What is a Frappuccino at Starbucks? (& The 10 Best Frappuccinos)

Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by brewthatcoffee

Frappuccinos are delicious, but what is a Frappuccino at Starbucks? This post breaks down arguably the most iconic Starbucks drink and ranks the top 10 frappuccinos. As a bonus, you will also find some fun secret menu frappuccinos to try.

What is a Frappuccino at Starbucks? (& The Best Frappuccinos Ranked)

What is a Frappuccino at Starbucks?

The word frappuccino is the result of combining the words “frappe” and “cappuccino”.

Frappe means an iced or chilled drink. Cappuccino interestingly enough does not directly translate into something coffee-related. Instead, it refers to the color of the Capuchin robe which the drink resembles.

Frappuccinos from Starbucks is a type of drink that was created in-house. It is made with a base, ice, syrup, milk, and sometimes espresso/coffee. The ingredients are blended together to make a delicious cold drink.

TDLR: Frappuccinos = Base, ice, syrup, and milk. (Sometimes espresso/coffee is added)

Frappuccino Base: Coffee or Creme

Starbucks frappuccinos all contain one of two bases, coffee or creme. As you probably have guessed, the coffee base contains caffeinated coffee and the creme is a non-caffeinated version.

If you are looking to cut down on your caffeine intake, opt for the creme version of your favorite frappuccino. While this won’t guarantee your drink will be completely free of caffeine, it will greatly decrease the amount.

Carefully take a look at the nutrition information of your frappuccino before ordering.

Syrup(s)

Each Starbucks frappuccino comes with at least one pump of syrup. You can use whichever syrup flavor comes with your drink or choose one of the following the customize it:

  • Classic
  • Vanilla
  • Toffee Nut
  • Chestnut Praline (Seasonal)
  • Sugar Cookie (Seasonal)
  • Cinnamon Dolce
  • Hazelnut
  • Honey Blend
  • Brown Sugar
  • Apple Brown Sugar (Seasonal)
  • Peppermint (Seasonal)
  • Caramel
  • Irish Cream (Seasonal)
  • Sugar-Free Vanilla
  • Funnel Cake (Seasonal)
  • Raspberry

Ice

Just good ‘ole plain ice.

Milk

  • Whole Milk
  • Nonfat Milk
  • 2% Milk
  • Almondmilk
  • Soymilk
  • Coconutmilk
  • Oatmilk

Toppings

  • Whipped Cream
  • Mocha Drizzle
  • Caramel Drizzle
  • Molasses Drizzle
  • Italian Roast Drizzle
  • Vanilla Powder
  • Chocolate Powder
  • Pumpkin Spice Powder
  • Nutmeg
  • Cinnamon
  • Chocolate Curls
  • Dolce Sprinkles
  • Caramel Brulee
  • Sea Salt
  • Cookie Crumbles
  • Caramel Crunch

Is There Espresso in my Frappuccino?

There isn’t any espresso added to frappuccinos with the exception of the Espresso Frappuccino.

RELATED: Do Starbucks Frappuccinos Have Caffeine?

The 10 Best Starbucks Frappuccinos

Caramel Frappuccino

Calling all caramel lovers! This rich, creamy and indulgent frappuccino is for you. The perfect blend of coffee, milk, and ice, topped with delicious whipped cream and caramel sauce. So good, it’s hard to resist!

Calories: 380

Sugar (g): 54

Caffeine (mg): 90


The Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino is the perfect drink for coffee and chocolate lovers alike. The intense flavor of Roast coffee is blended with mocha sauce and Frappuccino® chips, then layered with whipped cream and chocolate cookie crumble. To top it off, delicious vanilla whipped cream and mocha drizzle is added.

Calories: 480

Sugar (g): 55

Caffeine (mg): 95


Mocha Frappuccino

Looking for a delicious way to cool down? Mocha Frappuccino is just what you need! Our perfectly balanced blend of mocha sauce, Frappuccino Roast coffee, milk, and ice is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Want to change things up? Try it affogato-style with a hot espresso shot poured over the top. Craving something even sweeter? Add whipped cream and chocolate syrup for an extra special treat. No matter how you enjoy it, Mocha Frappuccino is sure to leave you wanting more!

