Starbucks, Chick-fil-A or Dunkin’: Who Has the Best Frozen Caramel Coffee?
Last week, the fast food world welcomed its newest caffeinated treat with the launch of Chick-fil-A’s Frosted Caramel Coffee. We tried it, and it did not disappoint.
But it’s hard to really tell just how good something is until you line it up next to its toughest competitors, Starbucks and Dunkin’, and do a side-by-side taste test.
So we called on Stetson, our trusted taste-tester, who happily climbed out from under his chicken sandwich hangover to take on our frozen caramel coffee challenge. His mission was to test the frozen caramel coffee beverages from Starbucks, Dunkin’, and Chick-fil-A, and determine a winner.
Stetson says: Going into this, I wasn’t sure what to expect as I hardly ever drink coffee, so this is completely new! As excited as I was to try something new, I had in my head that Starbucks would be the better option as that’s all I have ever known. I had never had a Dunkin’ drink in my life and Chick-fil-A just came out with their drink!
Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino
Starbucks’ Caramel Frappuccino is a frosty blend of coffee, milk, ice, and caramel, topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce. Available in tall, grande, and venti, Stetson paid $4.45 for the grande size at his location.
Stetson says: Starting with Starbucks, it did taste yummy. You definitely get the caramel flavor; however, there was this lingering burnt taste at the end that turned me away from the rest of the drink.
Hip Tip: Download the Starbucks App and become a Starbucks Rewards Member to order ahead and pay with your phone. You’ll also be able to track Stars and earn rewards, earn free food and drinks, get free unlimited refills on brewed coffee and tea, and receive special bonuses like exclusive rewards and a birthday treat!
Chick-fil-A Frosted Caramel Coffee
Chick-fil-A’s new Frosted Caramel Coffee is a hand-spun beverage that blends cold-brewed coffee with vanilla ice cream and caramel syrup. Available in both small and large sizes, it cost $3.89 for a small at Stetson’s location.
Stetson says: Chick-fil-A was very similar, but had a milkshake vibe to it as I guess they include ice cream in theirs. It was really creamy and I really enjoyed the drink, although it was a bit on the sweet side… so if you have a major sweet tooth, this drink’s for you.
Hip Tip: Download the Chick-fil-A App and join Chick-fil-A One, a tiered membership program that gives you the ability to order through the app, earn points with every purchase, and redeem them for tasty rewards!
Dunkin’ Frozen Caramel Coffee
Made with a special extract featuring 100% Arabica coffee, Dunkin’s Frozen Caramel Coffee is blended with ice and dairy for a rich, sweet and creamy coffee kick. Available in small, medium and large sizes, Stetson paid $4.39 for a medium (which towered over both the Starbucks grande and Chick-fil-A small sizes).
Stetson says: Lastly, the winner (in my mind) – Dunkin’! My first time trying out this frappe I had no idea what to expect. I think it tastes like what I would think a frappuccino should taste like: A cold, yummy, refreshing drink with that caramel taste and a hint of that coffee aftertaste to give you that pick-me-up throughout the day. SO good.
Hip Tip: Download the Dunkin’ App and join DD Perks from inside the app to order ahead, pay with your phone and skip the line! You’ll also be able to redeem rewards, receive offers, and locate your nearest Dunkin’.
I did enjoy all three in different ways, but the clear winner in my opinion is DUNKIN’!
Learn how to make delicious cold brew at home with our guide to cold brew coffee!
Starbucks
Yep, Starbucks for sure!
Tim horton’s!!
Yes!!! I love Tim Hortons!!
Thanks for sharing, Janet! My mom loves Tim Horton’s too!
Agreed, STARBUCKS! LOL!!
Agree with Stetson!
🙌
Starbucks hands down!
McDonalds is best! It’s so creamy.
I was going to say, wish he had tried McDonalds. I like theirs a lot.
Ooooh I read too many stories about McD and their laziness on cleaning their ice cream and McCafe machines and mold growing in them. Same with BK. I only get brewed coffee now. I don’t trust their machine stuff.
