Ranking Fast Food Chains With the Best Sweet Tea
Sweet tea loyalty runs deep, especially in the South, and fast food chains have made it easier for fans to get their fix just about anywhere. That said, not all sweet teas are equal. Here’s a ranking of the most flavorful and affordable sweet teas across fast food chains nationwide.
Hardee’s
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This tea barely registers any tea bitterness, and some might call it sugar water. Still, the drink has a loyal following, and for good reason: it fits the classic Southern-style sweet tea mold. For those who grew up on that type, Hardee’s delivers precisely what’s expected, even if it lacks subtlety or nuance.
Culver’s
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Culver’s sweet tea sits on the sugar-forward end of the scale, but it still carries some black tea flavor. The smaller cup sizes and higher price might be a turnoff. Still, it’s worth a try if you’re already ordering cheese curds or frozen custard.
Zaxby’s
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Zaxby’s tea is on the weaker side, but the overall drink is fresh and pleasant enough. It’s not going to win any strong opinions, which might be the point. If you’re just trying to wash down some chicken fingers, this won’t steer you wrong.
Raising Cane’s
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Cane’s lets you pour your own, which makes customizing sweetness easy. Their nugget ice draws attention, especially from die-hard ice chewers. The tea itself doesn’t have much depth—it’s more sweet than steeped—but it’s still refreshing, especially if your chicken basket comes with extra fries and sauce.
McDonald’s
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Consistency is McDonald’s greatest strength. The sweet tea is sugary to the point where the tea flavor fades quickly, but for many, that’s the appeal. It’s consistent and widely available, usually for around a dollar.
Shake Shack
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Not the first place you’d expect to find good sweet tea. Still, Shake Shack’s offering holds its own. The tea itself is brighter and more aromatic than expected, with a mild sweetness that lingers. The price is higher, but if you’re already ordering their pricier burgers, it fits right in.
Wendy’s
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Wendy’s sweet tea lands in the middle yet leans slightly positive thanks to its drinkability. There’s nothing complex about it—no bitterness, no standout tasting notes, and no weird aftertaste. It fits easily with most menu items, which makes it a reliable choice when cravings or habits call.
Captain D’s
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This one’s surprisingly good. The sweetness level jumps quickly, almost pushing the limit, but the initial strong tea flavor helps anchor it. If there’s a drawback, it’s that the sugar overtakes the tea halfway through the cup. Still, for a seafood chain, it’s one of the stronger drink options.
KFC
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It’s steeped long enough to give off authentic tea flavor but never feels heavy or bitter. When paired with salty fried chicken, it works like a palate reset between bites. There have been inconsistencies with ice, though, as some cups come half-melted.
Taco Bell
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This one doesn’t have much depth from the tea leaves, but the drink works especially well with salty or spicy food, which Taco Bell obviously has covered. It’s not subtle, and it’s not trying to be. Sometimes bold is exactly what you want.
Arby’s
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There’s something reliable about Arby’s tea. It doesn’t go overboard on the sugar, and you can actually taste the tea leaves. It’s especially good with heavier meals, cutting through the richness of curly fries or roast beef with a light, clean finish.
Sonic Drive-In
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Sonic gets the ice right. That might not seem like much, but their nugget-sized cubes are just as iconic as the drinks they chill. The sweet tea itself is strong with noticeable tea leaf character—earthy and just a little floral. It’s not cloying and doesn’t drown out the brewed flavor.
BoJangles
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The strength of the brew keeps it drinkable, especially with something savory like their fried chicken or biscuits. Left on its own, the tea can be too sweet for some. If paired with salt-heavy food, it rounds out the meal in a way that feels satisfying and intentional.
Chick-fil-A
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This chain emphasizes simplicity, and its sweet tea reflects that approach. Its mellow, smooth flavor doesn’t rely too heavily on the sugar bowl. Thanks to its English-sourced proprietary blend, the tea tastes clean and fresh. Add that famous nugget ice, and the overall drink experience is satisfying.
Popeyes
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Popeyes doesn’t overthink it. Their sweet tea brings a strong black tea flavor with just enough sugar to make it feel indulgent but not overpowering. The consistent flavor makes it one of the most reliable orders on the menu, especially with a spicy chicken sandwich.