There’s no doubt that coffee is a popular drink – especially during the morning and afternoon hours.
In fact, many people can’t even start their day without a cup of joe. But it can be hard to choose from these delicious options if you don’t know the difference.
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 drink with ice, while a latte is served hot and is made with espresso and steamed milk. Frappuccinos are also generally sweeter and creamier than lattes.
It’s time to take a closer look at the differences between these delicious drinks and which is better for 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? | Yes, Frappuccino Roast | Yes, one espresso shot |
| 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 | 68mg of caffeine |
| Topping? | Whipped cream | Milk foam topping |
| Sweeteners added? | Various sweetening options | Various sweetening options |
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 you order because more ice is added, while a latte’s temperature ranges from 155 (68 °C) to 165 degrees Fahrenheit (73 °C).
So there is a big difference in temperature between these drinks, and you can serve lattes 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 iced cubes in a tall glass. It can be made with cold foam for a more texture 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 usually whipped up in a blender and served with a straw.
A latte is an espresso drink that is 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 blended to make a Frappuccino, while you don’t necessarily need to have 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 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 be stronger depending on the one you like to order. Espresso Frappuccinos have an extra espresso shot added, making them slightly stronger in flavor than a latte.
However, most of the other Frappuccinos have no coffee added, making them less strong than a latte. 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 more 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, so it has a more intense flavor.
How much caffeine is in a Frappuccino vs. latte?
A latte has about 68mg of caffeine, while a Frappuccino has between 10 and 185. 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 big calorie difference is because Frappuccinos are made with more ingredients like whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and caramel (or other flavorings).
So, while they may be delicious, they’re not the healthiest option!
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.
You can check out a complete overview of the Frappuccinos and their calories per serving size in 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 like a sweeter drink, go with the Frappuccino.
- If you like a more traditional coffee flavor, go with the latte.
I’ll usually order a latte over a Frappuccino, but when it’s hot outside, a Frappuccino every once in a while 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 right one for your mood!
And if you want to try your hand at making some delicious Frappuccinos at home, you can check out my favorites below:
