Are you a coffee lover who can't resist Frappe's creamy and indulgent taste on a hot summer day?

Or perhaps you're someone who has always been curious about this popular drink but isn't sure if it contains real coffee or not.

Well, I'm here to put an end to the mystery and answer all of your burning questions.

Quick Answer: Do Frappes have coffee?

Yes, all Frappes contain coffee. However, the type of coffee used may vary depending on where you get it from. For example, a Greek Frappe is traditionally made with instant coffee, while a Frappe from McDonald's uses coffee extract.

Do Frappes Have Coffee? (Here's All You Need to Know!)

This article aims to uncover all there is to know about Frappes so that you can confidently enjoy your next icy treat.

So grab a cup of (real) coffee and prepare for some frothy facts!

Do Frappes have coffee?

Yes, all Frappes contain coffee as an essential ingredient. The base includes instant coffee combined with milk and sweetener.

However, the type of coffee used depends on where you get your Frappe.

In Greece, a traditional Greek Frappe is made with instant coffee, water, sugar, and ice blended together to create a frothy and refreshing drink:

Homemade Greek Frappe.
Homemade Greek Frappe

On the other hand, franchise chains like McDonald's use coffee extract in their Frappes to provide consistent flavor across all locations.

Some Frappe recipes may also use decaffeinated coffee for those who want to enjoy a non-caffeinated version.

Overall, there may be slight variations in how much coffee is used in different Frappe recipes.

Support this blog
In the Netherlands? Support this blog by trying my coffee beans.
Droom Boon is my own coffee brand. I'm the person behind Your Dream Coffee, and these are the beans I sell and stand behind for flavor. If you've enjoyed my guides, this is the simplest way to support what I do and get great-tasting coffee in return.
Try Droom Boon beans Dutch visitors only. Thank you for supporting what I publish here.

Which type of coffee are Frappes made with?

As I've mentioned above, there are two main types of Frappes, and they use different coffees:

  • A Greek Frappe uses instant coffee
  • A McDonald's Frappe is made with coffee extract

For example, the caramel Frappe from McDonald's uses a caramel coffee Frappe base which has coffee extract in it, as seen from the ingredients list on their website:

The list of ingredients in the caramel coffee Frappe base from McDonald's.

If you compare this to a homemade Greek Frappe, which uses Nescafe instant coffee, you'll start to notice a big difference.

Frappes made with instant coffee are stronger in flavor and will taste mainly like coffee.

Frappes like the McDonald's version will taste sweet without any real coffee flavor.

Nescafe Original.

Are there Frappes without coffee?

While there may be variations or alternative recipes for a Frappe without coffee, these would not technically be considered true Frappes.

Coffee provides the distinct flavor and caffeine kick that makes a traditional Frappe unique.

As such, any variation without coffee would likely have a different name or be considered an entirely separate drink.

For example, you can order Starbucks Frappuccinos in many different flavors and customize them as desired.

Starbucks matcha Frappuccino, ready to drink.
Starbucks matcha Frappuccino

These Frappuccinos can also be coffee-free. This list explains which Frappuccinos don't have coffee.

A real Frappe will always be made with instant coffee (or coffee extract).

So, if you want to taste an authentic Frappe without coffee, I suggest making it with decaf coffee instead.

Instant coffee.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Frappes are a popular drink choice that many have enjoyed for years.

While there may be some debate about whether or not they contain coffee, the reality is that all Frappes do, in fact, have a coffee base.

From the classic Greek Frappes to the unique offerings at McDonald's, coffee is an essential ingredient in creating the perfect Frappe.

Although the exact type of coffee used may vary depending on the chain and location, one thing remains constant: Frappes are a delicious and refreshing treat to enjoy any time of day.

So, whether you're a dedicated coffee lover or just looking for a sweet indulgence, try a Frappe and discover the joy of this beloved drink.

Support Your Dream Coffee

AI tools make it easy to get quick answers without clicking through to the original article. That's convenient, but it makes it harder for small, independent blogs like this one to stay visible.

If you want these guides to stay free and be regularly updated, you can see a few simple ways to support Your Dream Coffee on this page.

See ways to support →

Learn more about coffee


Ask Jeffrey a quick question

If something still feels unclear, drop your question here. I read every comment.

This will scroll you to the comment box and paste your question there.

Profile picture of Jeffrey (Founder & Coffee expert at Your Dream Coffee)
Author

Jeffrey is the founder of Your Dream Coffee and a culinary professional with 5+ years of experience. He rigorously tests every grinder and machine in his own kitchen to ensure these guides are grounded in hands-on evidence, not theory.

Write A Comment

Your Dream Coffee is an independent media publication dedicated to the home brewer.

From expert-tested recipes to in-depth brewing guides and unbiased equipment reviews, everything we share is refined in our home kitchen to help you master the craft of coffee.

Contact

Trading as: Your Dream Coffee (“Your Dream Blogs VOF”)
Registration Number (KVK): 85204455
VAT Number: NL863544940B01
Address: Keurenplein 41 (A0767)
1069 CD, Amsterdam (NL)

Follow

As Featured On

Companies Your Dream Coffee is featured on

Disclaimer: The content on Your Dream Coffee is meant to inform, inspire, and guide, but it's not professional advice. We do our best to share accurate, helpful, and up-to-date information based on experience and research. That said, we can't guarantee everything will apply perfectly to your unique situation.

Use of this site is subject to our Terms & Conditions and means you accept that any actions you take based on the content are your own responsibility. Your Dream Coffee isn't liable for any direct or indirect issues that result from how you use the information here.

This site is the official website of Your Dream Coffee and represents our professional editorial standards and firsthand testing experiences.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this site are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase.

Your Dream Coffee is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products on Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.

Site Editor: Jeffrey