Coffee lovers across America have so many options when it comes to chain coffee shops and the drinks they serve. These popular chains offer a wide range of hot and cold options to suit different tastes, styles, and seasonal offerings. The best drinks at the top coffee chains often include unique blends, specialty lattes, and cold brew options.
Some standout choices include the Vietnamese Cold Brew Coffee from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso from Starbucks. These drinks showcase the creativity and quality that major coffee chains strive for. Many chains also focus on using high-quality beans and offering non-dairy milk options to cater to various preferences.
Coffee chains like Dutch Bros and Scooter’s Coffee have seen tremendous growth in recent years as more and more consumers have shifted to buying coffee from stores (especially those that have drive-thrus). This trend shows that Americans still love their coffee shop experiences and that the “luxury” of getting a coffee prepared for you is something they’re willing to pay for. As chains compete for customers, they keep coming up with new and exciting drink options and we’ve highlighted the best of the best from each shop.
The Largest Coffee Shops In The US
| Rank | Chain Name | Estimated US Stores |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Starbucks | 15873 |
| 2 | McDonald’s McCafe | 13544 |
| 3 | Dunkin’ | 9361 |
| 4 | Panera | 2203 |
| 5 | Dutch Bros | 994 |
| 6 | Scooter’s Coffee | 800 |
| 7 | Tim Hortons | 640 |
| 8 | Caribou Coffee | 496 |
| 9 | Biggby Coffee | 360 |
| 10 | Peet’s Coffee | 339 |
| 11 | The Coffee Bean | 205 |
| 12 | 7 Brew | 180 |
Starbucks
Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse company in the world, with over 33,000 stores in 80 countries. Known for its signature roasts, light bites, and WiFi availability, Starbucks is popular for its wide variety of coffee and tea drinks, as well as its pastries and sandwiches. The company has also been credited with popularizing the “third place” concept, which refers to a place where people can gather and socialize outside of their homes and workplaces. Starbucks is popular all over the United States, but it is particularly popular in urban areas and on college campuses.
Top Rated Hot Drinks At Starbucks
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caffè Latte | Espresso and steamed milk, topped with a layer of foam. A classic for a reason. |
| 2 | Cappuccino | Espresso with a thick layer of foam. Perfect for those who like a strong coffee flavor. |
| 3 | Caramel Macchiato | Vanilla-flavored espresso with steamed milk, topped with caramel drizzle. A sweet treat! |
| 4 | Flat White | Espresso with a thin layer of microfoam. Popular for its smooth, velvety texture. |
| 5 | Pumpkin Spice Latte | A seasonal favorite combining espresso, pumpkin spice sauce, and steamed milk. |
Top Rated Cold Drinks At Starbucks
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iced Coffee | Chilled coffee served over ice. Customizable with various flavors and milk options. |
| 2 | Cold Brew | Coffee steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours, resulting in a less acidic, smoother taste. |
| 3 | Iced Latte | Espresso and cold milk over ice. A refreshing take on the classic latte. |
| 4 | Iced Caramel Macchiato | A chilled version of the popular hot drink. |
| 5 | Refreshers | Fruit-flavored, lightly caffeinated beverages. Perfect for a hot day. |
McDonald’s McCafé
McDonald’s McCafé is a coffee-house-style food and beverage chain, owned by McDonald’s. Introduced in 2002, McCafé aims to provide a quick and affordable coffee option for those on the go. While not known for specialty coffee, McCafé focuses on classic espresso drinks, iced coffees, and blended beverages. Its popularity stems from its convenience, affordability, and familiarity, often attracting customers who are already visiting McDonald’s for food. McCafé is widespread throughout the United States, generally located within McDonald’s restaurants.
