Affordable Flavored Coffee Drinks
Less Expensive Speciality Drink Alternatives to Starbucks
There is no need to spend a mint on fancy coffee beverages. As the coffee addiction continues to grow, major chains offer competitively prices drinks worth trying.
Addicted to Starbucks, but not addicted to the expense? There are several affordable specialty coffees available for the addict on a budget. As specialty coffee grows in popularity, expect it to become a staple on most menus.
Dunkin' Donuts Coffee
Dunkin' Donuts is making a strong presence in the flavored coffee market lately. But is it worth the hype? In terms of cost, the difference for iced lattes isn't significant between Dunkin' Donuts and the more expensive chains. For hot coffee, or flavored coffee the difference is substantial. For a third of the cost, a consumer can choose from one of nine sugar free flavor additives to their morning coffee. Featuring 100% free trade coffee, Dunkin Donuts is also trying to appeal to environmental sentiments. With a variety of choices and a rapidly expanding menu, Dunkin' Donuts is certainly worth trying.
McDonald's Iced Coffee
Surprisingly delicious, McDonald's has launched their new iced coffee line with abundant promotion and advertising. A gargantuan drink, large enough to water a small garden, will cost about $1.99. Flavors include hazelnut, a simply sweet vanilla, and regular. Mocha is also available in some markets. This particular brand is likely to give Starbucks a significant run for their money. With a perfect mixture of rich roasted coffee flavor and delicately sweet flavoring, these iced coffees are worth a try.
Sonic Java Chiller
Feeling tired? Constantly craving sweets? Well SONIC® has just what you need. Or so they claim. These treats are absolutely delicious, but they might not cut it for the hard core coffee consumer. More like a flavorful milkshake, or some sort of dessert treat, these drinks are a combination of expression, vanilla soft serve and topped with mocha, caramel or hazelnut drizzle. For somewhere around $2.50 these treats offer sinful level of indulgence, but aren't necessarily to be considered "serious" coffee.
Local Coffee Shops
Often overlooked, just about every town has a corner coffee stand that dims under the glowing lights of corporate America. Don't be so quick to pass it by. Local coffee shops may not be any more affordable than major chains, but they may offer a little something extra for the money. Usually local coffee shops offer higher quality pastries and muffin, occasionally they're even made in house. The atmosphere can be cozy, and provide a more personal feel than chains with carefully commercialized products. If you only have a minute or two to spare, consider a quick stops or gas stations. These establishments are sometimes equip with deluxe coffee bars and flavoring additives for fancier coffee drinks at extremely low prices.
Wherever a consumer finds their daily caffeine fix, it's important to realize there are options. With coffee growing daily in popularity, and specialty lattees and cappuccinos leading the field, prices and selection are destined to become more competitive.