Calories: 370

Sugar (g): 51

Caffeine (mg): 100


Java Chip Frappuccino

Java Chip Frappuccino®: A delicious blend of mocha sauce, Frappuccino® chips, and coffee, milk, and ice. Topped with whipped cream and a mocha drizzle.

Calories: 440

Sugar (g): 60

Caffeine (mg): 105


Strawberry Creme Frappuccino

Who doesn’t love strawberries? This Frappuccino is the perfect way to enjoy them. It’s a blend of ice, milk, and strawberry puree that’s layered on top of a splash of strawberry puree and finished with vanilla whipped cream.

Calories: 370

Sugar (g): 51

Caffeine (mg): 0


Double Chocolaty Chip Creme Frappuccino

Need a break from the same old, same old? This Double Chocolaty Chip Creme Frappuccino is here to shake things up. It’s like a party for your taste buds, a rich blend of mocha-flavored sauce and chocolaty chips. And with sweetened whipped cream and a mocha drizzle, it’s sure to leave you wanting more.

Calories: 410

Sugar (g): 47

Caffeine (mg): 15


Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino

Take your taste buds on a flavor journey with the Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino. Blended with milk and ice, this drink is topped with whipped cream and features a delicious vanilla bean flavor. Change things up by trying it affogato-style with a hot espresso shot poured over the top.

Calories: 380

Sugar (g): 52

Caffeine (mg): 0


Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino

Indulge in a caramel lover’s dream come true—the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino. Sweet and buttery caramel syrup is blended with coffee, milk, and ice, then topped with a layer of dark caramel sauce, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and a crunchy caramel-sugar topping. This divine drink is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

Calories: 470

Sugar (g): 60

Caffeine (mg): 85


Chai Creme Frappuccino

The perfect pick-me-up for a winter afternoon. This drink is made with creamy milk and spiced chai and topped with whipped cream and cinnamon for a sweet finish.

Calories: 340

Sugar (g): 45

Caffeine (mg): 40


White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino

Introducing the White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino – a delicious, creamy coffee drink that’s perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. This Starbucks classic is made with rich white chocolate and mocha flavors, combined with smooth roast coffee and milk. It’s finished off with a delicious whipped cream topping, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. So why not give the White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino a try today?

Calories: 420

Sugar (g): 61

Caffeine (mg): 95


List of All Starbucks Frappuccinos

Coffee Frappuccinos

  • Pistachio Coffee
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk
  • Toasted White Chocolate Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brulee
  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Mocha Cookie Crumble
  • Chestnut Praline
  • Caramel Ribbon Crunch
  • Espresso
  • Caffe Vanilla
  • Caramel
  • Coffee
  • Mocha
  • Java Chip
  • White Chocolate Mocha

Creme Frappuccinos

  • Pistachio Creme
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Creme
  • Peppermint Mocha Creme
  • Caramel Brulee Creme
  • Chestnut Praline Creme
  • Toasted White Chocolate Creme
  • Chocolate Cookie Crumble Creme
  • Caramel Ribbon Crunch Creme
  • Strawberry Creme
  • Chai Creme
  • Double Chocolaty Chip Creme
  • Matcha Creme
  • Vanilla Bean Creme
  • White Chocolate Creme

Starbucks Frappuccino Secret Menu Items

Banana Split Frappuccino

Base: Strawberry Creme Frappuccino

Syrup/Other Add-Ins: Vanilla Bean Powder, Java Chips, Whole Banana

Toppings: Whipped Cream and Mocha Drizzle


Skittles Frappuccino

Base: Strawberry Creme Frappuccino

Syrup: 3 Pumps of Vanilla Syrup, 2 Pumps of Raspberry Syrup, and 2 Pumps of Pineapple-Ginger Syrup

