Best-Rated Coffee Shop Chains

See Our Ratings Methodology.

cns-msc-coffee-shop-chains-2023-small

Most Satisfied Customers | Muffin Break

Aussies have rated Muffin Break as the top brand in Canstar Blue’s coffee shop chain ratings for the second year in a row, with the brand rated five stars for taste & freshness, customer service, consistency of products, store layout & presentation, variety of food options and overall satisfaction.

Fact Checked Fact Checked

Shop online now

How we rate coffee shop chains

Our review compares coffee shop chains on customer satisfaction, so you can find out what other Aussies think about the compared brands before you go ahead with a purchase. Think of it as like asking hundreds of your closest mates which coffee shop chain they think is best!


Canstar Blue surveyed 1,470 Australians for their feedback on the coffee shop chain(s) they’ve made a purchase from in the last six months.

  • The outcomes reported in these ratings are measured via accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics.


Respondents rate their satisfaction with their coffee shop chain brand(s) from zero to ten, where zero is extremely dissatisfied and ten is extremely satisfied. Brand satisfaction was rated by respondents on the following criteria:
  • Overall satisfaction: measures consumer satisfaction with a coffee shop chain brand as an individual score NOT a combined total of all criteria.
  • Taste & freshness: the menu items, including coffee, tasted fresh and as expected given the flavour and type.
  • Value for money: the cost is reasonable for the quality, quantity and experience of the coffee shop chain.
  • Customer service: the staff of the coffee shop chain were readily available, were able to solve problems quickly and efficiently, and were friendly and polite.
  • Speed of service: the food and drink orders were prepared quickly and accurately.
  • Consistency of products: the quality, quantity, taste and appearance of the products were consistent with each purchase, and consistent across multiple stores of the same chain.
  • Store layout & presentation: the store had a convenient layout, and was cleanly presented.
  • Variety of food options: the coffee shop chain had a wide variety of food products available for purchase.

The winning brand is the one that receives the highest Overall satisfaction rating once all the scores from the Overall satisfaction criteria are combined and averaged.

  • Overall satisfaction is asked as a specific question and represents an individual measure, not a combined total of all criteria.
  • When we cannot determine a clear winner from the criteria for the Overall satisfaction rating, we will then look at the other criteria measured in the rating.
    • The brand with the highest number of five-star ratings within the supporting criteria will become the five-star recipient in overall satisfaction, and thus win the award. If a clear leader still cannot be determined from the supporting criteria, joint winners will be declared.

Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included, so not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The brands rated in this survey are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction.

  • Muffin Break
  • Donut King
  • Gloria Jean’s Coffee
  • Zarraffa’s Coffee
  • The Coffee Club
  • Starbucks Coffee
  • Chocolateria San Churro
  • McCafé
  • Krispy Kreme
  • Dome

Find more detailed information on our Most Satisfied Customer methodology.


1. Muffin Break


Ratings result

Muffin Break was rated five stars for taste & freshness, customer service, consistency of products, store layout & presentation, variety of food options and overall satisfaction, with four stars for value for money and speed of service.

Editor’s notes

Muffin Break is an Aussie-owned company with humble beginnings, opening its first store in Coolangatta, Queensland in 1989. Today, it has almost 200 shops across Australia, predominantly tucked away in shopping centres, airports, or train stations – which is lucky – because this is where you usually end up craving a good coffee and a sweet crumb. Alongside its range of espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites, the popular chain also offers tea, chai lattes, mochas, milkshakes, thick shakes, and frappes. If you’re in the mood for food, you can choose from a lot of muffins (of course), pastries, sandwiches, wraps, salads, and sweet treats. Muffin Break also offers Rewards, including every fifth coffee is free when you use the app, a free muffin during your birthday month and other exclusive offers.

2. Donut King


Ratings result

Donut King was rated five stars for value for money and speed of service, with four stars for all remaining categories, including taste & freshness, customer service, consistency of products, store layout & presentation, variety of food options and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Another staple for those looking to grab something sweet along with their coffee, Donut King first opened in Sydney back in 1981, with the brand today having over 220 stores around Australia, with additional stores globally. Its coffee range includes all of the classics, including cappuccinos, chai lattes and flat whites, alongside frappes and iced drinks, in addition to staples such as donuts, toasties and even a hot dog if you’ve really got cravings. Donut King also offers DK Rewards, where you can receive your eighth beverage free, a free regular drink on your birthday and exclusives, although terms and conditions apply.

