Starbucks is everywhere! According to StarbucksLocations.com, there are 14 Starbucks' located in Knoxville, which includes those inside buildings, such as the one in Hodges Library. Although many people claim to hate Starbucks because they are trying to stick it to the man, it's undeniable that, because they are on every other street corner, you've probably gotten coffee, tea or a frappuccino there at least once.

Does anyone ever consider the amount of calories in a drink? Of course they do! I can't tell you how many times I've gotten Starbucks with a friend and they've said, "I know this is probably 300 calories, but oh well." I'm the same way. What is it about Starbucks that makes it so addicting?

What is it about Starbucks that makes it so addicting?Well, let's take a look at the calories in my favorite drink: a grande caramel frappuccino with whipped cream. So apparently there are 380 calories, 15 total grams of fat and 6 grams of protein, which is not so bad....for a complete meal. To put it into perspective, my favorite Subway sandwich is the 6-inch sweet onion chicken teriyaki, one of the most un-nutritional sandwiches on the menu. There are 374 calories, 5 total grams of fat and 26 grams of protein. The more filling one is obvious, but does that stop me from getting a caramel frappuccino...no way. The price might, but oddly enough not the calories.

So why do we keep going back even though we know the calories are very high? Do the calories even matter? Maybe it's the fact that coffee has caffeine in it and it is addicting. Something tells me that's not the only reason.

If you enter the search  term 'Starbucks addiction' into Google, you'll find a million different people blogging about being addicted to Starbucks. Many of them divulge the recurring theme in their lives of not having the willpower to leave Starbucks alone.

It's interesting. The calories are insane, the drinks are overpriced and the lines are always incredibly long, especially between classes. So I've come up with two possible theories as to why this might be such a staple for so many people.

First, I think the proximity and amount of establishments are essential. It's so easy to get Starbucks when you are preparing to have a long night at the library. The coffee is right there waiting for some nice person to drink it and be merry. Well, as merry as you can be, all homework considered. But Starbucks is also all over the country. According to an article from USA Today in 2006, there are 7,950 locations in America.      

My second theory is that society tells us it's cool: the bandwagon effect. Everyone is drinking it, so why shouldn't I? The menu certainly has a wide enough selection that everyone can find something they like. If Zoolander and his friends enjoy drinking it, then everyone should give it a try.

Whatever your reason for drinking Starbucks, try taking a look next time at the calorie count. It is interesting to notice where your calorie consumption is coming from and how vastly different it is than what you think it might be.