With early mornings, Marist students never fail to make a trip to the nearest Starbucks or Dunkin’ to get in their daily boost of energy. As we know Starbucks is the better choice. Don’t believe me? Let’s dive deeper.

In a poll of 15 Marist students, 73% prefer Starbucks rather than Dunkin’. It all came down to beverages and food with 53% in favor of the food and 33% for drinks.

I couldn’t agree more with the majority of Marist students. Starbucks is the prime leader of all coffee brands. Their simple, sleek, comfortable style invites people in with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee while leaving customers craving more. Starbucks has a whole assortment of options that fit every taste bud that drives by. Cups fill up with the infamous strawberry refresher and ovens are packed with pastries. Bags are packed with a styled flavorful cake pop for any child or adult to enjoy.

Before the Dunkin’ lovers come after me, I am not knocking Dunkin’. I actually prefer their food over Starbucks, however Starbucks Double-Smoked Bacon Cheddar Sandwich is one you cannot even attempt to hate. Dunkin’ shops line front counters with decorative, delectable donuts ready to be boxed. In the back, ovens are fired up preparing bagel sandwiches and the black coffee my parents get every morning that somehow always ends up on the floor. 

Both Starbucks and Dunkin’ are not perfect. One of the things I really don’t like about Starbucks is their pricing. I can understand the syrups and mixes that infiltrate the drinks are expensive, but some of the other pricing is seriously unreasonable. Almost five dollars for a fragment of a single cake pop and almost 10 bucks for a venti drink that is full of more ice than the actual drink. You get what you pay for through the immense flavor and savory sweetness of drinks and sandwiches, but can we figure out a more reasonable price?

Location is important to some people, including my family. My parents always get  black coffee from Dunkin’ because there is one around every corner, but my dad also loves Starbucks black coffee. (I never felt the love certain people, such as my parents, feel about black coffee. It tastes so gross and bitter.) 

I really don’t like Dunkin’ drinks, except the hot chocolate. Their cooladas are just off brand 7/11 slurpees if they could spoil. They leave a colorful residue all over your mouth along with sticky fingers. One thing Starbucks got wrong was their hot chocolate. I remember taking a sip and the taste was revolting. Liquid ash is the nicest thing I can think of when talking about it, however Dunkin’ provides a smooth, whipped chocolate flavor with an obvious hint of marshmallow that leaves customers, especially me, wishing the cup wouldn’t end. 

In conclusion, Starbucks is better than Dunkin’. This is just my opinion. I won’t verbally criticize your coffee decisions, but if you feel strongly about which one you think is better, let me know!