Do all Frappuccinos have caffeine in them? The surprising answer.

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 85% of adults in the United States consume at least one caffeinated beverage daily, but some prefer to avoid it. This leads many to ask, "Do all Frappuccinos have caffeine in them?" The truth is that while many do, there are several delicious and popular options that are completely caffeine-free, along with ways to customize your order to reduce the caffeine content.

Quick Summary

Not all Frappuccinos contain caffeine. Starbucks categorizes these drinks into 'coffee' and 'crème' bases, with only the coffee versions including caffeine. Options like the Vanilla Bean Crème are naturally caffeine-free, while others can be customized to be decaffeinated.

Key Points

Base determines caffeine: Whether a Frappuccino contains caffeine depends on if it is a 'coffee-based' or 'crème-based' beverage.
Crème is caffeine-free: Crème Frappuccinos, like the Vanilla Bean or Strawberries & Crème, are made without coffee and contain no caffeine.
Coffee Frappuccinos have caffeine: Flavors like the standard Coffee, Mocha, and Caramel Frappuccinos are coffee-based and contain caffeine from Frappuccino Roast.
Other ingredients add caffeine: Some crème drinks, such as Matcha or Double Chocolaty Chip, may have small amounts of caffeine from tea or chocolate.
Customize your order: To order a caffeinated Frappuccino without coffee, ask for the 'crème version' or specify 'no coffee base'.
Decaf option available: For coffee-based drinks, you can request a decaf version using decaf espresso shots, although it may slightly affect the consistency.

While it may seem that a coffee shop specialty like a Frappuccino would always contain caffeine, this is a common misconception. Starbucks, the creator and primary purveyor of the Frappuccino, offers a clear distinction between its caffeinated and non-caffeinated blended beverages. This guide will break down which drinks have caffeine, which are safe for a caffeine-free diet, and how to custom-order your favorite blended drink to suit your needs.

The difference between coffee-based and crème-based Frappuccinos

Coffee-based Frappuccinos

These drinks are made with "Frappuccino Roast," a special instant coffee powder developed by Starbucks, which provides the coffee flavor and caffeine boost. For example, the standard Coffee, Caramel, and Mocha Frappuccinos all fall into this category. The caffeine content varies by size, with a larger drink containing more Frappuccino Roast. Seasonal coffee Frappuccinos also typically use this caffeinated base.

Crème-based Frappuccinos

Designed for those who want the creamy, blended experience without the coffee, crème-based Frappuccinos are made without Frappuccino Roast. They utilize a "crème base" syrup to achieve the desired consistency. Popular examples include the Vanilla Bean Crème and the Strawberries & Crème Frappuccinos, both of which are naturally caffeine-free. Some crème Frappuccinos, like the Double Chocolaty Chip, may contain a very small, negligible amount of caffeine from other ingredients, such as chocolate.

Frappuccino caffeine content comparison

To better illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of caffeine content for a grande (16 oz) size of several popular Starbucks Frappuccinos:


Frappuccino Type	Base	Caffeine Content (Grande)	Notes
Coffee Frappuccino	Coffee	95 mg	Made with Frappuccino Roast.
Mocha Frappuccino	Coffee	Around 100 mg	Includes Frappuccino Roast and chocolate sauce.
Java Chip Frappuccino	Coffee	Around 100 mg	Includes Frappuccino Roast and chocolate chips.
Espresso Frappuccino	Coffee	165 mg	Contains Frappuccino Roast and an added shot of espresso.
Matcha Crème Frappuccino	Crème	70 mg	Caffeine comes from the matcha powder, not coffee.
Chai Crème Frappuccino	Crème	40 mg	Caffeine comes from the chai concentrate, not coffee.
Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino	Crème	0 mg	A completely caffeine-free option.
Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino	Crème	0 mg	A fully caffeine-free, fruit-based option.

How to order a caffeine-free Frappuccino

If you want to enjoy a Frappuccino with no caffeine, there are two primary methods for ordering:

Choose a Crème Base: The simplest method is to order one of the designated Crème Frappuccinos, such as the Vanilla Bean Crème or Strawberries & Crème. These are naturally made without coffee.
Request a Crème Version: You can also ask for the "crème" version of a typically coffee-based drink. For example, order a "Caramel Crème Frappuccino" instead of a "Caramel Frappuccino." This instructs the barista to use the crème base instead of the Frappuccino Roast and coffee base.

Customizing for low caffeine

For those who want to reduce caffeine but not eliminate it, customization is possible. You can request a decaf version, though this is only possible for coffee-based Frappuccinos and may involve using decaf espresso shots, which can slightly alter the drink's texture. Ordering in person is often the best way to ensure the barista understands your request clearly, as mobile app customization for decaf Frappuccinos can be less straightforward.

Conclusion

It is a myth that all Frappuccinos contain caffeine. While many popular flavors are coffee-based and provide a significant caffeine boost, an entire category of crème-based Frappuccinos exists specifically for those who prefer to go caffeine-free. By understanding the difference and knowing how to communicate your order to your barista, you can enjoy the delicious, blended taste of a Frappuccino without any unwanted caffeine. Whether you're opting for a fruity Strawberries & Crème or a decadent Vanilla Bean Crème, there's a satisfying, caffeine-free Frappuccino option waiting for you. For more detailed information on Starbucks drinks, you can check out their official menu or nutrition guides on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino is made with a crème base, not a coffee base, making it a completely caffeine-free option.

Yes, a standard Mocha Frappuccino is a coffee-based blended beverage and contains caffeine from the Frappuccino Roast. You can, however, order a Mocha Crème Frappuccino for a caffeine-free version.

The main difference is the base ingredient. A Coffee Frappuccino is made with coffee and contains caffeine, while a Crème Frappuccino is made with a creamy, non-coffee base and is naturally caffeine-free.

Yes, you can. You can request a decaf version of a coffee-based Frappuccino, which will likely be made with decaf espresso shots instead of the standard Frappuccino Roast. Ordering in-person is the most reliable way to ensure this customization.

Most bottled Frappuccinos sold in stores contain caffeine. The amount varies by flavor and size, but flavors like Coffee, Mocha, and Caramel typically include coffee extract and have caffeine.

To get a Caramel Frappuccino without coffee, you can order a "Caramel Crème Frappuccino." This tells the barista to use the crème base instead of the coffee base, giving you the caramel flavor without the caffeine.

Yes, although it is a crème-based drink and contains no coffee, the Matcha Green Tea Crème Frappuccino does have caffeine due to the matcha powder. A grande size contains 70mg of caffeine.