Are you in the mood for something sweet and frothy? Ahhh, the dilemma – do you go with a classic cappuccino or try something new with a frappe? Whatever your choice, we’ll ensure you know which is the right fit for you.
We know that it can be hard to choose between two delicious options. That’s why we’re here to help!
In this post, we’ll compare cappuccinos and frappes so that you can make an informed decision and find out which one best satisfies your cravings.
We will look at how each drink is made, their respective histories, any nutritional benefits they offer, taste profiles, and more.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Is Frappe Coffee?

Frappe coffee is a cold, blended beverage that originated in Greece and is typically made with espresso, milk or cream, sugar, and ice. The drink can contain sweet flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and hazelnut syrup; or savory ingredients like olive oil and herbs.
Frappes have become popular worldwide due to their creamy texture and flavor variety. They are often topped with whipped cream or other toppings for added sweetness. Coffee frappes are served over ice in a tall glass, much like a milkshake or smoothie.
What Is Cappuccino?
Cappuccino is a type of espresso-based coffee drink. It is traditionally composed of steamed milk and one part espresso, topped with foamed milk. It originated in Italy around the early 19th century and has become popular worldwide.
The name “cappuccino” comes from the Italian word for hood or capuchin, referring to the color of the coffee, which resembles that of a Capuchin monk’s habit.
Generally speaking, cappuccinos are served hot with an additional sprinkle of either cocoa powder or cinnamon on top for flavor and decoration.
Cold variations are also known as coffee frappe (or simply frappe), blended with ice cubes, making them more like a milkshake than a traditional cappuccino.
Related: Cappuccino Vs. Flat White: What’s The Difference?
Cappuccino Vs. Frappe: The Key Differences
Taste And Flavor
The flavor of cappuccino is strong and intense, depending on the strength of the espresso used to make it.
Frappe, conversely, is a cold blended drink that can be made with either espresso or instant coffee. Additional ingredients like syrup and cream are added to give it sweetness and texture.
The flavor profile tends to be much sweeter than cappuccino because frappe relies heavily on sweet flavors such as chocolate or caramel syrup.
Frappe also has more body due to its creamy texture, whereas cappuccinos have lighter foam on top but no liquid additions like syrups or creams, making them less rich overall than frappes.
Brewing Method

Cappuccino is typically made with an espresso machine, which uses high pressure to extract coffee from finely ground beans. The espresso is mixed with steamed milk and topped with a layer of frothed milk. This creates a rich, creamy texture and bold flavor.
On the other hand, a frappe is typically made by blending instant coffee or cold brew concentrate with ice, sugar, and milk in a blender. This results in a smooth, icy drink that can be customized with various flavors and toppings.
Cappuccino requires specialized equipment and expertise, while frappe can be easily made at home without special equipment.
Milk Preparation
To make a cappuccino, milk is steamed to create foam. The milk is heated using an espresso machine until it reaches around 140-155°F and then forced through the machine’s steam wand, which makes bubbles in the milk. This process gives cappuccinos their classic creamy texture.
Frappes are made with cold or frozen milk blended with coffee grounds and ice. The result is a thick, foamy beverage similar to a milkshake that can be topped with whipped cream for extra indulgence.”
Caffeine Content
Cappuccinos and frappe are coffee-based drinks but have different caffeine contents. Cappuccino typically has more caffeine than a frappe because of the espresso shots that go into it.
A standard cappuccino contains around 80 mg of caffeine per cup, while a regular frappe could contain anywhere from 50 to 70 mg, depending on how much coffee is used.
Health Considerations
Regarding health considerations, a cappuccino is the better option. It contains less sugar and fewer calories and’s an energy drink without all the extra junk.
On the other hand, a frappe contains more sugar and caffeine than its caffeinated cousin. However, if you are looking for something sweet but not too unhealthy, a frappe might be a good choice!
A Comparison Table
Here’s a comparison table summarizing the key differences between cappuccino and frappe:
Aspect | Cappuccino | Frappe |
---|---|---|
Taste and Flavor | The strong and intense espresso flavor | Sweeter, with various flavors like chocolate or caramel syrup |
Brewing Method | Made with an espresso machine | Blended using instant coffee or cold brew concentrate |
Milk Preparation | Steamed milk with foam | Cold or frozen milk blended with coffee grounds and ice |
Caffeine Content | Higher caffeine content due to espresso shots | Lower caffeine content, depending on the amount of coffee used |
Health Considerations | Less sugar and fewer calories | More sugar and caffeine, but it can be a sweet treat option |
Similar Cappuccino Coffee Guides
- Cappuccino Vs. Flat White: What’s The Difference?
- Americano Vs Cappuccino: A Comparison Guide
- Cappuccino Vs. Frappuccino: A Comparison Guide.
Conclusion
In summary, cappuccino offers a strong and intense espresso flavor with a creamy texture, while frappe is a sweeter and creamier blended coffee drink.
Cappuccinos are made with an espresso machine, while frappes are blended with ice and instant coffee. Cappuccinos have higher caffeine content and fewer calories, while frappes can be higher in sugar and caffeine.
Try a cappuccino if you enjoy the bold coffee flavor without added sweetness. It’s a classic choice for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the richness of steamed milk and foam.
However, if you have a sweet tooth or prefer a refreshing blended drink, a frappe would be more to your liking. It offers various flavors and a creamy, milkshake-like texture.
FAQs
What’s The Difference Between A Cappuccino And A Frozen Coffee?
A cappuccino is a hot coffee beverage made with espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk on top. It has a strong and intense flavor. Frozen coffee, on the other hand, refers to a coffee-based drink served cold and blended with ice. It can be made with various ingredients like coffee, milk, ice cream, and flavors.
What’s The Difference Between A Frappuccino And A Frozen Coffee?
A Frappuccino is a specific trademarked term Starbucks uses to refer to its blended, iced coffee beverages. They are typically made with coffee, milk, ice, and various syrups or flavors. Frappuccinos can be customized with whipped cream and toppings. Frozen coffee is a more general term for any cold coffee drink blended with ice.
Is Cappuccino The Strongest Coffee?
While cappuccino does contain a shot of espresso, which is generally stronger than regular brewed coffee, it is not necessarily the strongest coffee available. Other espresso-based drinks, like an espresso shot or a double espresso, may have a higher concentration of caffeine.
Are A Frappuccino And A Frappe The Same Thing?
Frappuccino is a trademarked term Starbucks uses for their specific line of blended, iced coffee beverages. It is a variation of a Frappe.