Mold grows on soda machines too sooo if you have a problem with that don’t order anything from the soda fountains at any restaurant or fast food joint. 😀 worked in a restaurant and it was only me who cleaned it. got disgusting really fast doubt most places do properly clean them. I’ve seen mold in McDonald’s machines where the store recently remodeled and got new machines 🤷🏻♀️ or just avoid the popular drinks ie coke sprite stick with the hi c Fanta no one drinks they are cleaner. 😆 ohhhh and ice machines get moldy too. Sooo avoid ice too. Hmm. Just get bottled drinks.
McDonald’s
McDonalds Over Starbucks ANYDAY! $2 😁
McDonalds is my favorite!
Chick Fil A! It tastes exactly like Baskin Robbins’ Cappuccino Blast, which I love too…except CFA’s is cheaper 🙂
Starbucks
Agreed…I prefer Dunkin’ over Starbucks!
I love the new Chik Fil A frozen caramel coffee! It’s divine!
What’s the deal with ChikFilA? I have never been to one (locations are out of the way for me)… Is it really that good? I am a little hesitant given their controversy from a few years ago, but would maybe give them a chance.
The controversy was media made. They employ gays. They have never refused to serve gays. The original owner who is no longer the owner had made contributions to a family group. It was later claimed that group at one time used shock therapy to convince people they weren’t gay. If you do some research on it the after that situation the owner of chick Fil a actually contacted the head of the largest gay rights group at that time. They met and talked and became friends. They admit they do have differing opinions on things but both consider the other a friend.
Chick Fil A is a Christian owned company but they have never mistreated anyone. As is usually the case the media (and I mean all media left and right) only report what works for their story.
In my opinion chick Fil a is the first choice if we are traveling or eating fast food. Good food. Amazing customer service and clean bathrooms.
the controversy wasn’t media made. yes they employ LGBTQ people, yes they serve LGBTQ people but they were also donating HUGE sums of money to anti gay and conversion programs. The owner, PROMISED his customers and the media he would stop donating to said programs and for 3 years after they still showed tax records of those donations. For myself personally, having a trans child, I will not spend my money there, I do not begrudge those who do, and somedays I wish I didn’t have the principles that I have, so I could try the lemonade everyone raves about.
I cannot stand chick fil a. I have never gotten anything that’s been remotely “amazing”. I really don’t understand the hype AT ALL! I will say the employees were friendly but the food was typical fast food quality, prices were a tad on the high side for me, and the wait alone was dreadful. I still see it packed and the drive thru line SO long EVERY day so clearly it’s hitting the spot for some people but I just was not even remotely impressed.
Dunkin doughnuts are the best
Dutch Bros.!! 😃💜
Dutch Bros is my all time fave, Jill!
10000%!!!
Scooter’s blended carmaelicious is THE BEST I’ve ever had. I live in Nebraska and I don’t know how far out they go, but def get yourself some Scooters if you can.
I love Starbucks but I have to say I had chick fil a frozen coffee and it was amazing!!! Gotta try it
Please keep reviews coming I’m really enjoying them.
You bet! Thanks for the feedback, Cheri!
I had a frozen Dunkin Frozen Pumpkin today and it was AMAZEBALLS!!!
YUM!
I enjoy the chick fil a frozen coffee. However, mine doesn’t taste sweet, which is why I like it. It tastes like they just mix the unsweetened coffee with their ice cream. As far as texture, I enjoy the McDonald’s frappe texture better.
Dunkin will always be my favorite for coffee drinks – fair price with tasty seasonal flavors. Although chick-fil-a’s frosted coffee is tasty so I will give caramel a try (though he hit it on the spot that it’s more of a milkshake.)
I used to be a frequent Starbucks customer. Then I tried Dunkin Donuts during one of their happy hour specials. I was hooked, especially for the price. Besides loving their iced lattes, I find they are the most consistent. I can go to Starbucks, order the same thing each time, and have it taste different each time. I love the consistency of DD.
Their iced cappuccino with caramel macchiato is a bomb. It the happy hour special at Dunkin now.
Jack in the box used to have a kona coffee iced caramel coffee that was awesome!!! Last i ckd they dont make em anymore.. anyone know? I dont ever go to jack n the box anymore.
I have to agree with Stetson…..taste wins over!!
Try Burger King. They have small caramel frappe for $1 and it’s delicious. 😉 <3
Thanks so much for the suggestion!
I want to know how sick Stetson was after all three? Hello sugar and caffeine!! Love his reviews