What's the real difference between a Frappe and a Frappuccino? If both have ever tempted you from the cold-drinks menu and you weren't sure which one you actually wanted, you've come to the right place.
Both are chilled, both are built around coffee, but they part ways in almost every other respect. So, how do these drinks differ?
Quick Answer: What is the difference between a Frappe and a Frappuccino?
A Frappe is an iced coffee drink, often blended or shaken, and popular in various forms worldwide. A Frappuccino is Starbucks' trademarked, blended coffee drink with added flavors, available only at Starbucks.
I've made plenty of frappes at home and ordered my share of Frappuccinos, and in this article I'll walk you through how they really compare: flavor, preparation, calories, and caffeine, so you can pick the one that fits your mood.
Frappe vs. Frappuccino, how do they differ?
Before we get into every difference in detail, here's a quick overview you can scan first:
| Comparison: | Frappe: | Frappuccino: |
| Coffee? | Yes, instant coffee | Yes, Frappuccino Roast |
| Milk added? | Yes | Yes |
| Flavor notes | Rich coffee flavor, creamy taste | Sweet and creamy taste |
| Calories per serving | Between 30 and 100 calories | Between 140 and 590 calories |
| Caffeine content | Between 60 and 189mg of caffeine | Between 10 and 185mg of caffeine |
| Topping? | Frothy foam top | Whipped cream |
| Sweeteners added? | White granulated sugar | Various sweetening options |
As you can see, they differ in more ways than you might expect.
Now that you know what to look for, let's get into the details:
What is the flavor difference between these drinks?
The flavor difference really comes down to simplicity versus customization.
A Frappe usually tastes more of coffee, since you're making it with just instant coffee, milk, and sugar, with nothing much to get in the way.
A Frappuccino goes the other way. It's sweeter and comes in flavors like caramel, mocha, or vanilla that often cover up the coffee, so it ends up tasting more like a milkshake.
You also get a creamier texture from a Frappuccino, thanks to the syrups and whipped cream that go in.
Is there a difference in strength between a Frappe and a Frappuccino?
Yes, and it's a big one. Here's how the two stack up:
- Frappe: Frappes, especially the traditional Greek variety, taste stronger because the instant coffee is more concentrated. They lean into a bold coffee flavor, so they feel more caffeinated and intense.
- Frappuccino: Frappuccinos usually go easier on the coffee. Many are made with coffee-based syrup or no coffee at all, like the vanilla or strawberry flavors, so they're less caffeinated. The ones that do contain coffee are often diluted with milk, ice, and sweeteners, which softens their strength compared to a Frappe.
So if you want the more coffee-forward cup, that's the Frappe. If you'd rather have something sweeter and less intense, the Frappuccino is your pick.
Tip: You can learn more about the various Frappuccino flavors in this complete article.
Is there a difference in preparation between these drinks?
These two come together in very different ways.
For a traditional Frappe, you blend or shake instant coffee, cold water, and sugar, sometimes with a splash of milk, until it turns foamy:
That foam is what Greek frappes are known for, and it forms as you shake or blend the instant coffee. Once it's foamy, you pour it over ice for a refreshing, coffee-forward drink.
A Frappuccino is different: it's made by blending brewed coffee or a coffee-flavored base with ice, milk, and sweet syrups in a high-powered blender until it turns smooth and milkshake-like.
So a Frappe is shaken or lightly blended just for the foam, while a Frappuccino is blended all the way through for that thick, creamy texture.
Which is sweeter, a Frappe or Frappuccino?
A Frappuccino is usually much sweeter than a Frappe. It's loaded with flavored syrups and sweetened sauces, and often topped with whipped cream, which makes it dessert-like and very sweet.
A Frappe tends to be less sweet, especially the traditional versions, which put the coffee flavor first and use little sugar, if any.
Keep in mind that some frappes are made with plenty of sugar, so those will be sweeter than the regular version, much like a caramel Frappe.
A Frappuccino, though, is always on the sweet side, thanks to all the toppings and add-ins you can order it with.
How many calories are in a Frappe vs. Frappuccino?
The calorie count between a Frappe and a Frappuccino can vary quite a bit.
Generally, Frappuccinos tend to be higher, because of the added ingredients like syrups, whipped cream, and flavoring.
Frappe:
- A traditional Greek-style Frappe made with instant coffee, water, a bit of sugar, and possibly a splash of milk typically has around 30-100 calories.
- If a Frappe includes more milk or flavored syrups (as in American-style Frappes), calories can rise to 150-200.
Frappuccino:
- Starbucks Frappuccinos are higher in calories, averaging around 250-400 calories for a tall (12 oz) size.
- High-calorie versions, like the mocha or caramel Frappuccino with whipped cream and full-fat milk, can reach 500+ calories in larger sizes.
How much caffeine is in these drinks?
There's quite a gap in caffeine once you compare these drinks and their many variations:
Frappe:
- A traditional Greek-style Frappe made with instant coffee has about 60-120mg of caffeine per serving, depending on the amount of instant coffee used.
- American-style Frappes from coffee shops that use brewed espresso can have 47-189mg of caffeine or more, depending on the espresso shots added.
Frappuccino:
- A standard coffee-based Starbucks Frappuccino (like the coffee or java chip Frappuccino) contains around 65-75mg of caffeine for a tall (12 oz).
- Non-coffee Frappuccinos (such as vanilla bean or strawberry) typically contain 0mg of caffeine unless coffee, chocolate, or espresso is added.
- Stronger options, like the espresso Frappuccino, start at 125mg, depending on size and customization.
So a Frappe often carries more caffeine than a coffee-based Frappuccino, especially when it's made with espresso.
A Frappuccino can land anywhere from caffeine-free to moderately caffeinated, depending on the flavor you choose.
Which is better, a Frappe or Frappuccino?
Which one is better really comes down to your taste and what you're in the mood for.
If you're not sure which one fits you best, here's what I'd suggest:
- Go for a Frappe if you want something refreshing and coffee-forward with fewer calories.
- Opt for a Frappuccino if you crave sweetness, flavor variety, and a creamy texture.
Either way, it's down to your taste and what you're aiming for, and you really can't go wrong with either one!
Personally, I lean toward the Greek Frappe for its stronger coffee flavor. That said, I still love to order a Frappuccino now and then, especially the seasonal flavors.
Related coffee comparison articles
Are you wondering how the Frappe and Frappuccino compare to other coffees?
Great! Check out the articles below for more in-depth coffee comparisons:
And to compare more coffees, visit the coffee comparison hub!
Conclusion
So whether a Frappe or a Frappuccino wins really depends on your taste and what you want from your cup.
A Frappe gives you a coffee-forward drink with fewer calories, which makes it a great pick if you like things simple.
A Frappuccino, meanwhile, hands you a sweeter, creamier treat in all sorts of flavors, perfect for when you want to indulge or fancy something dessert-like.
Both have their charm, so the best one is simply whichever suits your craving right now. Grab your blender, try them both, and let your taste buds settle it!
Curious how a frappe compares to a warm classic? See my frappe vs cappuccino comparison.
