What Is The Difference Between Frappuccino And Latte?

It’s enjoyable to explore different coffees until just before you liked one and can’t recall what kind of coffee it was. Remember that delightful smoothie-like cup you assumed was a sort of latte? Well, It’s a  frappuccino, a  kind similar to a latte. And, while these two drinks may sound very similar, that is where the similarities end.

Because the world of coffee beverages is extensive, it’s natural to become overwhelmed by all of the drink varieties and variants. In this post, we’ll explain the key differences between a latte and a frappuccino so you would not be confused when ordering. 

What’s the difference between frappuccino and latte? Latte is a mix of espresso and steamed milk and a small amount of milk froth blended into it. Frappuccino is a cold coffee that is often a combination of ice cream, milkshake, and cappuccino.

Read on to learn more about the differences between a latte and a frappuccino. 

What Is Frappuccino?

A frappuccino is a kind of coffee drink that is usually made using instant coffee that’s been chilled and frozen. It is mixed with milk, ice, simple syrup for smoothness, and flavoring when preferred. Chocolate chips, vanilla beans, and caramel are among the varieties that could be added. A frappuccino has a milkshake-like texture when served. If you really want coffee but it’s hot outdoors, if you’re into frozen beverages overall, a frappuccino could indeed offer you the best of the two.

What Is Latte?

A standard latte would be a hot coffee. It is made with espresso, steamed milk, and also a touch of froth on top. The mix changes based on the coffee, though it’s usually two parts of milk in every one part of espresso. Lattes, similar to the conventional coffee frappuccinos, are usually bereft of additional flavors. If you want to make a flavored latte, you may add tastes like hazelnut, peppermint, or cinnamon.

Frappuccino Vs Latte: What Are The Differences?

Now, let’s look at what differentiates them. Continue reading to discover the key distinctions between these two wonderful beverages.

Origins

The latte was invented in the 1950s and originated in Italy. On the other hand, frappuccino was developed in Greece around 1957 by a Nescafe employee. It was just a drink that combined instant coffee with sugar, milk, a little bit of water, and normally ice. Since the froth which formed on top was typically somewhat bitter, it was offered with a straw.

Temperature

The temperature is the primary distinction between a latte and a frappuccino. This even has an impact on the consistency of the two beverages. 

A frappuccino is a frozen drink. It’s designed to be offered in the summer, but there’s nothing keeping you from having one in the middle of cold weather. The frappuccino had become a summer drink because it originated in a hot region, somewhere in Greece, and in fact, it rapidly became known in the neighboring countries and has been the universal favorite drink.  

The latte is a hot beverage that is enjoyed by many. It’s meant to be a hot coffee because it uses brewed espresso, and it’ll require it to remain hot in order to work correctly. But, if you’ve already wanted something similar to a latte but ice, you’re asking for a frappuccino or an iced latte. Both are also quite popular and undeniably good.

Ingredients

To avoid the ice melting during the preparation, the components for the frappuccino must be at a standard room temperature or cooler. Whole milk, or maybe even half a cup, is used to make the greatest, creamy and frothy frappuccino. Lattes require hot substances and they can be prepared using dairy-free alternatives or skim milk.

Caffeine Content

Lattes have somewhat more caffeine content compared to a frappuccino. Depending on the size, lattes contain caffeine of about 75 to 150 mg while frappuccinos can range in caffeine dosage of about 65 to 125 mg.

Calorie Content

Frappuccino has much more than twice the calorie value of a latte in an 8-ounce drink because of the numerous additions. Frappuccino, which is available at most big coffee shops, provides one-third of a daily calorie allowance. Because of the lightweight, fewer calorie components, lattes have a lower calorie content. Presented below is a sample calorie count of a latte and a frappuccino depending on some of the popular coffee chains.

BrandFrappuccino Calorie CountLatte Calorie Count
Starbucks380 kcal190 kcal
Dunkin Donuts510 kcal190 kcal
Mcdonalds590 kcal170 kcal

Taste And Consistency

Frappuccino is creamier and thicker compared to a latte.

With regards to the taste, the latte appears to be more modest. There is an espresso scent but it is somewhat muffled. The higher the percentage of protein and fat in the milk you use, the richer the flavor, and the more it will smoothen out the harshness of the espresso.

The frappuccino, on the other hand, has a considerably deeper and darker flavor. The coffee taste is strong, and it’s emphasized by the instant coffee which is typically produced with Robusta. As a result, your frappuccino will have a stronger flavor. Based on what you’re looking for, this might be a good or negative thing.

Coffee Presentation

Frappuccino is usually prepared inside a tall glass containing ice chunks and is sipped through a straw. Syrups, whipped cream, or your preferred scoop of ice cream can be added on top for flavor. Latte is prepared in a cup with a thin layer of foamed milk on top. Baristas with expertise will produce some intriguing artwork upon that surface of the latte.

Mixing Method

In a latte, the only mixing occurs when the milk is put over through the espresso shot, causing them to combine. Frappuccino, on the other hand, is most generally mixed in a blender, although they may also be created using a mixer, although that is normally done at home. That’s how they generate foamy milk instead of using a wand as you’d do in a latte.

Frappuccino Vs Latte: What Do They Have In Common?

After the discussion about the differences between the frappuccino and latte, let’s now take a look at some of their similarities. Besides, they are grouped together for the same reason.

First, the shades of a frappuccino and a latte are remarkably similar. Both of them are light in coffee color, but lattes usually appear lighter. The frappuccino, on the other hand, seems deeper, especially when contrasted to a latte. This is due to the fact that one contains milk and the other usually does not.

Both beverages come in bigger servings, but if we’re talking about iced lattes, things start to seem a lot alike.

Finally, both beverages may be readily modified with different toppings and tastes, making it even more difficult to tell them apart. Still, I believe the nine distinctions given above will be helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Frappuccino And Frappe The Same Thing?

No. Don’t be confused. A frappe requires prepared coffee, but a frappuccino is typically made using instant coffee. Frappuccino includes sugar syrup, ice cream, and also flavored whipped cream.

Is Frappuccino Served Hot?

Generally, frappuccino is served as a chilled beverage. The traditional frappuccino is made with milk, liquid coffee, ice chunks, and sugar syrups. A traditional frappuccino cannot be made without ice. As a result, making a hot frappucino is impossible.

Do All Frappuccinos Contain Caffeine?

Caffeine is present in all frappuccinos. To get a caffeine-free frappuccino, make sure it really doesn’t contain any coffee, matcha, chai, or dark chocolate.

The Bottomline

Frappuccino and latte are both coffee beverages with a mild coffee flavor and creamy variations. The primary clues that can help you identify one from the other are temperature, appearance, and taste.

You may enjoy both, but it’s important to understand the distinctions before purchasing your next cup.