4
- Creaminess: 4
Dairy Queen’s iced coffee had great potential, with its strong coffee flavor and perfectly creamy texture. However, the syrup they used transformed it into the biggest disappointment of the bunch. Excessive sweetness, reminiscent of chocolate syrup, overpowered any hints of the intended vanilla flavor. Additionally, there was an odd metallic aftertaste that left a less-than-desirable impression. Unfortunately, this coffee quickly found its way into the trash bin.
In Conclusion
After careful consideration, it was truly a close battle between the top two contenders. Chick-Fil-A impressed with its superior quality, but Jack in the Box managed to secure the top spot due to its affordable price (under $2, including tax) and slightly less sweetness. I assure you that treating yourself to either of these options will leave you more than satisfied.
As for the remaining contestants, it’s best to avoid them altogether when you’re in need of a refreshing, sweet summer pick-me-up. By skipping the rest and focusing on the top two winners, you’ll ensure a truly delightful iced coffee experience.
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