Updated on January 10, 2023
Caribou Coffee and Starbucks are two of the most popular coffee chains in the United States. Both companies have been around for over two decades and have built loyal customer bases through the quality of their coffee and the atmosphere of their stores. However, there are some key differences between the two companies that set them apart. In this article, we will compare and contrast Caribou Coffee and Starbucks in order to determine which is the better choice for coffee lovers.
First, let’s take a look at Caribou Coffee. The company was founded in 1992 in Minnesota, and has since grown to over 250 locations in 18 states, primarily in the Midwest and Northeast. Caribou Coffee prides itself on using high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients and roasting its own coffee beans. The company also emphasizes sustainability, with a goal of sourcing 100% of its coffee beans from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms by 2020.
Caribou Coffee’s menu is focused primarily on traditional coffee drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos, as well as a variety of flavored and seasonal coffees. The company also offers a selection of tea, hot chocolate, and baked goods. In terms of atmosphere, Caribou Coffee stores are typically cozy and comfortable, with a rustic, cabin-like decor.
Now, let’s take a look at Starbucks. Founded in 1971 in Seattle, Starbucks is now one of the largest coffee chains in the world, with over 30,000 locations in 80 countries. The company is known for its high-quality coffee and wide variety of drink options, as well as its comfortable and stylish stores.
Starbucks has a reputation of excellence for their espresso-based drinks and has been innovating to create new and unique beverages like their seasonal drinks or new products like nitro cold brew, starbucks blossom, and others. The company also offers a wide variety of food options, including sandwiches, pastries, and snacks. In addition, Starbucks has a rewards program that gives customers perks like free drinks and food, as well as special offers.
When it comes to atmosphere, Starbucks stores are designed to be comfortable and welcoming, with a focus on creating a sense of community. Many stores have seating areas and free Wi-Fi, making them popular spots for students and professionals to work or socialize.
Both Caribou Coffee and Starbucks are known for their high-quality coffee and comfortable atmosphere. However, there are some key differences between the two that set them apart. Caribou Coffee has a more rustic, cabin-like atmosphere and emphasizes sustainability, while Starbucks has a more stylish, urban atmosphere and offers a wider variety of drink options.
When it comes to pricing, Starbucks tends to be more expensive than Caribou Coffee. A plain cup of coffee at Starbucks is priced at around $2.5-$3.5 depending on the location, while a plain cup of coffee at Caribou Coffee is priced at around $2.0 – $2.5 depending on the location. Additionally, Starbucks’ menu items tend to be priced higher than those offered by Caribou Coffee.
Another important thing to consider is the availability of stores. Starbucks has a much larger presence and is available in more locations across the US and internationally, whereas Caribou Coffee is limited to 18 states in the US, and primarily in Midwest and Northeast.
In conclusion, whether Caribou Coffee or Starbucks is the better choice for you depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you are looking for a more rustic, cabin-like atmosphere and emphasize sustainability, Caribou Coffee may be the way to go. However, if you want a wider variety of drink options, food and a more urban atmosphere, Starbucks is the better option. Caribou Coffee also has a more affordable pricing strategy compared to Starbucks. Additionally, Caribou Coffee focuses on traditional coffee drinks and is a great option for those who prefer a classic cup of coffee. On the other hand, Starbucks is known for their espresso-based drinks and offers a wide variety of unique, seasonal beverages. They also have a rewards program that gives customers perks like free drinks and food, as well as special offers.
In terms of availability, Starbucks definitely has the upper hand with a large presence in the United States and internationally. It is easy to find a Starbucks location wherever you go. On the other hand, Caribou Coffee is limited to 18 states in the US, mainly located in the Midwest and Northeast.
Another aspect that sets the two chains apart is their approach to sustainability. Caribou Coffee has a goal of sourcing 100% of its coffee beans from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms by 2020, whereas Starbucks has a set of sustainable practices such as reducing waste, conserving energy and water, and ethical sourcing of coffee beans.
In summary, while both Caribou Coffee and Starbucks are popular options for coffee lovers, they offer different experiences. Caribou Coffee is a great option for those who prefer a more rustic and sustainable atmosphere, and a classic cup of coffee. Starbucks, on the other hand, offers a wider variety of drinks and food options, a more urban atmosphere, and rewards program. Ultimately, the best choice depends on what you are looking for in a coffee chain.
