Frappuccino vs. Latte: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Updated on October 17, 2023
Frappuccino is a blended, iced coffee drink with flavors and toppings, while a latte is espresso with steamed milk and light foam.
Key Differences
Frappuccino, typically associated with the Starbucks brand, is a blended ice drink, often mixed with various flavors, sweet syrups, and creams, making it a flavorful, indulgent beverage. In contrast, a latte focuses on the pure, rich taste of espresso softened with steamed milk, creating a creamy but strong coffee experience.
Frappuccinos cater to a love for variety, often coming in an array of flavors and sometimes even seasonal specials, involving whimsical ingredients and toppings. Conversely, lattes adhere to simplicity and tradition, primarily involving just espresso and milk, though flavored syrups can sometimes be added.
Frappuccinos are known for their cold, thick, and smoothie-like consistency, being more akin to desserts than traditional coffee beverages. Lattes maintain the warmth and aromatic attributes of classic coffee, providing warmth and comfort, typically known for a soothing effect.
Frappuccinos, with their blended ice base, are particularly popular in the summer months, providing a cool escape from the heat. On the other hand, lattes, with their warm and steamed milk, are a go-to during colder months, though they can be enjoyed year-round.
Frappuccinos often contain high levels of sugar and calories due to the added syrups and whipped cream, making them a less healthy option compared to their coffee counterparts. Lattes, while they may have added sugars if flavored, generally remain a simpler, more coffee-forward option, especially if one opts for low-fat or alternative milks.
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Comparison Chart
Temperature
Cold
Hot/Warm
Texture
Thick, icy
Creamy, liquid
Base
Blended ice
Espresso
Add-ons
Syrups, cream
Sometimes syrups
Health
Typically higher in calories and sugar
Generally simpler, can be healthier
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Frappuccino and Latte Definitions
Frappuccino
Frappuccino can refer to a style of cold coffee drink that combines ice cream, coffee, and other flavorings.
She created her homemade frappuccino with vanilla ice cream and a shot of strong espresso.
Latte
Latte is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk.
Every morning begins with a piping hot latte for me.
Frappuccino
Frappuccino is often a term used for frozen, blended coffee or crème beverages served cold.
On hot days, nothing is as refreshing as a mocha frappuccino.
Latte
Latte can sometimes refer to a variant that uses a flavored syrup, like vanilla latte or caramel latte.
He ordered a hazelnut latte with an extra shot of espresso.
Frappuccino
Frappuccino is a trademarked brand of the Starbucks Corporation for a line of iced, blended coffee drinks.
He ordered a caramel frappuccino with extra whipped cream.
Latte
Latte art is a method of preparing coffee by pouring steamed milk into a shot of espresso, creating a pattern or design on the surface.
The barista crafted a beautiful heart with the latte art.
Frappuccino
Frappuccino is sometimes a coffee or crème base blended with ice and other various ingredients, served with whipped cream.
The new pumpkin spice frappuccino quickly became a fall favorite.
Latte
Latte, short for “caffè latte,” is Italian for “milk coffee.”
On her trip to Italy, she enjoyed a traditional latte every day.
Frappuccino
Frappuccino, in casual use, can refer to any thick, frozen, blended coffee drink.
Despite the cold weather, he couldn't resist the frappuccino's allure.
Latte
Latte is often served in a larger portion than other coffee drinks, due to the milk content.
She switched from cappuccinos to lattes for the larger size.
Frappuccino
An iced cappuccino.
Latte
A caffe latte.
Latte
A drink of coffee made from espresso and steamed milk, generally topped with foam.
Latte
A similar drink, where the espresso is replaced with some other flavoring ingredient such as chai, maté or matcha (green tea).
Latte
Same as cafe latte; a type of espresso coffee served with foamy steamed milk, and usually served in a tall glass or mug.
Latte
Strong espresso coffee with a topping of frothed steamed milk
FAQs
Are frappuccinos and lattes similar?
No, frappuccinos are cold, thick, and sweet, while lattes are hot and have a strong coffee presence.
Is there coffee in all types of frappuccinos?
No, frappuccinos can be coffee-based or crème-based, the latter containing no coffee.
Do lattes always contain caffeine?
Generally, yes, unless decaffeinated espresso is used.
How many flavors of frappuccinos are there?
There's a wide variety, with seasonal and regional variations expanding options.
Do all frappuccinos have a lot of calories?
They tend to be higher in calories, but choosing low-fat options or omitting whipped cream can reduce them.
Are frappuccinos only available at Starbucks?
While "Frappuccino" is a Starbucks trademark, many coffee shops have similar blended drinks.
Is latte art difficult to create?
It requires practice and control of milk frothing and pouring techniques.
Can I get a dairy-free latte?
Yes, most places offer plant-based milk alternatives.
Can frappuccinos be served hot?
No, frappuccinos are specifically cold, blended ice drinks.
Can I make a frappuccino at home?
Yes, with a blender, ice, coffee, and your choice of flavors and milk.
What's a popular frappuccino flavor?
Caramel and mocha are enduring favorites.
Are there non-coffee frappuccinos?
Yes, crème frappuccinos don't contain coffee.
What's the main component of a latte?
The main components are espresso and steamed milk.
Are frappuccinos suitable for a diet?
Generally, they're indulgent; however, lighter options are sometimes available.
Can lattes be iced?
Yes, iced lattes are simply espresso with cold milk, served over ice.
Can I adjust the sweetness of a latte?
Yes, by regulating the syrup amount or opting for a sugar substitute.
Does a latte have more caffeine than regular coffee?
It depends on the number of espresso shots; usually, it's similar or slightly lower.
Is "frappuccino" a universal term?
It's widely recognized due to Starbucks' global presence, but it's specific to the brand.
What's the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?
A latte has more steamed milk and less foam than a cappuccino.
What kind of milk is used in a latte?
Typically whole or semi-skimmed, but alternatives like soy, almond, or oat are available.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