Top Rated Hot Drinks At McDonald’s McCafé
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Latte | Espresso and steamed milk, topped with a layer of foam. A classic for a reason. |
| 2 | Cappuccino | Espresso with a thick layer of foam. Perfect for those who like a strong coffee flavor. |
| 3 | Caramel Macchiato | Vanilla-flavored espresso with steamed milk, topped with caramel drizzle. A sweet treat! |
| 4 | Mocha | Chocolate-flavored latte. A decadent and comforting choice. |
| 5 | Hot Chocolate | A classic warm beverage, perfect for a chilly day. |
Top Rated Cold Drinks At McDonald’s McCafé
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iced Coffee | Chilled coffee served over ice. Customizable with various flavors and milk options. |
| 2 | Iced Latte | Espresso and cold milk over ice. A refreshing take on the classic latte. |
| 3 | Iced Caramel Macchiato | A chilled version of the popular hot drink. |
| 4 | Mocha Frappe | A blended iced coffee drink with chocolate flavor. |
| 5 | Caramel Frappe | A blended iced coffee drink with caramel flavor. |
Dunkin’
Dunkin’, formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts, is an American multinational coffeehouse and donut company. Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ is known for its coffee, donuts, and breakfast sandwiches. It distinguishes itself through its focus on speed and efficiency, catering to busy customers seeking a quick caffeine fix and a bite to eat. Dunkin’ is particularly popular in the Northeastern United States, but it has locations across the country.
Top Rated Hot Drinks At Dunkin
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Original Blend Coffee | Dunkin’s signature hot coffee, known for its smooth and balanced flavor. |
| 2 | Latte | Espresso and steamed milk, topped with a layer of foam. |
| 3 | Cappuccino | Espresso with a thick layer of foam. |
| 4 | Americano | Espresso diluted with hot water, offering a bold coffee flavor. |
| 5 | Hot Chocolate | A classic warm beverage, perfect for a chilly day. |
Top Rated Cold Drinks At Dunkin
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iced Coffee | Chilled coffee served over ice. Customizable with various flavors and milk options. |
| 2 | Cold Brew | Coffee steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours, resulting in a less acidic, smoother taste. |
| 3 | Iced Latte | Espresso and cold milk over ice. |
| 4 | Frozen Coffee | A blended iced coffee drink, similar to a frappe. |
| 5 | Coolatta | Dunkin’s signature frozen beverage, available in a variety of flavors. |
Panera Bread
Panera Bread is a bakery-cafe chain known for its fresh-baked bread, soups, salads, and sandwiches. While not solely a coffee shop, Panera offers a variety of coffee and espresso drinks to complement its menu. Panera distinguishes itself with its focus on high-quality ingredients and a comfortable, inviting atmosphere. It’s popular for its fast-casual dining experience, offering a more upscale alternative to traditional fast food. Panera Bread has locations across the United States, often found in suburban areas and shopping centers.
Top Rated Hot Drinks At Panera
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dark Roast Coffee | Panera’s signature dark roast coffee, known for its rich and bold flavor. |
| 2 | Hazelnut Coffee | A flavored coffee with a nutty aroma. |
| 3 | Latte | Espresso and steamed milk, topped with a layer of foam. |
| 4 | Cappuccino | Espresso with a thick layer of foam. |
| 5 | Hot Chocolate | A classic warm beverage, perfect for a chilly day. |
Top Rated Cold Drinks At Panera
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iced Coffee | Chilled coffee served over ice. Customizable with various flavors and milk options. |
| 2 | Iced Latte | Espresso and cold milk over ice. |
| 3 | Cold Brew | Coffee steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours, resulting in a less acidic, smoother taste. |
| 4 | Passion Papaya Green Tea | A refreshing blend of green tea, passionfruit, and papaya flavors. |
| 5 | Agave Lemonade | A refreshing lemonade sweetened with agave nectar. |
Dutch Bros
Dutch Bros is a drive-through coffee chain known for its upbeat atmosphere, friendly baristas, and extensive menu of specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, freezes, and teas. Dutch Bros distinguishes itself with its focus on customer service, creating a fun and energetic experience. The company is known for its unique and playful drink names, and its willingness to customize drinks to customers’ preferences. Dutch Bros is particularly popular in the Western United States, with a strong presence in Oregon, Washington, and California.
