There’s no doubt that coffee is a popular drink, especially in the morning and afternoon hours.
However, it can be challenging to choose from these delicious options if you’re unsure of the differences.
Quick Answer: What’s the difference between a Frappuccino and a latte?
The main difference between a Frappuccino and a latte is that a Frappuccino is a blended iced drink, whereas a latte is an espresso-based and milk-based drink that can be served hot or iced.
Frappuccinos are often sweeter and more dessert-like than a plain latte (especially when topped and flavored).
It’s time to take a closer look at the differences between these delicious drinks and determine which one is better suited to your taste.
Let’s get into it!
Frappuccino vs. latte: How do they differ?
These two delicious drinks are very different from one another, so it’s nice to know which you might like better.
Before getting in-depth about each difference, you can have a look at the table below for a quick overview:
| Comparison: | Frappuccino: | Latte: |
| Coffee? | Sometimes. Coffee-based Frappuccinos use coffee/espresso, while crème-based Frappuccinos don't include coffee | Yes, espresso shots (the number varies by size and recipe) |
| Milk added? | Yes | Yes, 3/4 cup (0.18 L) |
| Flavor notes | Sweet and creamy taste | Smooth, creamy texture and a rich caramel flavor |
| Calories per serving | Between 140 and 590 calories | 110 calories |
| Caffeine content | Between 10 and 185mg of caffeine | Depends on how many espresso shots are used (more shots = more caffeine) |
| Topping? | Often whipped cream (varies by recipe and can be customized). | A thin layer of microfoam on hot lattes |
| Sweeteners added? | Often sweetened via syrups/sauces (especially on menu flavors), but can be ordered with less/no added sweetness | Plain lattes aren't automatically sweetened; sweetness usually comes from the syrups/sauces you choose to add |
Now that you have a good idea about the main differences between these delicious drinks, it’s time to go in-depth about them. Let’s get started:
What is the temperature difference between a Frappuccino and a latte?
A Frappuccino is iced, and a latte is hot. A Frappuccino’s temperature becomes cooler with a larger size because more ice is added, while a latte’s temperature ranges from 155°F (68°C) to 165°F (74°C).
So, there is a significant difference in temperature between these drinks, allowing you to serve lattes both hot and cold.
So, if you want to enjoy a latte during the summer months (or just don’t like a hot drink), you can opt for an iced latte instead.
An iced latte combines cold milk, espresso coffee, and ice cubes in a tall glass. It can be made with cold foam for a more textured drinking experience:
A Frappuccino, however, cannot be made hot. A good option would be to order a cappuccino with the same add-ins you usually add to your Frappuccino, but the drinking experience will not be the same.
What is the difference in preparation between these drinks?
A Frappuccino is a blended beverage that is made with coffee, milk, and ice. It is typically blended and served with a straw.
A latte is an espresso-based drink made with steamed milk and typically has less foam than a cappuccino.
It can be served with or without added flavoring, such as syrup or cocoa powder.
You’ll always need a blender to make a Frappuccino, whereas you don’t necessarily need a steaming wand to make a latte at home.
A latte can be made using various frothing techniques. Check out this article to see the different techniques you can use.
You can follow this quick guide to make a Frappuccino at home. This recipe is for the basic Frappuccino, to which you can then add various flavors of your choice:
For example, you can make a caramel Frappuccino by adding caramel sauce to the mix. I’ve listed more recipes for homemade Frappuccinos at the end of the article.
Is a Frappuccino stronger than a latte?
It depends on the Frappuccino. Some are stronger than lattes, while others are weaker.
A latte is typically made with espresso and steamed milk, while a Frappuccino is made with Frappuccino Roast. So, it really depends on the recipe.
Frappuccino Roast is the coffee basis Starbucks uses to sweeten and caffeinate their Frappuccinos.
On the other hand, a latte is always made with an espresso shot and sometimes even a doppio espresso for added strength.
A Frappuccino may vary in strength depending on the one you prefer to order.
Espresso Frappuccinos include espresso in addition to the Frappuccino base, but whether they taste stronger than a latte depends on the size of the latte and the number of espresso shots it contains.
Crème-based Frappuccinos don't include coffee, while coffee-based Frappuccinos do, so it depends on which Frappuccino you're comparing.
You can check out this article to see which Frappuccinos use coffee.
Which is sweeter, a Frappuccino or a latte?
Frappuccinos are sweeter because they are made with more sugar and syrup. Lattes have a more subtle sweetness because of the milk and espresso.
Most Frappuccinos are also served with whipped cream on top, adding an extra layer of sweetness and decadence.
You can also order sweet lattes, such as a gingerbread latte or a Spanish latte.
A latte is always made with espresso, which is more concentrated than coffee, resulting in a more intense flavor.
How much caffeine is in a Frappuccino vs. latte?
A latte contains approximately 68mg of caffeine, while a Frappuccino contains between 10 and 185 mg. The variation depends on the size and type of Frappuccino.
For example, a Tall (12 oz or 355 ml) java chip Frappuccino has 75mg of caffeine, while a Venti (24 oz or 710 ml) double chocolaty chip crème Frappuccino coffee has only 20mg.
You can also make your latte with a double espresso shot, which will double the amount of caffeine to a total of 136mg. (Source)
If you want to know how much caffeine the currently available Starbucks Frappuccinos have, you can check out this complete overview here.
How many calories are in a Frappuccino and a latte?
A latte has 110 calories, while a Frappuccino ranges between 140 and 590 calories. This variation depends on the size and the type of Frappuccino.
The significant calorie difference is due to the fact that Frappuccinos are made with more ingredients, such as whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and caramel (or other flavorings).
A latte, on the other hand, will have 110 calories when made with whole milk. You can decrease the number of calories by using low-fat milk or your favorite non-dairy alternative.
If you start adding syrups and sauces to a latte, you’ll also increase the number of calories, but most of the time, a Frappuccino will still have a few more calories.
For a comprehensive overview of Frappuccinos and their calorie content per serving size, please refer to this article if you’re interested.
Which is better, a Frappuccino or a latte?
It depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer the Frappuccino because it is cold and icy, while others prefer the latte because it has a stronger coffee flavor.
If you’re unsure which might suit you the best, I suggest the following:
- If you prefer a sweeter drink, opt for the Frappuccino.
- If you prefer a more traditional coffee flavor, opt for the latte.
I’ll usually order a latte over a Frappuccino, but when it’s hot outside, a Frappuccino every now and then is a delicious treat.
Conclusion
So, there you have it: the biggest differences between a Frappuccino and a latte.
Lattes are made with espresso and steamed milk, while Frappuccinos are made with coffee, milk, ice, and flavored syrups.
While both can offer a caffeine kick, they each have a unique flavor profile that sets them apart.
So, next time you’re craving a coffee drink, be sure to order the one that suits your mood!
And if you want to try your hand at making some delicious Frappuccinos at home, you can check out my favorites below:
