McDonald’s: The Sustainability-Focused Surprise
McDonald’s might be known for their burgers and fries, but their coffee earns high praises as well. One customer on Reddit wrote, “McDonald’s Classic Cold Coffee and Iced Coffee are good!! I was pleasantly surprised when I had the first sip of it (and as happy as a kid for the rest of the evening, as I finally found a good coffee).” Another wrote, “McD has really good coffee.” Behind the scenes, McDonald’s has invested heavily in quality and sustainability initiatives that directly impact flavor.
In 2024, McDonald’s achieved nearly 97% sustainably sourced ground and whole bean coffee globally. This is achieved in one of two ways: coffee is sourced as certified to international sustainability standards through organizations such as Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade International and Fair Trade USA, or coffee is sourced from farms participating in approved roaster-led programs that comply with the McCafé SIP program. Their commitment to quality sourcing translates directly into a better-tasting cup that many customers now consider their go-to coffee option.
Chick-fil-A: The Colombian Bean Champion
Coffee is surely part of the reason why Chick-fil-A is America’s favorite fast food joint. Maybe their coffee tastes so good because they get their beans from Thrive Farmers, a company that allows South American farmers to sell directly to large corporations. Whatever the secret is, it’s working for Chick-fil-A because their coffee literally couldn’t get much better. Their regular coffee, which is made from 100 percent Colombian coffee beans, is great. The partnership with Thrive Farmers ensures both quality and ethical sourcing practices.
But even better is Chick-fil-A’s iced coffee. They blend together the perfect amount of pure cane sugar and fresh milk with the coffee, and the result is otherworldly. While the vanilla version is great, the regular is the cream of the crop. Next time you order a chicken sandwich, chicken nuggets, or a chicken biscuit from Chick-fil-A, don’t forget the large iced coffee. What sets them apart is their attention to the small details that make a huge difference in taste.
Dunkin’: The Consistent Coffee Experience
Don’t let the name deceive you, Dunkin’ Donuts isn’t a donut shop that sells coffee – it’s a coffee shop that sells donuts. The company claims to sell 60 cups of coffee per second and employ taste testers who sip from 200 cups of coffee per day to ensure consistency from cup to cup. That vast experience and commitment to consistency is admirable but Dunkin’ hasn’t yet reached the next echelon of coffee greatness. Their dedication to consistency means you know exactly what to expect every time you visit.
The best part about Dunkin’ is all the options. They have the standard flavor shots and a few that stand out such as blueberry, coconut, and even pumpkin when it’s in season. Dunkin’ also has really good cold brew that is steeped in cold water overnight for optimal taste. If you keep your expectations in check and don’t go in thinking you’ll be given greatness in a cup, you’ll be more than satisfied by the coffee options Dunkin’ has to offer. Their coffee tastes smooth and customers report they’ve never had it taste burnt. The coffee has a great robust flavor that keeps people coming back daily.
Burger King: The Arabica Bean Underdog
Burger King serves iced and hot coffee with 100% Arabica beans and offers a variety of flavors customers love. One Redditor wrote, “Iced salted caramel!! The best hahaha.” In a separate Reddit thread, the original poster shared a photo BK’s coffee and wrote, “Burger King’s Brewed Coffee (good and affordable!)” The chain has quietly become a solid coffee option that many customers overlook simply because they associate it primarily with burgers.
Like the other fast-food joint, Burger King offers a classic coffee only – BK Cafe Decaf. Others say that it looks and tastes like the McDonalds’, their coffee is set to medium roast as well, which is okay. Again, nothing extraordinary, but hey, sometimes, simple is better. Their straightforward approach to coffee has earned them a dedicated following among customers who appreciate quality without the fuss. Try Burger King. They have small caramel frappe for $1 and it’s delicious.
Hardee’s: The Hidden Fast-Food Coffee Champion
Known for their juicy, hearty burgers and Southern-inspired comfort food, Hardee’s has an underrated breakfast menu that includes coffee. One customer wrote, “Hardee’s has the best coffee of any fat food place. And it’s not even close. Only other place that can compete is Wawa, but I have to get out of the car.” This passionate endorsement from a regular customer speaks volumes about the quality Hardee’s delivers consistently.
What makes Hardee’s coffee stand out is their commitment to quality preparation and sourcing, even though they don’t make as much noise about it as other chains. Their coffee program focuses on delivering a robust, satisfying cup that complements their hearty breakfast offerings perfectly. Many customers discover Hardee’s coffee by accident but become loyal customers once they taste what the chain has been quietly perfecting for years.
These five fast-food chains have proven that great coffee doesn’t require a fancy coffeehouse setting or premium prices. From McDonald’s sustainability initiatives to Chick-fil-A’s Colombian beans and Hardee’s passionate customer base, each chain brings something special to the table. Next time you’re grabbing a quick meal, don’t overlook the coffee menu – you might just discover your new favorite caffeine fix. What surprised you the most about these coffee revelations?