Top Rated Hot Drinks At Dutch Bros
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Golden Eagle Breve | A creamy blend of vanilla and caramel flavors, topped with caramel drizzle. |
| 2 | Caramelizer | A rich caramel mocha, perfect for those who like a sweet and indulgent coffee. |
| 3 | Annihilator | A decadent chocolate macadamia nut breve. |
| 4 | Kicker | A creamy Irish cream breve. |
| 5 | Cocomo | A delicious coconut mocha. |
Top Rated Cold Drinks At Dutch Bros
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iced Golden Eagle Breve | A refreshing take on the popular hot drink. |
| 2 | 9-1-1 | A powerful energy drink with six shots of espresso and Irish cream flavor. |
| 3 | Double Torture | An extra-strong vanilla mocha. |
| 4 | Cold Brew Kicker | A smooth cold brew with Irish cream flavor. |
| 5 | Picture Perfect Freeze | A simple and refreshing frozen drink, available in a variety of flavors. |
Scooter’s Coffee
Scooter’s Coffee is a drive-through coffee chain that specializes in espresso drinks, smoothies, and pastries. Scooter’s distinguishes itself with its focus on speed and convenience, aiming to provide a quick and efficient experience for customers on the go. The company is known for its friendly baristas and its commitment to using high-quality ingredients. Scooter’s Coffee is particularly popular in the Midwest, with a strong presence in Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas.
Top Rated Hot Drinks At Scooter’s
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caramel Latte | Espresso and steamed milk with caramel flavor. |
| 2 | Mocha | Chocolate-flavored latte. |
| 3 | Cappuccino | Espresso with a thick layer of foam. |
| 4 | Americano | Espresso diluted with hot water, offering a bold coffee flavor. |
| 5 | Hot Chocolate | A classic warm beverage, perfect for a chilly day. |
Top Rated Cold Drinks At Scooter’s
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iced Caramel Latte | A refreshing take on the popular hot drink. |
| 2 | Iced Mocha | Chocolate-flavored iced latte. |
| 3 | Caramel Frappe | A blended iced coffee drink with caramel flavor. |
| 4 | Mocha Frappe | A blended iced coffee drink with chocolate flavor. |
| 5 | Fruit Smoothie | A blend of fruit and yogurt, available in a variety of flavors. |
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons is a Canadian multinational fast food restaurant chain known for its coffee and donuts. Founded in 1964, Tim Hortons has become a Canadian cultural icon, known for its affordable prices and its association with hockey. The company distinguishes itself with its focus on Canadian traditions and its commitment to community involvement. While Tim Hortons is most popular in Canada, it has a growing presence in the United States, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest.
Top Rated Hot Drinks At Tim Hortons
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Original Blend Coffee | Tim Hortons’ signature hot coffee, known for its medium roast and smooth flavor. |
| 2 | Double Double | Coffee with two creams and two sugars, a classic Canadian order. |
| 3 | French Vanilla Cappuccino | A creamy cappuccino with French vanilla flavor. |
| 4 | Latte | Espresso and steamed milk, topped with a layer of foam. |
| 5 | Hot Chocolate | A classic warm beverage, perfect for a chilly day. |
Top Rated Cold Drinks At Tim Hortons
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iced Coffee | Chilled coffee served over ice. Customizable with various flavors and milk options. |
| 2 | Iced Capp | A blended iced cappuccino, a signature Tim Hortons drink. |
| 3 | Iced Latte | Espresso and cold milk over ice. |
| 4 | Frozen Lemonade | A refreshing frozen lemonade, available in a variety of flavors. |
| 5 | Real Fruit Quencher | A blend of real fruit and juice, a healthier alternative to sugary drinks. |
Caribou Coffee
Caribou Coffee is a specialty coffeehouse company known for its premium roasted coffee, handcrafted beverages, and cozy atmosphere. Caribou distinguishes itself with its commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability, using Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee beans. The company is known for its unique flavor profiles and its focus on creating a warm and welcoming environment. Caribou Coffee is particularly popular in the Midwest, with a strong presence in Minnesota, where it was founded.
