by Amanda Kovac |

I have two places I can go to get my caffeine fix, the classic Starbucks, and the increasingly popular Caribou Coffee. Both shops are located close enough to the school that it’s easy for me to get what I need in the morning rush.

When I go for coffee with my mom, she always orders a non-fat, soy milk, sugar-free whatever, because she is a health freak. I like that both coffee establishments offer healthier choices, as well as non-coffee choices, because it means that my mom and I can stop for coffee when we’re out. It is a great bonding experience and I find that I have a lot of fun with my mom when we stop for coffee.

One thing that sets Caribou apart for me is the fact that they are part of the Rainforest Alliance. The Rainforest Alliance is an organization that protects the rainforest and ensures farmers and the communities around them are well cared for. It also means that all of the Caribou coffee beans are organic. Between the two menus, Starbucks happens to be cheaper overall. While I was looking at the price comparison on the StatCrunch website, I realized this must be due to the Caribou coffee beans being Rainforest Alliance, so at least I know that the extra money is for a good cause.

However, I really like that Starbucks writes your name on your cup. It is a bit cheesy, but I think it really makes the coffee break more personal. I think it’s fun to give a different name each time. I can be Stacy, Hannah, Lacey and Fred, and no one cares.

Something I love about coffee shops in general is that, when you have time, you can sit and use the free wi-fi. Both Caribou and Starbucks offer free wi-fi to customers, making them great spots to chill and do schoolwork, or just hang out.

I love hanging out at either shop with my friends. Taking a quick trip to grab coffee is the perfect compliment to your day. I love being able to linger and just chat as we drink our coffee. We have great conversations when we’re just hanging around.

I love iced coffee, even in winter. When I go to Starbucks, I either get something iced or with caramel. Most of the time my choice consists of both. With Caribou Coffee, I deviated a bit and discovered the Campfire Mocha. My family can make as many fat jokes as they want, the chocolate and marshmallows are worth it. This winter it has been my favorite coffee shop drink. It’s warm and tastes a bit like the perfect s’more. It’s just enough to get me through the winter months until summer returns. The Campfire Mocha is different from most of what Starbucks has. I even went to check the Starbucks secret menu, which consists of even more unique Starbucks drink choices. I didn’t find anything quite like the Campfire Mocha.

I don’t know if I could live without one shop or the other now that I’ve experienced both, but I find myself going to Starbucks more often than Caribou. To me, Starbucks is a classic. I’ve been going to Starbucks for a good number of years now and have enjoyed that time. Caribou has great coffee, but for now, I’d like to stick to my grande Caramel Frappuccino and self-inflicted identity crisis.