Frappuccino vs Cappuccino: The Difference

There are many caffeinated beverages available. Frappuccino vs Cappuccino are a great example.

These two are very different from one another.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Frappuccino vs Cappuccino.

Which has more caffeine? Do they use espresso? Are they hot or cold drinks? How many calories do they have?

Frappuccinos are unique, and you can only find them at Starbucks.

Let’s not waste any time and get straight to the point.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

What is a Frappuccino?
What is a Cappuccino?
What is the Difference Between Frappuccino vs Cappuccino?
What about an Iced Cappuccino?
Expert Tips for Frappuccino vs Cappuccino

What is a Frappuccino?

The Frappuccino was invented by an employee at “The Coffee Connection,” a Boston high-end coffee shop. In 1994 Starbucks purchased the “Frappuccino” cafe and introduced its recipe in 1995 as its trademark.

Frappuccino is a cold beverage made from blended iced coffee, milk, sweetened with sugar, and sometimes topped with whipped cream or ice cream. The secret is in the syrup. Starbucks’ branded syrup – Frappuccino® Roast, is used to sweeten this delicious beverage.

You have the freedom to adjust the consistency and taste. Modified options include chocolate chips and flavored syrups. Frappuccinos were also available in juice mixes.

The Frappuccino, an iced coffee beverage, has a significant advantage: it can be bottled and sold at convenience stores and vending machines.

Maybe you are wondering how much caffeine is in a Starbucks Frappuccino? Well, the answer is – it has and it doesn`t.

Many Frappuccino beverages are available on the Starbucks menu, some containing espresso, and others do not have any coffee.

The first type is called Coffee Frappuccino®. The most caffeinated is the Espresso Frappuccino® Blended Beverage with 155mg of caffeine (grande cup size).

The second type is Creme Frappuccino®. Those Frappuccinos do not contain any caffeine. You can check other non-caffeinated Starbucks drinks.

What is a Cappuccino?

Cappuccino is a simplified version of the Vienesse Kapuziner of 1700s, which has whipped cream and spices.

It is a hot espresso-based Italian beverage made with hot milk and topped with steamed milk foam. There are many options, including plant and lactose-free milk.

How can you prepare a cappuccino?

Make an Espresso shot and steam milk to make it more texture. Use the shot as a bottom layer, followed by steamed milk and topped with milk foam.

The espresso-to-milk ration is 1/3 Espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 milk foam. Cappuccino comes in a 5 to 6-ounce glass.

The cappuccino sizes and ratios may vary depending on where and how a barista prepares them.

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What is the Difference Between Frappuccino vs Cappuccino?

Hot or Cold drink?

The cappuccino is steaming hot. It’s because it contains fresh hot Espresso and steamed milk.

Frappuccino is a blend of ice, Espresso, milk, and syrup. Then this milkshake is topped with whipped cream or ice cream.

Temperature differences can also make a drink taste very different.

You can use Frappuccino as a cold alternative to cappuccino.

Frappuccino vs Cappuccino Caffeine content

Starbucks offers its Frappuccino drinks in two main types – Coffee (contain caffeine) and Creme (does not contain caffeine).

It is a versatile drink that is easy to customize. For example, Matcha Frappuccino does not contain an Espresso shot. But it will still have some caffeine because of the Matcha Powder in it. That’s it.

The Creme Frappuccino can be a blessing for those who want a decaf version.

It can be a challenge if you are trying to avoid sugary drinks. A frappuccino is almost always sweetened.

On the other side, Cappuccino contains one shot of Espresso. If it is made differently, it will not be a Cappuccino. Coffee drinkers are particular.

Cappuccino will always contain at least 120-170mg of caffeine. A single espresso shot is enough to make a Cappuccino – unless you request it twice.

The caffeine content of coffee can differ depending on the brand and the type of coffee bean used.

Frappuccino vs Cappuccino calories

A single shot of espresso is the base for a cappuccino. It has almost zero calories because it only contains small amounts of coffee fats.

There is also the steam milk. This would require higher fat milk to create a velvety foam that tastes better. Although this adds a few calories, it’s not a significant one.

You can add sugar if you wish. This is 56 calories for a cup of cappuccino without sugar.

It’s not that much when you consider how much space it takes up in your cup. Remember that milk foam is a large portion of the drink and therefore contains a lot of air.

The frappuccino, however, is a different story. The cream, milk, whipped cream, and syrup frappuccino have 210 to 470 calories.

This is an absurd difference, and anyone who watches their weight will know where to avoid it.

A frappuccino can be enjoyed as an occasional treat. However, a long-term habit of drinking sugary or fat drinks will not benefit the body.

In conclusion, Frappuccinos contain much more calories than Cappuccinos.

Cappuccino is a specific drink unlike Frappuccino

There is a specific recipe for making cappuccino. You can make a different cup by adding more milk or coffee.

If your Espresso to milk ratio is incorrect, your cappuccino will not be a cappuccino.

For example, if the milk is halved (1:1 Espresso to milk foam), you will have an espresso macchiato.

Flat White is in ratio 1:2 (Espresso to steamed milk). You can then add milk foam to the mix and get a Caffe Latte.

Every drink has its own name.

On the other side, Frappuccino is more flexible and can be adjusted to suit your needs. It can still be called Frappuccino.

It’s possible to argue that some coffee drink names are ridiculous, like Cortado coffee.. However, each coffee drink has a tradition reflected in its name. This might cause some people to be offended.

The type of coffee used for both drinks

You don’t need a coffee machine to make frappuccino. Some types of frappuccino do not even contain coffee.

If you do not have an espresso machine, you can use a French press coffee maker, aero press, or pour over to make coffee. And whichever method you choose, frappuccino will still have a fantastic taste.

These are strong brews that will withstand large amounts of cream, milk, and whipped cream. You will need to let them cool down a little.

However, you can make your frappuccino using cold-brewed coffee. Note that this will give you a subtle coffee taste.

You can use whatever flavor you like for your drink. The frappuccino was partly inspired by the frappe invented in Greece half a century ago.

Coffee people are exact. A Cappuccino should be made with Espresso, and you can not use any other coffee.

Although it is still delicious, a filter coffee will not make a cappuccino. This is due to the taste, the ratio problem, and the texture.

Mostly, it’s the crema on your Espresso. How will you drink your milk foam flower if there is no crema on the cappuccino?

Serving Size

A cappuccino will always be smaller than a frappuccino. A cappuccino is typically made with a 5 to 6oz glass.

On the other hand, you can order Frappuccino in a 12, 16, or 24 oz cup.

Your cup of cappuccino will seem small in comparison. The Frappuccino might start to giggle if you placed a tiny espresso next to it.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the Frappuccino contains more caffeine.

The drink you choose will depend on what you prefer: a sweet, coffee-like taste or a quick and simple cup of coffee.

Frappuccino vs Cappuccino Composition

Frappuccinos blend ice, coffee, and Milk with flavoring syrup. Once the coffee is poured into a cup, you can cover it with whipped cream or other toppings.

Cappuccino can be made by layering one-third each of freshly brewed espresso, steamed Milk, and microfoam. For a smooth texture, baristas make sure to use well-aerated Milk.

Frappuccino vs Cappuccino taste

Frappuccinos are often referred to as sugary bombs because they contain various syrups and toppings. They are creamy with light coffee flavors and a distinct taste depending on the flavoring syrup.

Cappuccinos get their natural sweetness from the milk. Cappuccinos have intense coffee flavors due to espresso and a creamy texture from the microfoam.