Top Rated Hot Drinks At Caribou Coffee
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caribou Blend Coffee | Caribou’s signature blend, known for its smooth and balanced flavor. |
| 2 | Mocha | Chocolate-flavored latte. |
| 3 | Cappuccino | Espresso with a thick layer of foam. |
| 4 | Americano | Espresso diluted with hot water, offering a bold coffee flavor. |
| 5 | Turtle Mocha | A decadent mocha with caramel and chocolate flavors. |
Top Rated Cold Drinks At Caribou Coffee
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iced Coffee | Chilled coffee served over ice. Customizable with various flavors and milk options. |
| 2 | Nitro Cold Press | Cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen, creating a creamy and smooth texture. |
| 3 | Iced Latte | Espresso and cold milk over ice. |
| 4 | Blended Mocha | A blended iced coffee drink with chocolate flavor. |
| 5 | Campfire Mocha | A unique blended drink with chocolate, marshmallow, and smoked butterscotch flavors. |
Biggby Coffee
Biggby Coffee is a rapidly growing coffee chain known for its wide variety of specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, and teas. Biggby distinguishes itself with its focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, with a “come as you are” attitude. The company is known for its friendly baristas, its commitment to quality, and its fun and quirky branding. Biggby Coffee is particularly popular in the Midwest, with a strong presence in Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois.
Top Rated Hot Drinks At Biggby Coffee
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caramel Marvel | A creamy blend of caramel and vanilla flavors, topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. |
| 2 | Teddy Bear Latte | A sweet and comforting latte with caramel, vanilla, and chocolate flavors. |
| 3 | Hot Chocolate | A classic warm beverage, perfect for a chilly day. |
| 4 | Latte | Espresso and steamed milk, topped with a layer of foam. |
| 5 | Mocha | Chocolate-flavored latte. |
Top Rated Cold Drinks At Biggby Coffee
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caramel Marvel Freeze | A frozen blend of caramel and vanilla flavors, topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. |
| 2 | Teddy Bear Freeze | A frozen blend of caramel, vanilla, and chocolate flavors. |
| 3 | Iced Latte | Espresso and cold milk over ice. |
| 4 | Frozen Hot Chocolate | A frozen blend of chocolate and milk. |
| 5 | Smoothies | A blend of fruit and yogurt, available in a variety of flavors. |
Peet’s Coffee
Peet’s Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster and retailer known for its high-quality coffee beans and its handcrafted beverages. Peet’s distinguishes itself with its focus on freshness, roasting its beans in small batches and delivering them to its stores within 24 hours. The company is known for its rich and flavorful coffee, its knowledgeable baristas, and its commitment to sustainability. Peet’s Coffee is particularly popular in California, where it was founded, but it has locations across the United States.
Top Rated Hot Drinks At Peet’s Coffee
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Major Dickason’s Blend Coffee | Peet’s signature dark roast blend, known for its bold and complex flavor. |
| 2 | Caffè Latte | Espresso and steamed milk, topped with a layer of foam. |
| 3 | Cappuccino | Espresso with a thick layer of foam. |
| 4 | Mocha | Chocolate-flavored latte. |
| 5 | Caramel Macchiato | Vanilla-flavored espresso with steamed milk, topped with caramel drizzle. |
Top Rated Cold Drinks At Peet’s Coffee
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iced Coffee | Chilled coffee served over ice. Customizable with various flavors and milk options. |
| 2 | Cold Brew | Coffee steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours, resulting in a less acidic, smoother taste. |
| 3 | Iced Latte | Espresso and cold milk over ice. |
| 4 | Javiva | Peet’s signature blended iced coffee drink, available in a variety of flavors. |
| 5 | Iced Tea | A refreshing blend of tea and fruit flavors. |
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is a specialty coffee and tea retailer known for its high-quality beans and leaves, and its handcrafted beverages. The Coffee Bean distinguishes itself with its focus on sourcing the finest ingredients from around the world, and its commitment to providing a premium coffee and tea experience. The company is known for its diverse selection of coffee and tea varieties, its knowledgeable baristas, and its comfortable and inviting stores. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is particularly popular in Southern California, where it was founded, but it has locations across the United States and internationally.