Differences
In summary, the main differences between Caribou Coffee and Starbucks are:
Atmosphere: Caribou Coffee has a rustic and cabin-like atmosphere with a focus on sustainability, while Starbucks has a more stylish and urban atmosphere with a focus on creating a sense of community.
Pricing: Starbucks tends to be more expensive than Caribou Coffee, with plain coffee cups priced around $2.5-$3.5 at Starbucks and around $2.0-$2.5 at Caribou Coffee. Additionally, Starbucks menu items tend to be priced higher than those offered by Caribou Coffee.
Availability: Starbucks has a much larger presence and is available in more locations across the US and internationally, whereas Caribou Coffee is limited to 18 states in the US, primarily in Midwest and Northeast.
Sustainability: Caribou Coffee has a goal of sourcing 100% of its coffee beans from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms by 2020, whereas Starbucks has a set of sustainable practices such as reducing waste, conserving energy and water, and ethical sourcing of coffee beans.
Menu: Caribou Coffee focuses primarily on traditional coffee drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos, while Starbucks is known for its espresso-based drinks, and offers a wide variety of unique, seasonal beverages and food options.
Reward Programs: Starbucks has a rewards program that gives customers perks like free drinks and food, as well as special offers, whereas Caribou Coffee doesn’t have one.
Specialty Drinks: Starbucks offers a wider variety of speciality drinks and unique, seasonal beverages like Nitro Cold Brew and Starbucks Blossoms, whereas Caribou Coffee menu is focused more on traditional coffee drinks with a few flavored options.
Food Selection: Starbucks offers a wider selection of food options like sandwiches, pastries, and snacks than Caribou Coffee, which mostly focuses on baked goods.
Community Involvement: Starbucks is known for its community involvement through initiatives like ethical sourcing and global farmer support centers, whereas Caribou Coffee is more locally focused with their sustainability initiatives.
Special deals: Starbucks has a wide variety of daily deals, and they tend to have more frequent seasonal promotions. Caribou Coffee generally doesn’t have many discounts or deals as often.
Overall, both Caribou Coffee and Starbucks have their own strengths and appeal to different types of customers. It is important to keep in mind your personal preferences, needs and budget when choosing between the two. Whether you prefer a rustic and sustainable atmosphere or a more urban and community-oriented atmosphere, both chains offer high-quality coffee and a comfortable atmosphere. It ultimately comes down to what you are looking for in a coffee chain and how much you are willing to spend.
FAQ
What is the difference in the coffee beans used by Caribou Coffee and Starbucks?
Caribou Coffee prides itself on using high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients and roasting its own coffee beans. The company also emphasizes sustainability, with a goal of sourcing 100% of its coffee beans from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms by 2020. Starbucks is also known for its high-quality coffee beans and ethical sourcing practices, but may not necessarily use the same certification for sourcing.
Is Caribou Coffee cheaper than Starbucks?
On average, Caribou Coffee tends to be less expensive than Starbucks, with plain coffee cups priced around $2.5-$3.5 at Starbucks and around $2.0-$2.5 at Caribou Coffee. Additionally, Starbucks menu items tend to be priced higher than those offered by Caribou Coffee.
Does Starbucks offer rewards programs?
Yes, Starbucks has a rewards program that gives customers perks like free drinks and food, as well as special offers, called “Starbucks Rewards”. Caribou Coffee doesn’t have one.
What food options do Caribou Coffee and Starbucks offer?
Starbucks offers a wide selection of food options like sandwiches, pastries, and snacks, whereas Caribou Coffee mostly focuses on baked goods.
Are there many discounts and deals offered by Caribou Coffee?
In general, Caribou Coffee generally doesn’t have many discounts or deals as often as Starbucks who tend to have more frequent seasonal promotions and daily deals.
Are Caribou Coffee and Starbucks open on holidays?
Both Caribou Coffee and Starbucks locations may have different hours depending on their individual store and location, so it is best to check with your local store for holiday hours.