3. Gloria Jean’s Coffee


Ratings result

Gloria Jean’s Coffee was rated four stars across all categories, including taste & freshness, value for money, customer service, speed of service, consistency of products, store layout & presentation, variety of food options and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Founded in America, Gloria Jean’s established a foothold in Australia back in 1996, with the brand today operating in over 40 countries, with 170 locations around Australia. Its menu includes the likes of multiple coffee blends, cold drinks, milkshakes, ‘over ice’ classics, Italian sodas, hot coffee drinks, including specialty orders such as Irish Nut and Matcha Latte, with plenty of snacks, meals and treats also available. If you’re looking for something extra, Gloria Jean’s also sells coffee beans, syrups, teas and even a branded reusable cup, with a Rewards Club also available to sign up to, with rewards including free Birthday drinks and other bonuses.

4. Zarraffa’s Coffee


Ratings result

Zarraffa’s Coffee was rated four stars for taste & freshness, customer service, speed of service, consistency of products, store layout & presentation, variety of food options and overall satisfaction, with three stars for value for money.

Editor’s notes

With over 70 locations across Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales, Zarraffa’s Coffee offers a wide variety of menu items, including cold drinks such as iced mochas through to crème strawberry fusions, breakfast smoothies and iced teas, sitting alongside traditional hot drinks such as teas and coffees. And if you’re hungry for more, Zarraffa’s also offers bagels, brekkie rolls, toast and loafs, muffins and other treats, alongside merchandise and coffee beans. The Z Card also offers additional rewards and benefits for those who sign up, including complimentary drinks and redeemable rewards.

5. The Coffee Club


Ratings result

The Coffee Club was rated four stars for taste & freshness, customer service, speed of service, consistency of products, store layout & presentation, variety of food options and overall satisfaction, with three stars for value for money.

Editor’s notes

A staple within the Australian coffee community, The Coffee Club first opened in 1989 in Brisbane, with the chain today operating over 400 locations in multiple countries. Its menu is split into ‘All Day’, ‘Evening’ and ‘Drive-Thru’, with a host of treats and sweets available at each store for you to enjoy with your coffee, or just on its own. And if you’re really a fan, The Coffee Club has a number of beans available for purchase, including its Signature House Blend, with the VIP Club app available, with benefits including buy one, get one free coffees, free coffee upsizes and other exclusive offers, although terms and conditions apply.

6. Starbucks Coffee


Ratings result

Starbucks was rated four stars for taste & freshness, speed of service, consistency of products, store layout & presentation, variety of food options and overall satisfaction, with three stars for value for money and customer service.

Editor’s notes

Arguably the most recognisable coffee store in the world, Starbucks may have had a tougher time cracking the Aussie market (with us Aussies knowing our coffee), but the American brand has over 60 locations in Australia, and is popular for its seasonal and limited-edition drinks. Its menu is also extensive, from sweets and snacks through to meals, along with a sizeable merchandise offering if you’re looking to really rep the brand. Its Starbucks Rewards program and app also offers you the chance to customise your order in the app, along with Mobile Order & Pay available at select stores, allowing you to get your morning fix that bit quicker.

7. Chocolateria San Churro


Ratings result

Chocolateria San Churro was rated four stars for overall satisfaction, with three stars in all other categories, including taste & freshness, value for money, customer service, speed of service, consistency of products, store layout & presentation and variety of food options.

Editor’s notes

Fans of churros can be excited about Chocolateria San Churro’s 50 locations around Australia, with the brand also available via delivery! Its menu includes shakes and other cold drinks, desserts and treats, hot coffee and teas, alongside empanadas and croquettes and its range of churro products. The brand also offers the ‘el Social’ membership, with a range of benefits available when you sign up.

8. McCafé


Ratings result

McCafé was rated three stars for taste & freshness, customer service, consistency of products, store layout & presentation and variety of products, with four stars for speed of service, value for money and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Arguably one of the most convenient coffee shop chains available, McCafé stores are found inside McDonald’s locations, with the add-on store offering a wide variety of coffee shop treats and sweets, alongside the traditional hot and cold coffees. Additionally available through the McDonald’s drive-through in most locations, with the added bonus of being able to order via the MyMacca’s app.

