Skip to content

7 Most Expensive Coffee Drinks at Popular Fast-Food Chains

Stay away from these if you're on a budget.

If Starbucks did one thing in its world domination, it's that the chain normalized the concept of spending five-plus dollars on coffee. No judgment here—if pricey coffee drinks are what makes you happy, you do you.

But if you're on a budget, you might not want to drop a Lincoln every time you need a cup of Joe. With that in mind, we decided to see what the most expensive drinks were at some of the most popular fast-food chains—whether you're looking to order a luxury option or avoid it.

To figure out which drinks are the most expensive of all, we compared the price points for coffee drinks at popular fast-food chains. Note that these prices are based on a New York City market, so they might be different depending on your location.

And for more, don't miss these 15 Classic American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback.

STARBUCKS: Iced Brown Sugar Oat Shaken Espresso, $5.95

iced shaken espresso brown sugar oatmilk
Starbucks

A good number of Starbucks' grande drinks pass the five-dollar mark. But the new oatmilk-based offering is almost a full $6. By contrast, drinks like the iced cinnamon dolce latte, an iced flat white, the honey almondmilk nitro cold brew, and a caramel macchiato each cost $5.45.

Aside from that, though, there are other price differences to be aware of at Starbucks. A white chocolate mocha, for instance, costs $5.45, while a regular mocha is just $5.25. And Frappuccino flavors like java chip and mocha will cost you $5.75, while the coffee Frappuccino was just $5.45.

Sign up for our newsletter to get daily recipes and food news in your inbox!

DUNKIN': Oatmilk Iced Latte, $5.59

dunkin oatmilk lattes
Courtesy of Dunkin'

If you want oat milk, it'll cost you. A regular iced latte is $4.59 at Dunkin, while a "signature" iced latte is $5.05. But the oatmilk version is a whopping $5.59, making it more expensive than even the cold brews topped with cold foam.

Your ultimate restaurant and supermarket survival guide is here!

PANERA: Frozen Mocha or Caramel Cold Brew, $4.79

panera frozen mocha cold brew
Courtesy of Panera

As at McDonald's, the frozen drinks at Panera are the most expensive coffee options on the menu. If you're looking to save money, regular hot and iced coffees are just $2.39 each.

CHICK-FIL-A: Iced Coffee, $3.39

iced coffee from chick-fil-a
Courtesy of Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A has two coffee options: hot and iced. And unlike many of its competitors, Chick-fil-A offers just two sizes, small and large. A small hot coffee will cost you $3.39, whether you choose original or vanilla flavor, and a large will set you back $3.79. The hot coffee, meanwhile, is $2.25 for a small and $2.89 for a large.

WENDY's: Frosty-ccino, $3.19

wendys frosty ccino
Courtesy of Wendy's

Like Chick-fil-A, Wendy's offers just two sizes of its hot coffee, cold brew, and Frosty-ccino drinks. A small Frosty-ccino is $2.89, and a large is $3.19.

MCDONALD'S: Mocha or Caramel Frappé, $3.19

Mcdonalds mccafe mocha frappe
Courtesy of McDonald's

A few dollar bills will take you a long way at the McCafe. You can get any flavor of medium latte or cappuccino, hot or iced, for $2.75. Hot coffee is a steal at $1.50, while a medium iced coffee is just $2. The mocha and caramel Frappés are $3.19 each for a medium, but the extra money might be worth it if you're craving a frozen drink.

BURGER KING: Iced Coffee or Caramel Frappé, $2.99

burger king cafe mocha frappe
Courtesy of Burger King

Burger King just might be the best fast-food spot to grab a frozen drink. Unlike at McDonald's, the frozen caramel Frappé is the same price as the chain's iced coffee: $2.99 for a medium. That's cheaper than the McDonald's Frappé!

Meghan De Maria
Meghan De Maria is a senior editor at Eat This, Not That!, specializing in food, product, and restaurant coverage. Read more about Meghan