FRAPPUCCINO VS CAPPUCCINO	FRAPPUCCINO	CAPPUCCINO
Temperature	Cold	Hot
Composition	Blended ice, coffee, milk, syrup and topped with whipped cream or ice cream	1/3 Espresso1/3 Steamed Milk1/3 Milk Froth
Taste	Very sweet and creamy	Frothy and sweetness from milk with a strong espresso flavor
Serving	16oz cup size	6oz glass
Calories	210 – 470	~56
Caffeine	85 to 155 mg	120-170 mg

Frappuccino vs Cappuccino comparison

What about an Iced Cappuccino?

Starbucks used to offer an Iced Cappuccino.

As you might have guessed, it shared a little more with the Frappuccino, which is cold.

It was made from milk and 1 to 2 espresso shots. Finally, it was topped with cold foam.

The Iced Cappuccino is not like Frappuccino. It was made with espresso and not Frap Roast syrup.

Iced Cappuccino doesn’t have as much sweetness and is an excellent option for those who want a simple, cold cup of coffee in the summer.

Like regular cappuccinos, you can find iced cappuccinos in many cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.

Some places will froth milk with the steam wand and then add hot foam to the Iced Cappuccino.

Finding Iced cappuccinos available in coffee shops or cafes is very hard. An iced latte vs iced coffee are a great alternative. Barista prepares it with milk, espresso shot, and ice cubes.

Frappuccinos can be found only at Starbucks.

Hot Frappuccino is not a thing. Its name comes from the French word frappe, which means “chilled” (or “iced) when referring to a drink.

You can order an Iced White Mocha with sweet cream foam, Iced White Chocolate Mocha, or a flavored Macchiato, as a hot Frappuccino substitute.

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Expert Tips for Frappuccino vs Cappuccino

You can make your own cappuccino and frappuccino. Although they might not turn out as well as if made by a barista, it’s still a homemade experience.

You will need a blender and an espresso machine to make the espresso.

Let’s now look at some valuable tips to make cappuccino and frappuccino at home.

Use an Espresso Shot for better flavor

For a cappuccino, you will need an espresso shot. As I mentioned above, for Frappuccino, you can use other coffee types.

An espresso shot is a great way to get a strong coffee flavor. If possible, make it double.

You will get more flavor and strength for your Frappuccino. The crema will also add color to the drink. After you blend the cream and ice, add the coffee at the end.

Use Cold Brew coffee for Frappuccino

You can use a cold brew coffee only for your Frappuccino. It has the advantage of making iced drinks easier. The drink has very low acidity, so it doesn’t require as much sugar or cream.

This coffee is also more subtle than regular hot coffee. Because this is a coffee essence, it’s stronger than regular coffee.

It can be brewed as strong or weak as you wish and added to your Frappuccino. This would make it stronger and make it great for hot summer days.

Add powdered ingredients to the cream

You can add powdered ingredients such as cocoa or cinnamon to the cream. Sprinkle a hem over the top to add a burst of flavor.

Adding them to your drink will not make sense, as most ground spices don’t dissolve in water. They all contain fiber, including cardamom, cinnamon, and cocoa. This means that they will sink to the bottom of your cup.

Mix the powder ingredients in the heavy cream or into the whipped topping before adding it to your drink.

You don’t have to worry if you make a cappuccino but you are unsure where to place the cinnamon. It will be able to hold the particles in the milk foam on top.

Conclusion

Although frappuccino vs cappuccino are two very different drinks, they are both equally delicious. Cappuccino is a simple version of a latté, and frappuccino is more elaborate and decorated.

A frappuccino can be described as a Christmas tree. It has everything, and we all love it. But it is very particular about the colors.

I had a frappuccino before, which reminded me of a milkshake. Although connoisseurs might lash out at me for saying so, they aren’t that different. These differences are minor.

Whatever drink you choose, it doesn’t matter what kind of drink you have. A frappuccino is too sweet for me and has many calories, so it is not on my coffee list.

Frappuccino vs Cappuccino: The Difference

What is a Frappuccino?

What is a Cappuccino?