Do Starbucks Frappes Contain Coffee? Here's the Breakdown

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 200,000 Starbucks Frappuccinos are sold daily, but many customers are unsure if their blended beverage includes coffee. While the Starbucks menu is extensive, separating coffee-based from coffee-free options is simple once you know the basics. It all depends on the specific type of Frappuccino® you order.

Quick Summary

Starbucks Frappuccinos come in two main types: coffee-based and creme-based. The key difference lies in whether the drink is made with Frappuccino Roast, a powdered instant coffee. Many flavors, like Caramel and Mocha, have a coffee version, while others like Vanilla Bean and Strawberry are coffee-free by default.

Key Points

Not All Frappuccinos Have Coffee: Starbucks offers two main types: Blended Coffee Frappuccinos, which contain coffee, and Blended Crème Frappuccinos, which are coffee-free by default.
Frappuccino Roast is the Key Ingredient: The caffeinated versions use a proprietary instant coffee called Frappuccino Roast, while the creme versions use a flavorless base.
Crème Frappuccinos Can Still Contain Caffeine: Some coffee-free options, like the Double Chocolaty Chip or Matcha Crème, contain a small amount of caffeine from ingredients like chocolate or green tea powder.
Customization is an Option: You can order a coffee Frappuccino decaf by asking for a decaf espresso shot instead of the Frappuccino Roast, or add a shot of espresso to any crème Frappuccino.
Identify by the Name: Look for the word "Crème" in the name to easily spot the coffee-free options on the menu.
Consider Your Dietary Needs: Since creme Frappuccinos are often sweeter and higher in sugar, those monitoring calories or sugar intake should consider both coffee and creme options carefully.

Starbucks Frappuccinos can be a confusing category of drinks for customers looking to manage their caffeine intake or avoid coffee altogether. The term “frappe” is a general name for a cold, blended drink, but at Starbucks, the trademarked "Frappuccino" name distinguishes two distinct types of beverages: Blended Coffee and Blended Crème. Understanding this fundamental difference is the key to knowing whether your drink will contain coffee.

The Tale of Two Frappuccino Bases

At its core, a Starbucks Frappuccino is defined by its base ingredient. All Frappuccinos are made with a special syrup that acts as an emulsifier to keep the ice, milk, and flavors blended smoothly. However, the coffee vs. creme version is decided by a separate ingredient added during preparation: Frappuccino Roast.

Blended Coffee Frappuccinos

These are the classic, caffeinated Frappuccinos that include the Frappuccino Roast, a powdered instant coffee developed specifically for these blended drinks. The flavor profiles are built to complement the roasted taste of the coffee. Popular examples include:

Coffee Frappuccino: The original and simplest version.
Caramel Frappuccino: Coffee, caramel syrup, milk, and ice, topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle.
Mocha Frappuccino: Features coffee blended with mocha sauce.
Java Chip Frappuccino: A mocha-based Frappuccino with chocolate chips.
Espresso Frappuccino: The most caffeinated option, made with espresso shots and Frappuccino Roast.

Blended Crème Frappuccinos

These beverages are designed to be coffee-free and are blended with a crème base instead of the Frappuccino Roast. While they do not contain coffee, some ingredients like chocolate or matcha powder may introduce a small amount of caffeine. Crème Frappuccinos are a great dessert-like option for those who want to avoid coffee entirely. Common examples include:

Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino: A simple, sweet blend of vanilla bean paste, milk, and ice.
Strawberries & Cream Frappuccino: A fruity, blended beverage with no coffee.
Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino: A rich, chocolatey drink without coffee, though it contains some caffeine from the chocolate.
Matcha Crème Frappuccino: A coffee-free option, but it contains caffeine from the green tea powder.

Can You Customize a Frappuccino?

One of the most valuable pieces of information for Starbucks customers is the ability to customize. Any coffee-based Frappuccino can be made decaf by requesting a shot of decaf espresso in place of the standard Frappuccino Roast. Conversely, a shot of espresso can be added to any Blended Crème beverage for a caffeinated kick. It is important to note that adding espresso will alter the drink's taste.

Comparison: Coffee Frappuccino vs. Crème Frappuccino


Feature	Blended Coffee Frappuccino	Blended Crème Frappuccino
Contains Coffee?	Yes	No (unless espresso is added)
Caffeine Source	Frappuccino Roast (instant coffee)	None by default; chocolate/tea may add minimal caffeine
Flavor Profile	Roasty, balanced by sweeteners and flavorings	Creamy, sweet, and dessert-like
Texture	Smooth and creamy; held together by a coffee-flavored base	Smooth and creamy; held together by a neutral creme base
Common Flavors	Caramel, Mocha, Coffee, Java Chip, Espresso	Vanilla Bean, Strawberries & Cream, Double Chocolaty Chip, Matcha
Customization	Can be made decaf by substituting Frappuccino Roast	Can be made caffeinated by adding an espresso shot

How to Order the Right Frappuccino for You

Knowing the difference between the coffee and creme bases makes ordering much simpler. When you look at the menu, items that explicitly name a coffee flavor, like "Caramel Coffee Jelly Frappuccino" or "Mocha Frappuccino," will generally contain coffee. If the Frappuccino's name ends in "Crème" or has a non-coffee flavor like vanilla bean or strawberry, it's a safe bet that it is coffee-free. However, it's always best to double-check with your barista if you are uncertain. Customization can help you make a coffee-free drink caffeinated or a coffee drink decaffeinated, giving you full control over your beverage.

Conclusion

While many people mistakenly believe all Frappuccinos contain coffee, this is a misconception. The presence of coffee depends on whether you order a Blended Coffee or a Blended Crème version. Starbucks offers a wide range of options to cater to all preferences, from those seeking a classic coffee kick to others who prefer a creamy, caffeine-free treat. With this knowledge, you can confidently navigate the menu and order exactly what you're looking for, eliminating any guesswork at the counter. For more information on Starbucks' ingredients and nutritional facts, visit the official Starbucks website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Coffee Frappuccino is made with Frappuccino Roast (instant coffee) and contains caffeine, while a Crème Frappuccino is made with a coffee-free base and does not contain coffee.

No, not all Starbucks Frappuccinos are caffeinated. The Blended Crème options are made without coffee, making them caffeine-free (though some may have small amounts from chocolate or tea).

Yes, you can order a decaf Frappuccino. Simply ask your barista to replace the standard Frappuccino Roast with a shot of decaf espresso when ordering a coffee-based drink.

Not necessarily. While the standard Caramel and Mocha Frappuccinos have coffee, they can be made with a crème base upon request, becoming a coffee-free beverage.

Popular coffee-free Frappuccinos include the Vanilla Bean Crème, Strawberries & Cream, and Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino.

The easiest way is to check if the drink name includes "Crème." If it does, it's likely coffee-free. Otherwise, it's safer to assume it contains coffee or ask your barista.

No, the Frappuccino bases themselves (coffee base and crème base) do not contain caffeine. The caffeine comes from the separate addition of Frappuccino Roast or espresso shots.