Toppings: Whipped Cream and Strawberry Drizzle


Fruity Pebbles Frappuccino

Base: Strawberry Creme Frappuccino W/O Classic Syrup

Syrup/Other Add-Ins: Peach Juice (To Second Line), 2 Pumps of Vanilla Syrup, 2 Pumps of Raspberry Syrup, and 1 Scoop of Strawberry Inclusions

Toppings: Whipped Cream and Dragon Fruit Inclusions


Twix Frappuccino

Base: Caramel Frappuccino

Syrup/Add-Ins: 2 Pumps of Caramel Syrup, 2 Pumps of Hazelnut Syrup, and Java Chips

Toppings: Whipped Cream, Caramel Drizzle, and Mocha Drizzle


Dole Whip Frappuccino

Base: Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino

Syrup: 6 Pumps of Pineapple-Ginger Syrup

Toppings: Whipped Cream


Cake Batter Frappuccino

Base: Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino

Syrup: 4 Pumps of Hazelnut Syrup

Toppings: Whipped Cream


Cotton Candy Frappuccino

Base: Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino

Syrup/Add-Ins: 2 Pumps of Raspberry Syrup and a Scoop of Dragonfruit Inclusions

Toppings: Whipped Cream


Apple Pie Frappuccino

Base: Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino

Syrup/Add-Ins: Apple Juice

Toppings: Whipped Cream, Caramel Drizzle, and Cinnamon Dolce


Cinnamon Bun Frappuccino

Base: White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino

Syrup: 2 Pumps of Cinnamon Dolce Syrup

Toppings: Whipped Cream, Caramel Drizzle, and Cinnamon Dolce Sprinkles


Frozen Hot Chocolate Frappuccino

Base: Mocha Frappuccino

Syrup/Add-Ins: 2 Pumps of White Mocha Syrup, Cinnamon, and Heavy Cream Blended

Toppings: Whipped Cream and Chocolate Drizzle


Banana Fosters Frappuccino

Base: Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino

Syrup/Add-Ins: Banana, 2 Pumps of Brown Sugar Syrup, and Cinnamon Blended

Toppings: Whipped Cream, Caramel Drizzle, Cinnamon, and Caramel Sugar


Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino

Base: Mocha Frappuccino With Half Normal Amount of Mocha/White Mocha Sauce

Syrup: 2 Pumps of Cinnamon Dolce Syrup and 2 Pumps of Raspberry Syrup

Toppings: Whipped Cream


Dragonfruit Frappuccino

Base: Creme Base

Syrup/Add-Ins: 2 Scoops of Dragon Fruit, Coconut Milk, and Mango Refresher Equal Amounts to Second Line

Toppings: Whipped Cream


Peanut Butter Cup Frappuccino

Base: Mocha Frappuccino

Syrup: 2 Pumps of Toffee Nut Syrup

Toppings: Whipped Cream and Mocha Drizzle


Pina Colado Frappuccino

Base: Creme Frappuccino With Extra Pump

Syrup/Add-Ins: Coconut Milk to the First Line and Pineapple Infusion Tea to the Second Line

Toppings: Extra Ice


Base: Pumpkin Spice Creme Frappuccino

Syrup/Add-Ins: 1.5 Pumps Mocha Sauce, 1.5 Pumps Cinnamon Dolce Syrup, and 1 Scoop of Java Chips

Toppings: Whipped Cream and Chocolate Drizzle


FAQ

Unfortunately, the frappuccinos do not come in Trenta.

The Java Chip Frappuccino is the sweetest frappuccino at Starbucks. Check out this list of the sweetest drinks at Starbucks to learn more.

Yes, frappuccinos only come cold.

It depends on the frappuccino you order. You can expect some level of coffee flavor from frappuccinos that are coffee-based vs. creme-based.

Final Thoughts

After seeing all of Starbucks’s mouth-watering sugary frappuccinos, you can probably see why they are one of the most ordered drinks. You now know what exactly goes into making a frappuccino and how to customize it to your liking.

If you have a favorite secret menu frappuccino recipe you’d like to share, please leave a comment. We are always down to try something new. As always, thanks for reading.


References:

https://www.starbucks.com

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.