Does a Frappuccino Have Any Caffeine in It?

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

Over half of all Frappuccinos contain caffeine, but the amount can vary dramatically depending on the specific flavor and size. Answering "does a Frappuccino have any caffeine in it?" requires knowing that these popular blended beverages come in both coffee-based and caffeine-free crème varieties.

Quick Summary

The caffeine content in Frappuccinos is not uniform and depends on whether it's a coffee-based or crème-based drink. Coffee Frappuccinos contain caffeine from a concentrated roast or espresso, while crème versions are often caffeine-free, with a few exceptions containing minimal amounts from ingredients like chocolate or tea.

Key Points

Not all Frappuccinos are created equal: Frappuccinos are divided into coffee-based and crème-based options, and only the former inherently contains a significant amount of caffeine.
Coffee base vs. crème base: Coffee Frappuccinos get their caffeine from a concentrated Frappuccino Roast or espresso shots, while crème Frappuccinos do not contain this coffee ingredient.
Hidden caffeine sources: Some crème-based Frappuccinos are not entirely caffeine-free, as ingredients like matcha green tea and chocolate can add a small amount.
Customization is possible: You can easily increase or decrease the caffeine level of most Frappuccinos by adding decaf shots or extra espresso shots.
Caffeine amounts vary by size and flavor: A Grande Coffee Frappuccino has about 95mg of caffeine, but an Espresso Frappuccino in the same size has 155mg, and sizes can increase the amount further.
Bottled Frappuccinos contain caffeine: The ready-to-drink bottled versions also contain caffeine, with flavors like Mocha having around 105mg in a 13.7oz bottle.

The Frappuccino Dichotomy: Coffee vs. Crème Bases

Understanding the caffeine content of a Frappuccino hinges on one key distinction: is it a 'coffee-based' or a 'crème-based' drink? Starbucks, the creator of the Frappuccino, offers both versions to cater to different tastes and needs. The coffee-based options get their caffeine from a proprietary powdered coffee blend known as Frappuccino Roast, or in some cases, actual espresso shots. In contrast, crème-based Frappuccinos are built without this coffee ingredient, making them a safe bet for those avoiding a caffeine kick.

Coffee-Based Frappuccinos and Their Caffeine Levels

For a true coffee experience, the blended coffee options are the way to go. Here's a breakdown of the caffeine you can expect in popular coffee-based Frappuccinos in a Grande (16 oz) size:

Coffee Frappuccino: The classic contains about 95mg of caffeine.
Mocha Frappuccino: A blend of coffee and chocolate, this one has around 100mg.
Caramel Frappuccino: This sweet treat includes approximately 90mg.
Java Chip Frappuccino: Adding chocolate chips brings the caffeine level to about 105mg.
Espresso Frappuccino: This one is for serious coffee lovers, as it contains both Frappuccino Roast and espresso shots, resulting in a higher caffeine count of around 155mg for a Grande.

It is important to note that the amount can increase with larger sizes. A Venti Espresso Frappuccino, for instance, can reach up to 185mg of caffeine.

Crème-Based Frappuccinos: Your Low-to-No Caffeine Options

If you prefer the creamy, blended texture without the jolt, the crème-based Frappuccinos are the answer. Many of these are completely free of caffeine, while others contain trace amounts from additional flavoring ingredients.

Here are some examples of crème-based Frappuccinos and their caffeine content for a Grande size:

Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino: One of the most popular caffeine-free options.
Strawberry Crème Frappuccino: Another delicious blended beverage with no coffee.
Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino: While it contains no coffee, it has a minimal amount of caffeine (about 15mg) from the chocolate.
Matcha Green Tea Crème Frappuccino: This tea-based option contains caffeine from the green tea, with a Grande having about 70mg.
Chai Crème Frappuccino: The tea base in this drink adds a moderate amount of caffeine, around 40mg for a Grande.

Customization is Key: Controlling Your Caffeine Intake

One of the best features of ordering a Frappuccino is the ability to customize it to your liking. You can easily adjust the caffeine levels by making a few simple requests when you order.

Ask for decaf: For coffee-based Frappuccinos, you can request decaf espresso shots instead of the standard Frappuccino Roast to significantly reduce the caffeine.
Add an espresso shot: If you want more of a kick, you can add an extra shot of espresso to any Frappuccino.
Choose a crème base: To ensure zero caffeine, stick to the completely caffeine-free crème options like Vanilla Bean or Strawberry Crème and confirm with the barista.

Frappuccino Caffeine Comparison Table


Frappuccino Flavor (Grande, 16oz)	Caffeine Content (approx.)	Caffeine Source	Best For...
Coffee Frappuccino	95 mg	Frappuccino Roast	A classic coffee flavor with a moderate buzz.
Mocha Frappuccino	100 mg	Frappuccino Roast + Mocha Sauce	Chocolate and coffee lovers seeking a boost.
Caramel Frappuccino	90 mg	Frappuccino Roast + Caramel	A sweet, coffee-flavored pick-me-up.
Espresso Frappuccino	155 mg	Frappuccino Roast + Espresso Shots	Maximum caffeine and bold espresso flavor.
Matcha Green Tea Crème	70 mg	Matcha Powder (Green Tea)	A milder, earthy caffeine lift.
Double Chocolaty Chip Crème	15 mg	Chocolate	Minimal caffeine for a chocolate indulgence.
Vanilla Bean Crème	0 mg	None	A sweet, blended, caffeine-free treat.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Frappuccino Choices

In conclusion, whether a Frappuccino has caffeine depends entirely on its base. The blanket assumption that all Frappuccinos are coffee drinks and therefore caffeinated is a common misconception. By understanding the difference between the coffee and crème bases, and being aware that ingredients like chocolate and matcha can contribute trace amounts of caffeine, consumers can make informed choices based on their personal caffeine tolerance and preferences. For those who need a pick-me-up, coffee-based options provide a notable boost, while the many crème-based flavors offer a delicious, blended experience without the caffeine. When in doubt, a quick check with the barista will ensure you get exactly the drink you desire. For more information on caffeine in general, check out Caffeine Informer's guide to Starbucks drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino is one of the caffeine-free options on the menu. It is made with a crème base, not a coffee base, and contains no caffeine.

A Grande (16 oz) Coffee Frappuccino from Starbucks contains approximately 95mg of caffeine. This comes from the proprietary Frappuccino Roast blend used in the drink.

Yes, even if they are crème-based, Frappuccinos containing chocolate or mocha will have a small amount of caffeine from the cocoa. For example, a Grande Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino has about 15mg of caffeine.

Yes. The safest way is to order one of the crème-based Frappuccinos that do not contain chocolate or tea, such as the Vanilla Bean Crème or Strawberry Crème, and confirm with the barista.

The Espresso Frappuccino is the most caffeinated option, as it includes both Frappuccino Roast and extra espresso shots. A Venti can contain up to 185mg of caffeine.

Yes, the bottled Starbucks Frappuccinos sold in stores are caffeinated. The amount varies by flavor, but typically ranges from 75mg to 130mg per bottle.

Yes, it does. While it doesn't contain coffee, a Chai Crème Frappuccino contains caffeine from the black tea used in the chai spice blend. A Grande has about 40mg.