Last Updated on January 28, 2022 by John Moretti
Pret A Manger and Starbucks are two of the most popular coffee franchises in America, and they have both made a name household for themselves internationally as well. Both of these brands are very successful, and they are both known for the same products, but when directly compared, which coffee shop is better?
Pret A Manger is a better place for meals and for simple, well-prepared coffee of good quality. Pret A Manger is also more affordable than Starbucks. Starbucks has a better range of coffee and drinks but is better for a quick meal and an on-the-go coffee.
Comparing Pret A Manger and Starbucks is not as simple as it may seem. While these two brands both produce on-the-go food and a wide variety of coffee drinks, if you have ever visited these coffee shops, you will know that they are not as similar as they seem. Let’s directly compare Pret A Manger and Starbucks to find out which franchise is better overall.
Pret A Manger and Starbucks
Pret A Manger and Starbucks are both internationally recognized brands that have become known for their coffee and quick food menu items. These are both ideal places to stop for a quick coffee, to have a small working lunch, and even an ideal place for a quality pick-me-up breakfast to begin your day on the right foot.
However, there is much controversy when comparing these two brands, as everyone has their favorite between the two. For this reason, it is time to put the questions to an end and definitively decide which franchise is better.
Let’s directly compare the most important aspects of Pret A Manger and Starbucks, focussing only on the food, drinks, and prices – rather than the decor, locations, brand effectiveness, and name-brand appeal.
Coffee Quality And Range
Let’s begin by comparing Pret A Manger and Starbucks coffee, as this is probably the reason why you’re here in the first place.
Pret A Manger
Pret A Manger is a franchise that focuses more on food than coffee. This establishment is home to an extensive range of fantastic meals that are unique to Pret A Manger. But there is also a wide range of coffee drinks available at every Pret A Manger branch.
The coffee drinks available from Pret A Manger include:
- Americano
- Cappuccino
- Espresso
- Flat White
- Latte
- Macchiato
- Mocha
- Decaf Filter Coffee
- Organic Classic Blend Filter Coffee
- Iced Americano
- Iced Filter Coffee
- Iced Espresso
- Iced Latte
- Iced Mocha
- Iced Organic Cold Brew
Many would argue that the best coffee at Pret A Manger is organic filter coffee. This is Pret’s own blend and is designed to be as tasty and satisfying as possible at the lowest possible price point.
Starbucks
Starbucks is an international franchise that is focused on coffee drinks and exotic flavors. Everyone knows that there is no other franchise to visit if you are looking for a wide range of interesting coffee-based beverages. There is no other coffee franchise with a wider coffee menu than Starbucks, even though many of the drinks on the menu are not strictly considered to be coffee.
The coffee drinks available at Starbucks include:
- Americano
- Pikes Place Roast Filter Coffee
- Veranda Blend Filter Coffee
- Starbucks Dark Roast Filter Coffee
- Caffe Misto
- Decaf Pikes Place Roast Filter Coffee
- Cappuccino
- Espresso
- Espresso Con Panna
- Flat White
- Honey Almondmilk Flat White
- Latte
- Pistachio Latte
- Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
- Chestnut Praline Latte
- Caramel Brule Latte
- Cinnamon Dolce Latte
- Starbucks Reserve Latte
- Starbucks Reserve Hazelnut Bianco Latte
- Blonde Vanilla Latte
- Espresso Macchiato
- Caramel Macchiato
- Mocha
- Toasted White Chocolate Mocha
- Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
- Peppermint Mocha
- Starbucks Reserve Dark Chocolate Mocha
- White Chocolate Mocha
Starbucks also has a very wide range of brewed filter coffees from various origins that coffee enthusiasts appreciate. There are few other coffee franchises that offer such coffee types, but the size and budget of Starbucks allow them to stock such exotic coffee varieties.
It is almost impossible to say which coffee drink from Starbucks is best, as everyone has their own preference, but this franchise is famous for its caramel macchiato and veranda blend filter coffee.
Pret A Manger has the better coffee comparing quality directly, especially when comparing the standard filter coffee of both franchises. However, the incredible range of drinks from Starbucks means that most people prefer Starbucks as this franchise caters to every whim and mood.
Menu Range and Quality
Another large aspect of comparing these two brands is comparing the overall menu. Both Pret A Manger and Starbucks have a full menu with a wide range of coffee alternatives and food items.
Pret A Manger is focused on food, and so is widely regarded to be the better option if you are looking for a meal. The menu at this franchise is wide and varied and has plenty of happy surprises that every patron will appreciate.
Soups, sandwiches, pastries, breakfast meals, croissants, muffins, cookies, wraps, salads, pasta, fries, chips, and many other dishes are available from Pret A Manger. The food here is always very good quality. This is a favorite place for those looking for a good meal as well as those in need of a quick snack to get through the rest of the busy day.
Starbucks has a very wide drinks menu and offers many coffee alternatives, but the food menu here is not as extensive as that of Pret A Manger.
Baked good, breakfast food, light meals, sweets, and snacks are what you will find on the food menu at Starbucks, all of which are very tasty even if they are somewhat overpriced.
Overall, Pret A Manger is the place to go if you are looking for something to eat, and the price of the meals here will not leave a hole in your wallet either.
Which Franchise Is Better Overall?
The truth is, both Pret A Manger and Starbucks have their own strengths. At the end of it, everyone prefers one franchise over the other according to what they are looking for at the moment.
Starbucks is the best option if you want to explore a varied range of drinks and if you are seeking something sweet, to either eat or drink. Pret A Manger is a better destination for the hungry and for those who prefer a simple, tasty, affordable cup of coffee.
Pret A Manger is the favorite among discerning coffee drinkers and those with a larger appetite. While Starbucks is preferred for those in a hurry and those discerning coffee drink lovers who crave flavor variety.
Conclusion
Comparing Pret A Manger and Starbucks is difficult to do. If one brand has to come out on top, Pret A Manger is a better franchise based on the quality of coffee, affordability, and the range of meals options.
Which franchise is better for you really depends on what you need in the moment. Pret A Manger is a better all-round franchise offering something for every occasion. Starbucks is ideal for a quick on-the-go meal or coffee.
Both coffee shops are worth visiting, though, so find whichever is closest to you, and you will not be disappointed either way!
