Frappe vs Frappuccino: What’s the Real Difference?

You’ve probably said “frappe” when you meant “Frappuccino”, or the other way around.

They both sound fancy, they’re both cold, and they both show up in tall cups with straws. But they’re not the same drink.

One started as a quick fix in a Greek expo booth. The other? A Starbucks invention that became a global sugar rush.

In this guide, you’ll learn what sets these two apart, how they’re made, how they taste, and which one fits your coffee vibe best. You’ll also get tips for making each one at home.

Quick Summary: Main Difference Between A Frappe & A Frappuccino

A frappe is a classic Greek drink made with instant coffee, cold water, sugar, and ice. It’s usually shaken by hand or blended until it foams, then poured over more ice. No whipped cream, no fancy syrup. Just strong, chilled coffee with a frothy top.

A Frappuccino, on the other hand, is a Starbucks creation. It blends brewed coffee or espresso with milk, ice, syrup, and toppings like whipped cream. It’s more of a coffee milkshake than a pure coffee drink.

• Frappe = European, simple, strong, foamy
• Frappuccino = American, sweet, creamy, and trademarked

Frappe vs. Frappuccino: Taste & Texture

Frappe and Frappuccino may both cool you off, but the texture and flavor hit completely different.

Frappe: Strong, Bold, & Foamy

The classic Greek frappe starts with an instant coffee recipe. That gives it a sharper, sometimes bitter edge — like straight-up coffee, just cold and foamy. If you like your coffee strong, you’ll probably enjoy the kick. It’s especially bold if you skip the sugar or milk.

The texture is light but icy. When shaken or blended, the mix traps air and forms a thick foam on top. The bottom stays watery and chilled, with no creaminess unless you add milk. The mouthfeel is refreshing, not rich.

Flavor-wise, it’s clean, basic, and coffee-forward. No syrups. No toppings. Just coffee, ice, and optional sweetness. If you're a purist, this is your drink.

Frappuccino: Creamy, Sweet, & Dessert-Like

A Frappuccino is not very strong, but the flavor is. Starbucks blends espresso or brewed coffee with milk, ice, syrups, and sometimes no coffee at all. Some versions use a crème base only, meaning zero caffeine.

The texture is smooth and milkshake-like. Everything gets crushed and blended until it’s thick and sippable through a straw. And the toppings seal the vibe, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or even cookie bits.

Frappuccinos are sweeter, creamier, and more indulgent than frappes. You won’t get much bitterness here. It’s more of a coffee dessert than a coffee drink.

Frappe vs. Frappuccino: Which One Has More Caffeine?

The caffeine in coffee depends on how it’s made, and it varies more than you think.

Caffeine in a Frappe

Traditional frappes use instant coffee. Most Greek-style versions call for 1–2 teaspoons of Nescafé, which has about 60 to 90 mg of caffeine in one serving. If you use more coffee or less water, that number climbs.

There’s no milk or cream to cut the strength. Unless you seriously dilute it, a frappe often tastes and hits stronger than a Frappuccino.

Caffeine in a Frappuccino

Frappuccino caffeine levels are all over the place. Some are coffee-based. Others are crème-based with zero caffeine. 

Here’s a quick look at Starbucks caffeine amounts (16 oz size):

• Coffee Frappuccino: 95 mg
• Mocha Frappuccino: 100 mg
• Java Chip Frappuccino: 105 mg
• Caramel Frappuccino: 90 mg
• Vanilla Bean Crème (no coffee): 0 mg

If you want more buzz, you can order one with added espresso shots, which’ll tack on about 75 mg per shot.

So while a frappe gives you consistent strength, a Frappuccino depends on what’s inside. Always check the label or ask if you’re unsure.

Frappe vs. Frappuccino: Calories, Sugar, & Nutrition Comparison

This is where things really split. One drink gives you control. The other gives you flavor overload.

