Peet's vs Starbucks Iced Coffee

Disclaimer: I usually go to the small indy coffeehouse but they don't have iced coffee. So on hot summer days I head across the street from work to Starbucks.

I had heard Starbucks had awful coffee from some fairly trustworthy people, but I found their iced coffee acceptable...until the other day when I was near a Peet's (30 miles from home) and stopped in and got an iced coffee.

It was 50 times better than Starbucks. It was like a whole different animal.

Tough luck for me - now I am wrecked for Starbucks and have no Peet's nearby.

[Azizeh]

I find that Peet's is a much better quality than Starbucks. I only go to Starbucks if I want what basically amounts to a coffee flavored milkshake (Frappucino) or if there is no other option in sight.

At least in LA, they do sell Peet's beans at Whole Foods. You might try calling a Peet's store and asking them which blend they use for their iced coffee, since they have several.

[Honeychan]

I HATE SB's iced coffee. Just UGHHH.

Personally, i'm addicted to the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's iced coffee. 3 shots of espresso, a little spritz of water, and ice. PERFECT! Nice and strong, it'll put hair on your chest if you're not expecting it. I drink it daily!

[glbtrtr]

Peet's Freddo far outshines Starbuck's Frappacino. I'd go miles out of my way for a Peet's Freddo.

[RCTRIPLEFRESH5]

starbucks is good to me although nothing can beat a mcdonalds iced mocha, or hot mocha is good too. however they put in so much ice that theres not much coffee so the hot coffee is a much better value. i just go to exxon and get half mocha half hazlenut and i dont put any ice in. and it costs me around 2.50 for a 24 oz cup (same as mcdonalds esxcep i dont put in ice) and mcdonalds is 3.09.

[A5 KOBE]

Hate both...too much acid.

[NewDude]

I hear ya. I used to believe in supporting the local indys even if they served me 2 oz. of rancid lizard spit. But everyone has their limits.

Starbucks iced coffee is just off. It is sweet, and chocolate-y, but also always tastes like the plastic cup it comes in. Not nice.

I've always wondered if Peet's quality had dropped off as a result of expansion. I guess not. They're back on my short list.

Oh wait a second, I don't even drink coffee anymore!

[westsidegal]

i feel your pain.
the best work-around to the problem is to order an iced americano at starbucks instead of an iced coffee.

[free sample addict aka Tracy L]

And add an extra shot of espresso so that it is stronger. I tried Starbucks iced coffee when it first came out and thought it was really good, but it must have been too strong because the last time I had it it seemed weaker. I am not a fan of their brewed coffee either. Since I love iced coffee in the summer I make an extra-extra strong pot of coffee and keep in my fridge at home or in a plastic jug at work. It is much cheaper than coffee houses or chains and it keeps for a few days (if I don't drink it all).

[yummychomp]

its like plasma to black and white tv...so apparent..the aroma hits you as you walk in.peets is a treat and the fresh taste of their beans smack your palate..iced coffee very good.is a small trek from my crib....but well worth it...gold medal goes to peets! im going to try inteligensia soon and will post my response.and compare all 3...

[ferret]

McDonald's iced coffee is my golden standard. Very, very good.

[Phurstluv]

Love Peet's. Hate Starbucks, always have, never got why they're so popular their coffee is extremely bitter.

I get Peet's at all of my local west side grocery stores - Vons, Ralph's & Gelsons.

[Eater0329]

Peets iced coffee is 100 times better than starbucks iced coffee. Starbucks Coffee is non drinkable.

i think cost plus sells peet's beans.

[gmk1322]

Cost Plus sells their own brand of coffee. Whole Foods carries Peets to the best of my knowledge (seen in in the store in Fresno, CA).

Have you tried Peets mail order website (peets.com)?

I buy excellent coffee online from jim's organic coffee, or from the global exchange website, where they sell all organic, fair trade and shade-grown...