As coffee prices climb nationwide, Burger King’s small iced coffee stands as the cheapest at $1.99 in 2025, beating McDonald’s $2.79 option. Fast-food chains now lead the race for budget-friendly options, with Tim Hortons and Sonic offering iced coffee at $3.04 and $3.59 respectively. Even Starbucks’ simplest small iced coffee sits at $4.25, pushing cost-conscious buyers to investigate trends beyond familiar brands. Dunkin’ dominates as the priciest, charging $5.31 for a small cup—over twice Burger King’s price. The gap reflects a market where affordability increasingly shapes choices amid rising costs.
Amid 2025’s coffee price surge, Burger King’s $1.99 iced coffee leads fast-food chains, undercutting McDonald’s ($2.79), Starbucks ($4.25), and pricier rivals.
Iced coffee trends now stretch beyond coffee shops. Subscription services like Wandering Bear let customers save with pre-made cold brew, starting at $39.99 for 96 ounces. For even deeper savings, customizable delivery plans like Gradys Cold Brew start at $12 monthly, offering organic options and adjustable schedules. Such plans cater to regular drinkers seeking reliable, low-cost caffeine.
Most subscriptions allow flexible delivery schedules and free shipping over $25, though organic certifications can bump prices. For those making iced coffee at home, these services offer an easy base for adding milk or sweeteners.
Market forces drive this shift. Prices for coffee products have surged in 2025, with some brands doubling costs. Inflation and tariffs squeeze budgets, while mid-tier coffee options vanish from shelves.
Sales of popular blends decline as buyers resist $2-$3 price hikes. Many now brew at home or seek cheaper retail alternatives to avoid daily café stops.
Store-bought iced coffee fills part of this gap. Brands like Cafe Bustelo earn praise for balanced sweetness and acidity, rivaling coffee shop quality. Others, including International Delight and Dunkin’, offer vanilla or caramel flavors.
Grocery shelves now stock more options to match varied tastes, though some products still suffer from sour or stale notes.
Cold brew also competes for budget-minded drinkers. Stumptown’s Original Cold Brew tops flavor rankings, while Trader Joe’s and Good & Gather provide cheaper alternatives.
These are often praised for smoothness, making them versatile bases for homemade iced coffee.
Consumer behavior underscores a tense market. Many refuse to pay premium prices, leading to dips in drugstore and convenience store sales.
With middle-ground options shrinking, brands face pressure to balance quality and cost. For now, Burger King’s $1.99 deal remains a standout in a landscape where every dollar counts. Surprising as it seems, fast food’s simplest offering may define the future of affordable caffeine.
