Frappuccino vs. Frappe: What’s the Difference?

At first glance, the terms “frappuccino” and “frappe” seem like they could be referring to the same thing—a delicious, icy coffee beverage perfect for beating the heat. However, these two drinks are actually quite different in flavor, texture, and even base ingredients…one usually doesn’t even have coffee in it! In this guide, I’ll explain the differences between a frappuccino vs. frappe and get into what makes these two coffee drinks unique.

What Is a Frappuccino?

A frappuccino is a thick, blended iced beverage made famous in the U.S. by Starbucks. While it was originally launched in the 1990s as a coffee-based drink, the modern frappuccino has evolved into something far sweeter and richer, and usually without any coffee at all.

At its core, a frappuccino starts with a base of ice, milk (or a milk alternative like almond milk), and a crème base—a concentrated mixture of sugar, flavorings, and thickeners that gives the drink its iconic richness. This crème base often contains no coffee at all, instead relying on flavor syrups and other mix-ins to provide the drink’s signature taste.

While the origins of the name “frappuccino” are a bit murky, the drink is widely believed to be inspired by the New England frappe—although the modern frappuccino has strayed quite far from its caffeinated roots (more on that later). Starbucks launched their version in 1995, and it quickly became one of the coffee chain’s most popular beverages, especially among younger customers and those with caffeine sensitivities.

What Is a Frappe?

In contrast to the sugary, creamy decadence of the frappuccino, the frappe is a much simpler iced coffee drink with Mediterranean roots. While recipes can vary, at its most basic, a frappe consists of just a few ingredients:

Instant coffee or instant espresso
Sugar
Cold water or milk
Ice

These ingredients are simply blended or shaken together until mixed and frothy. That’s it! No crème base, no flavor syrups—just a straightforward, refreshing way to enjoy iced coffee on a hot day.

The origins of the frappe trace back to Greece in the 1950s. As the story goes, a member of the staff at the Thessaloniki International Fair was looking for a way to serve cold coffee, and the frappe was born when he blended instant coffee with cold water and ice.

From there, the frappe’s popularity spread throughout Greece and eventually to other parts of Europe. It remains a beloved beverage in Mediterranean countries to this day, with many cafes and restaurants putting their own unique spin on the classic recipe.

Frappuccino vs. Frappe: How Are They Different?

While their names are admittedly quite similar, frappuccinos and frappes are worlds apart when it comes to flavor, texture, and overall drinking experience. Let’s break down some of the key differences.

Ingredients

A frappuccino’s base is a combination of milk (or milk alternative), ice, and that signature crème base—a thick, sweetened mixture that can contain flavorings like chocolate or fruits but often has no coffee at all. From there, flavor syrups and toppings like whipped cream are added for an extra decadent treat.

A frappe, on the other hand, relies on just a few simple ingredients: instant coffee or instant espresso, sugar, water or milk, and ice.

Sweetness

In my experience, frappuccinos are almost cloyingly sweet. Between the sugar-laden crème base and added syrups, these drinks are essentially liquid candy. A grande (16 oz) Mocha Frappuccino from Starbucks, for example, packs a whopping 51 grams of sugar!

Frappes can be and usually are sweetened to taste, but their overall sugar content is generally much lower since there’s no thick, pre-sweetened base. A little bit of granulated sugar helps balance out the bitterness of the instant coffee, but you’re in control of just how sweet you want it to be. Traditionally, you’d use a teaspoon of sugar (4 grams) or less to balance the bitterness.

Bitterness

Speaking of bitterness, that’s another major difference between these two icy indulgences. Since frappuccinos rely on sweetened crème bases, flavor syrups, and whipped cream, there’s very little bitterness to speak of—even in the coffee-containing varieties. It’s all rich, velvety, dessert-like sweetness from start to finish, and any bitterness that is there in coffee-based frappuccinos is covered up by the loads of sugar.

Frappes, on the other hand, maintain the distinct bitterness and roasty notes you’d expect from a coffee beverage. The intensity can vary based on how much instant coffee or espresso is used, and the sugar does obscure it a bit, but it’s perceivable.

Caffeine Content

Caffeine is another area where these two beverages differ. A standard frappe made with a couple spoonfuls of instant coffee can easily pack over 100mg of caffeine—around the same as a standard cup of coffee.

Your typical frappuccino from Starbucks or another major coffee chain, however, often contains much less, if any at all. The Mocha Frappuccino I mentioned earlier has just 70mg of caffeine, while the Strawberry Crème Frap and other crème-based frappuccinos contain no caffeine at all since there’s no coffee in the mix.

So, if you’re looking for an energizing iced coffee boost, the frappe is the way to go. Frappuccinos are more of a sugary indulgence than a caffeine fix, even if they contain a coffee base.

Texture

Frappes have a thinner, more slushy texture thanks to being blended with just ice, coffee, and a bit of dairy or water. They’re refreshing and easy to drink through a straw, similar to a thick slushie.