Frappe: Lighter & Customizable

Frappe calories depend entirely on how you make it. Here’s what you’re looking at:

• Just instant coffee + water: 5 to 10 calories
• Add sugar: +15 to 30 calories per teaspoon
• Add milk: +20 to 50 calories, depending on type

A basic homemade frappe with a splash of milk and one teaspoon of sugar might contain around 60 to 100 calories. Skip the sugar, and it’s even less. You control the ingredients, so it’s easier to keep things light.

There’s also little to no fat unless you add milk. And since instant coffee contains no added syrups or emulsifiers, it’s clean and simple.

Frappuccino: Higher in Calories, Sugar, & Fat

Now for the sweet stuff. A 16-oz Starbucks Frappuccino can pack quite a punch:

• Coffee Frappuccino: 240 calories, 45 g carbs, 50 g sugar, 3 g fat
• Mocha Frappuccino: 370 calories, 15 g fat, 54 g sugar
• Java Chip: 440 calories, 18 g fat, 60 g sugar
• Caramel Ribbon Crunch: 470 calories, 22 g fat, 60 g sugar

That’s before customization. Add whipped cream (+80 to 110 calories), drizzle (+20 to 30), or whole milk (+50 to 100), and the total climbs fast.

The sugar is the biggest factor. Most Frappuccinos have 40 to 60 grams of sugar, nearly double the daily limit recommended by the American Heart Association.

Fat content also depends on the type of milk chosen. Whole milk adds more fat than non-dairy options. The whipped cream also contains saturated fat.

Frappe vs. Frappuccino: Prep Method & Ingredients

They look similar in a cup, but what goes into a frappe vs. Frappuccino couldn’t be more different. From ingredients to prep style, these drinks are built in totally different ways.

Here’s a full breakdown:

Feature	Frappe	Frappuccino
Coffee Base	Instant coffee (Nescafé is traditional)	Flavored syrup base (Brewed coffee or espresso added by request)
Liquid	Cold water (milk optional)	Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Sweetener	Optional sugar (adjust to taste)	Syrups (vanilla, mocha, caramel)
Prep Method	Shaken or briefly blended	Fully blended until smooth
Texture	Icy, foamy, layered	Thick, creamy, milkshake-like
Toppings	Usually none	Whipped cream, sauces, sprinkles
Sweetness	Low by default; depends on sugar added	Usually heavily sweetened by default
Origin	Greece — created by accident in 1957	U.S. — Starbucks creation from 1995
Calories	60 to 150 (depending on sugar/milk)	240 to 500+ (based on size, toppings, milk)
Caffeine	60 to 90mg (from instant coffee)	0 to 155mg (varies by flavor and size)
Feel	Cool, bold, refreshing	Sweet, creamy, indulgent
Customizable?	Very — sugar, milk, coffee ratio	Somewhat — can modify milk, syrups, or toppings
Best Served	In a tall glass with a straw	In a takeaway cup with a dome lid

Key Ingredient Notes

Both drinks start with coffee, but what you add next changes everything.

Frappe: Instant coffee is key. Without it, it’s not traditional. Sugar is optional. Cold water and ice build the base. Milk softens the flavor, but isn’t required. 

Frappuccino: Built on a Starbucks-style base that includes a sweetened coffee or crème concentrate. Milk, flavored syrups, and ice are blended in. Stabilizers keep the texture thick and creamy. Toppings like whipped cream and drizzle are usually added.

Frappe vs. Frappuccino: Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s how to decide based on your flavor preferences, lifestyle, or dietary needs.

Pick a frappe if you want:

• A bold, strong coffee flavor
• Less sweetness and more control over sugar
• A drink that’s quick, easy, and affordable to make at home
• Something lower in calories and fat
• A caffeine boost from instant coffee

Perfect for: Black coffee lovers, minimalists, and DIYers on a budget.

Pick a Frappuccino if you want:

• A smooth, creamy, milkshake-like texture
• Sweet flavors with add-ons like caramel or mocha
• A coffee-based dessert drink
• A treat with whipped cream and toppings
• More variety in flavors or caffeine levels

Perfect for: Sweet drink lovers, Starbucks fans, and dessert-style drinkers.

A frappe hits when you want that cold coffee bite without sugar overload. A Frappuccino satisfies when you’re craving something rich and sweet.