Top Rated Hot Drinks At The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Original Blend Coffee | The Coffee Bean’s signature blend, known for its smooth and balanced flavor. |
| 2 | Vanilla Latte | Espresso and steamed milk with vanilla flavor. |
| 3 | Cappuccino | Espresso with a thick layer of foam. |
| 4 | Mocha | Chocolate-flavored latte. |
| 5 | Caramel Macchiato | Vanilla-flavored espresso with steamed milk, topped with caramel drizzle. |
Top Rated Cold Drinks At The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iced Blended® Coffee | The Coffee Bean’s signature blended iced coffee drink, similar to a frappe, available in a variety of flavors. |
| 2 | Iced Latte | Espresso and cold milk over ice. |
| 3 | Cold Brew Tea | Tea steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours, resulting in a less acidic, smoother taste. |
| 4 | Iced Tea | A refreshing blend of tea and fruit flavors. |
| 5 | Pure Leaf Iced Tea | A selection of bottled iced teas, available in a variety of flavors. |
7 Brew
7 Brew is a drive-through coffee chain that focuses on providing a fast and friendly experience, with a focus on personalized service. 7 Brew distinguishes itself with its unique approach to customer interaction, with “Brewistas” engaging with customers through headsets and offering a fun and energetic atmosphere. The company is known for its wide variety of coffee drinks, smoothies, teas, and energy drinks, with a focus on customization and unique flavor combinations. 7 Brew is a relatively new chain, but it is rapidly expanding across the United States, with a strong presence in the South and Midwest.
Top Rated Hot Drinks At 7 Brew
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blondie | A creamy blend of white chocolate and brown sugar cinnamon flavors. |
| 2 | Brunette | A rich and decadent mocha with caramel and hazelnut flavors. |
| 3 | German Chocolate | A mocha with coconut and pecan flavors. |
| 4 | White Chocolate Mocha | A classic mocha with white chocolate flavor. |
| 5 | Hot Chocolate | A classic warm beverage, perfect for a chilly day. |
Top Rated Cold Drinks At 7 Brew
| Rank | Drink | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blondie Chillers | A frozen blend of white chocolate and brown sugar cinnamon flavors. |
| 2 | Brunette Chillers | A frozen blend of mocha, caramel, and hazelnut flavors. |
| 3 | Smoothies | A blend of fruit and yogurt, available in a variety of flavors. |
| 4 | Seven Energy | 7 Brew’s signature energy drink, available in a variety of flavors. |
| 5 | Iced Coffee | Chilled coffee served over ice. Customizable with various flavors and milk options. |
Key Takeaways
- Top coffee chains offer unique signature drinks to stand out from competitors
- Cold brew and specialty lattes are popular choices among coffee chain customers
- Many coffee chains focus on quality beans and non-dairy options to appeal to different tastes
Exploring the Top Coffee Shop Chains
Coffee chains offer a mix of popular drinks and unique options. Some focus on quality beans, while others excel at fast service or regional flavors.
National Coffee Chains and Their Offerings
Starbucks leads the pack with nearly 30,000 stores worldwide. They offer a wide range of coffee drinks, from basic brews to fancy lattes. Dunkin’ follows closely, known for quick service and affordable prices. Their menu includes coffee, donuts, and breakfast items.
Peet’s Coffee stands out for its high-quality beans and strong flavors. They roast in small batches for freshness. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offers both coffee and tea drinks, with a focus on flavored lattes.
Tim Hortons, popular in Canada, has gained fans in the U.S. too. They’re known for friendly service and budget-friendly options.
Specialty Coffee and Regional Favorites
Blue Bottle and Stumptown focus on premium coffee experiences. They offer pour-over coffee and carefully crafted espresso drinks. These chains often have fewer locations but attract coffee lovers.
Caribou Coffee, big in the Midwest, ranked high for taste in a recent survey. They use top-quality beans and offer unique seasonal drinks.
La Colombe, started in Philadelphia, has grown thanks to its draft latte. This canned drink blends cold brew and milk for a creamy texture.
Intelligentsia appeals to coffee experts with its focus on direct trade and precise brewing methods.
Drive-Thru and Convenience-First Chains
Dutch Bros. Coffee has gained popularity for its friendly service and quick drive-thrus. They offer coffee drinks, smoothies, and energy drinks with many flavor options.
The Human Bean focuses on drive-thru service with a menu of hot and iced coffees, teas, and smoothies. They’re known for free shots of flavor in drinks.
Scooter’s Coffee has grown fast by targeting smaller towns. They use top-quality beans and offer a range of drinks through drive-thru windows.
These chains aim to serve tasty coffee quickly, often with cheerful staff and loyalty programs to keep customers coming back.
Signature Drinks and Menu Highlights
Coffee shops offer a wide range of drinks to suit different tastes. From classic espresso-based options to unique seasonal specials, there’s something for everyone. Let’s explore some popular choices.
Espresso-Based Favorites
Lattes are a top pick at most coffee shops. They mix espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. Vanilla lattes add a sweet twist to the classic recipe. Caramel macchiatos blend espresso, vanilla syrup, steamed milk, and caramel drizzle.
For a stronger taste, try an americano. It’s espresso mixed with hot water. Cappuccinos are another popular choice. They have equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam.
Many shops also offer flavor shots. Common options include hazelnut, mocha, and cinnamon. These can be added to any drink for extra taste.
Unique Offerings and Seasonal Specialties
Coffee shops often create special drinks to stand out. Some invent new flavors, while others put a spin on old favorites.
Seasonal drinks are a big draw. In fall, pumpkin spice lattes are a hit. Winter brings peppermint mochas and gingerbread lattes. Spring and summer see fruity and refreshing options like berry-flavored teas and coconut milk drinks.
Some shops offer non-coffee choices too. Green tea lattes and chai tea lattes are common. For those avoiding caffeine, there are often herbal teas and hot chocolate.
Cold Coffee Delights
Iced coffee is a staple in warmer months. It’s simply hot coffee cooled down and served over ice. Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for hours. This creates a smooth, less acidic taste.
Frappuccinos are blended drinks that mix coffee, milk, ice, and flavors. They’re often topped with whipped cream. Some popular flavors are mocha, caramel, and vanilla bean.
Nitro cold brew is a newer trend. It’s cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas. This gives it a creamy texture and slightly sweet taste. It’s usually served straight from a tap, like beer.
Sustainability and Ethical Practices
Coffee shops now focus on eco-friendly practices and ethical sourcing. These efforts aim to reduce their impact on the planet and support coffee farmers.
Sourcing of Coffee and Certifications
Many large coffee chains work to get their beans from sustainable farms. Starbucks uses C.A.F.E. Practices, a program they started in 2004. This checks how farms treat workers and the land. Blue Bottle Coffee ranks high for its ethical sourcing. They buy from small farms and pay fair prices.
Some chains use third-party certifications. These include Rainforest Alliance and Fair Trade. These labels show the coffee meets certain standards. They look at things like worker pay and environmental care.
Specialty coffee roasters often go a step further. They may visit farms and build long-term relationships with growers. This helps ensure quality and fair treatment.
Environmental Efforts of Major Chains
Coffee shops are trying to cut waste and save energy. Many now offer discounts for bringing reusable cups. Some chains have switched to cups that can be recycled or composted.
Starbucks plans to cut its waste and carbon footprint in half by 2030. They’re testing new store designs that use less energy. Some shops are using solar power and energy-efficient equipment.
Biggby Coffee started using lids without straws in 2019. This helps reduce plastic waste. Other chains are following suit with similar changes to their packaging.
Some coffee shops now offer plant-based milk options. These often have a lower environmental impact than dairy. Chains are also working to use less water and recycle more in their stores.