9. Krispy Kreme


Ratings result

Krispy Kreme was rated three stars across all ratings categories, including taste & freshness, value for money, customer service, speed of service, consistency of products, store layout & presentation, variety of food options and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Known for its range of donuts, Krispy Kreme offers coffee to help you get over the morning slump. With well over 50 locations around Australia, Krispy Kreme might not list its full range of coffee offerings online, but you can rest assured that you’ll be able to find your staples in addition to some customisable options in most stores. And if you’re after something different, Krispy Kreme additionally offers milkshakes and even bagels on its menu, alongside the traditional packs of donuts. You can also sign up for an account, with benefits and rewards included.

10. Dome


Ratings result

Dome was rated three stars for customer service, speed of service, consistency of products, store layout & presentation, variety of food options and overall satisfaction, with four stars for value for money and taste & freshness.

Editor’s notes

Only available in Western Australia, Dome coffee offers a wide range of food options on its menu, including seasonal and classics, in addition to a kid’s menu and drinks menu. Its coffee menu offers a number of milk and temperature options, with coffee beans also available for purchase, alongside gift cards for those who want to treat someone.

Other coffee shop chain brands

Not all brands in the market qualify for our ratings (based on minimum survey sample size), but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth considering. Here are several more brands to check out before making a purchase decision.

  • Choco Churro
  • Cibo Espresso
  • Hudsons Coffee

  • Jamaica Blue
  • Max Brenner
  • Michel’s Patisserie

How much do Australians spend on coffee?

One in 10 Aussies we surveyed (15%) said they visit a coffee shop before they go to work in the morning, suggesting many of us still choose to make a cuppa at home using either instant coffee or coffee pods. That’s not such a bad idea considering Aussies spend $18 on takeaway coffee every week, which equates to $936 a year, with almost a quarter (23%) also forking out a little extra to grab a bite to eat. However, 38% said that the rising cost of living has reduced how many coffees they buy, meaning many are watching their spending. Here are some other interesting insights from our research:

Compare Coffee Beans

About our consumer experts


Dean Heckscher: Site Editor

This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Site Editor, Dean Heckscher. He’s our resident expert on all things automotive, health & fitness, streaming and more. Dean is also one of Canstar Blue’s customer research report producers, helping to turn complicated subjects into easily-digestible information for our readers. He’s passionate about helping consumers make better-informed purchase decisions on all manner of consumer goods and services.

 

Meet the Editorial Team

 

Samantha Howse: Consumer Research Specialist

Sam Howse Research Specialist

Samantha Howse is Canstar Blue’s Consumer Research Specialist, coordinating the consumer research program behind our customer satisfaction awards across Canstar and Canstar Blue in Australia and New Zealand. Sam has earned a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Griffith University and, with seven years in market research and 2 years in marketing, she is experienced in survey design, implementation and analysis, coupled with an understanding of marketing principles and best practice.

 

Meet the Research Team

Past ratings

Here are the past winners from Canstar Blue’s coffee shop chain ratings:

  • 2022: Muffin Break
  • 2021: Zarraffa’s Coffee
  • 2020: Zarraffa’s Coffee
  • 2015: Donut King

 

Latest Stores and Services Articles

The best milk frothers

Milk Frother Buying Guide

We all love coffee and no matter how you take your coffee, if you take it with milk you’ll want it just the way you like. So why not create perfectly frothed milk at home? …

– Read more
Best Cheap Coffee Machines 2021

The best cheap coffee machines in Australia for 2022

Are you stirring around looking for a budget-friendly coffee machine that will help you make barista-quality cuppas at home? If so, we’ve whipped up a ‘fa-brew-lous’ list of cheap coffee machines worth checking out if …

– Read more
Kmart $89 coffee machine review

Are Kmart coffee machines any good? Review

If you love coffee and a bargain, you’ve perhaps pondered snagging the $89 Kmart coffee machine. The cut-price Anko coffee machine has continued to garner plenty of attention since it first hit shelves, with most …

– Read more
Types of Coffees

The different types of coffee explained

We checked online to see how many types of coffee beverages there are… it turns out, it’s quite a lot.

– Read more

A comparison of the best reusable coffee cups in Australia

It seems more and more people are jumping on the BYO coffee cup bandwagon, bringing in snazzy reusable mugs to work for their coffee fix while also doing their part for the environment. With Aussie …

– Read more