Your drink choice? It depends on your mood, your taste buds, and what kind of sip you're after.

How to Make a Frappe & a Frappuccino at Home

Skip the long lines and high prices. You can recreate both drinks at home with easy ingredients and a few smart tricks.

Frappe Recipe

This classic Greek iced coffee is all about foam, simplicity, and bold flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1–2 teaspoons instant coffee (Cafely’s Instant Espresso is perfect)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 3–4 tablespoons cold water
• Ice cubes
• Splash of milk (optional)

Steps:

1. Add coffee, sugar, and cold water to a shaker or jar.
2. Shake hard for 30 seconds until thick foam builds.
3. Pour the foam into a tall glass.
4. Add ice cubes, then top off with more cold water.
5. Add milk if desired, then stir and sip.

Frappuccino Recipe

This isn’t just coffee blended with milk and ice. To get that real Frappuccino texture, you’ll need a proper base. That’s what makes it thick, creamy, and smooth like the Starbucks version.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso or ½ cup of brewed drip coffee, cooled
• ¾ cup of milk (any kind works)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar or flavored syrup
• 1½ to 2 cups of ice
• 1 tablespoon of Frappuccino base (see below)
• Whipped cream (optional)

Steps:

1. Add the espresso, milk, sweetener, ice, and base into your blender.
2. Blend until smooth and thick. It should look like a milkshake, not a smoothie.
3. Pour it into a tall glass.
4. Add whipped cream if you want.
5. Serve right away with a straw.

Frappuccino Base (optional but worth it):

This gives the drink that creamy, slightly sticky texture.

To make it, blend:

• 1 cup of water
• ¾ cup of sugar
• 1½ teaspoons of xanthan gum

Store it in a jar in the fridge and use about 1 to 2 tablespoons per drink. It lasts for a few weeks.

Expert Tips for Better Homemade Drinks

A few small tweaks can upgrade your drink from good to café-quality.

1. Use Cold Brew for a Smoother Sip

Cold brew gives a less acidic, more balanced flavor than hot espresso. It's great for both drinks if you want a mellow finish.

2. Lighten It Up Without Losing Flavor

Switch to almond or oat milk to cut calories. Use monk fruit or stevia instead of sugar. Skip whipped cream to avoid 100+ extra calories. There are ways to sweeten your coffee without sugar!

3. Thicken Without Cream

Frozen milk cubes or a scoop of frozen banana can make your drink creamy without heavy dairy. Bonus: they chill your drink without watering it down.

FAQs: Frappe Vs. Frappuccino

Quick, clear answers to the most common questions about frappes, Frappuccinos, and coffee drinks in general.

1. Does Frappe Always Have Whipped Cream?

No, a traditional Greek frappe is served without whipped cream and focuses on coffee foam instead.

2. Does Frappe Mean Milkshake?

In some countries like the U.S., “frappe” can refer to a milkshake, but in coffee terms, it’s a chilled drink made with instant coffee and foam.

3. Which Is the Creamiest Coffee?

Frappuccinos tend to be the creamiest because they include milk, blended ice, sweet coffee syrup, and often whipped cream on top.

4. Why Is It Called a Frappe?

The word is French, where “frapper” means “to chill” or “to shake,” which reflects how the drink is prepared.

5. How to Make Frappe Thicker?

To thicken a frappé, increase the ice and use a blender instead of shaking by hand for better texture.

6. Are Frappes Always Blended?

Not always, traditional frappes are typically shaken, though some modern versions use blenders for convenience.

7. What Is a Frappe Without Coffee?

A frappe without coffee usually becomes a milkshake or crème-based drink that contains no caffeine.

8. Is Frappe Considered Coffee?

Yes, as long as it contains instant coffee or espresso, it qualifies as a coffee beverage.

9. Are Frappes High in Sugar?

They can be, especially when made with lots of added sugar or syrups, but homemade versions can be adjusted for lower sugar content.

10. What's the Healthiest Frappe at Starbucks?

The healthiest option is usually a light Frappuccino made with non-dairy milk, no whipped cream, and sugar-free syrup.