Frappuccinos, meanwhile, are much thicker and viscous—almost to the point of being spoonable in some cases. All that blended crème base and whipped cream creates a dense, milkshake-like consistency that’s frankly kind of a chore to sip.

Variations

When it comes to variations and customization, the frappe is a pretty straightforward affair. You can tweak the amount of coffee for more or less intensity, use milk instead of water, or add a flavored syrup, but this coffee drink varies very little traditionally.

Frappuccinos, however, are endlessly customizable. You can mix and match virtually any combination of crème base flavors, coffee varieties, syrups, toppings, and mix-ins. Want a Java Chip Frappuccino with white mocha sauce and raspberry syrup? No problem! The possibilities are more or less endless, and Starbucks alone has over a dozen options without considering customizations.

Cultural Significance and Popularity

While frappes and frappuccinos originated from humble beginnings (a Greek fair and Massachusetts coffee shops, respectively), their modern popularity and cultural significance differs quite a bit.

The frappe reigns supreme in Mediterranean regions like Greece, Cyprus, and parts of Italy. It’s an integral part of the café culture there, with people sipping frappes in the late afternoon while enjoying conversation with friends or taking a late-day break.

Frappuccinos, meanwhile, are a quintessential American invention that took the world by storm thanks to Starbucks’ global expansion in the late 90s and early 2000s. Decadent, indulgent, and social media-friendly, they embody our cultural obsession with over-the-top coffee “treats” packed with sugar and calories.

While frappes still reign in Europe, frappuccinos seem to have a firmer grasp on the global iced coffee market these days—at least when it comes to major coffee chains. Whether that’s a good or bad thing really depends on your personal taste.

Nutrition and Health Considerations

From a nutrition standpoint, it’s no contest—frappes come out way ahead of frappuccinos in terms of being the healthier option. Let’s look at some numbers.

A standard 16oz frappe made with 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and skim milk contains:

Calories: 110
Total Fat: 0g
Sugar: 17g
Caffeine: ~150mg

Meanwhile, a 16oz Mocha Frappuccino from Starbucks is an absolute calorie bomb:

Calories: 370
Total Fat: 16g
Sugar: 51g
Caffeine: 70mg

With over 50 grams of sugar and 16 grams of fat, that frappuccino is solidly in the “dessert” category from a nutrition standpoint. All that whipped cream, crème base, and sugary syrups really pack on the calories, fat, and sugar quickly.

The frappe isn’t exactly a health food by any means with its 17 grams of sugar. But compared to the frappuccino, it’s a much healthier option.

If you’re watching your weight, sugar intake, or just prefer a lighter refreshment, the frappe is undoubtedly the way to go between these two drinks. The frappuccino is best reserved for an occasional treat and not meant to be a daily driver.

Choosing Between a Frappuccino and a Frappe

When it comes time to choose between these two icy delights, I can give you a few tips.

Go for a frappe if:

You want a legitimate caffeine kick from your drink
You prefer a more coffee-forward flavor without overwhelming sweetness
You’re trying to watch your sugar, fat, and overall calorie intake
You like a thinner, easier-to-sip texture

Get a frappuccino if:

You have more of a sweet tooth and don’t mind piling on the calories and sugar
You want to customize your drink with tons of fun flavors and toppings
You love an ultra-thick, milkshake-like consistency
Caffeine isn’t a big priority for you, or you want to avoid it altogether

At the end of the day, both frappes and frappuccinos can be an enjoyable way to cool off and get your coffee fix. Frappes are a simpler, more straightforward refreshment, while frappuccinos turn iced coffee into an indulgent dessert-like experience. Neither is necessarily “better.” It all comes down to your personal tastes and nutrition priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are frappes always made with coffee?

While traditional frappes contain coffee in the form of instant coffee granules or espresso shots, some modern variations have moved away from coffee entirely. Many cafes and coffee shops now offer “frappes” made with different bases like fruit purees, matcha powder, or even just milk and flavor syrups. However, these non-coffee versions are really more akin to smoothies or milkshakes than true frappes. For an authentic frappe experience, stick with instant coffee as the main ingredient.

Are there any low-calorie or “skinny” frappuccino options?

While frappuccinos from major chains like Starbucks are notoriously high in calories, fat, and sugar, there are some lighter options if you know how to order. Ask for nonfat milk, no whipped cream, and fewer pumps of flavor syrup to reduce the calorie and sugar content. You can also request a coffee frappuccino base instead of the sugary crème base. With some modifications, it’s possible to enjoy a relatively guilt-free, 200-calorie frappuccino.

Can you make frappuccinos and frappes at home?

Absolutely! Both frappuccinos and frappes are easy to recreate in your own kitchen with just a few basic ingredients and a blender. For frappes, simply blend instant coffee or espresso with ice, sugar, and a splash of milk or water until slushy. Frappuccinos require a little more effort with the crème base, but you can find plenty of easy recipes online. Making them at home allows you to control ingredients for a healthier version.