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Ice Appreciation Scale
If you’re here, chances are you’re just like me. We belong to a special breed who understands that ice is not just for chilling drinks. Quality ice is a delight to munch on all by itself. So, which fast-food joints excel at this essential element? Where can you find ice that receives as much attention, if not more, than the food itself? I embarked on a mission to explore five popular fast-food chains, evaluating their ice cubes based on taste, texture, and crunch factor. Here’s what I discovered.
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Top Pick: Sonic Drive-In
In a world filled with “there are two types of people” scenarios, the realm of pebble ice is no different. There are those who revel in these tiny frozen nuggets, and then there are those who couldn’t care less about ice. Count me among the former. Pebble ice reigns supreme, and Sonic Drive-In knows how to serve it to perfection. Each nugget is the ideal size, falling in the range of 3/8″ to 1/2″. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of chomping down on these little icy delights, and no fast-food establishment does it better than Sonic.
Wilder Shaw / Cheapism
2. Chick-fil-A
Let’s get nitpicky, folks. Chick-fil-A’s ice (which you can even purchase) is slightly larger than Sonic’s and falls just a tad short on the enjoyment scale. I mean, we’re talking a minuscule difference here. Perhaps you prefer your pellet ice a bit bigger, or maybe not. Apart from size, there’s not much to critique. Chick-fil-A has mastered the art of ice, especially when it comes to their delectable iced coffee.
Wilder Shaw / Cheapism
3. McDonald’s
Some cubes are thin, some are curved. A few are triangular, while others are flat. There are bumpy ones and smooth ones. McDonald’s serves up a diverse array of ice cubes, which I find quite appealing in the world of non-pebble ice. The variability in shapes and textures adds a touch of excitement to your beverage experience. Don’t forget to save a few cubes for post-meal teeth cleaning – a nifty trick, don’t you think?
Wilder Shaw / Cheapism
4. Burger King
I appreciate Burger King’s ice game. Each chip bears a striking resemblance to its counterparts, sporting a consistent half-oval shape. The tiny bumps on the surface provide a pleasant sensation on the tongue. At this stage, this ice is so close to standard fare that its unique qualities may go unnoticed. It’s adequate. It gets the job done.
Wilder Shaw / Cheapism
5. Taco Bell
Taco Bell’s ice isn
