Does all frappé have coffee in it? A comprehensive guide

December 5, 2025 •

4 min read

In 1957, the first traditional frappé was made by accident using instant coffee, yet today, not all frappé have coffee in it. The answer depends entirely on the type of frappé you order, where you order it, and whether it is a true frappé or a modern, coffee-shop blended beverage.

Quick Summary

This guide explores the distinctions between the original Greek coffee frappé, blended coffee drinks like Starbucks' Frappuccino, and the many coffee-free alternatives available at cafes and fast-food chains today.

Key Points

Not all frappés contain coffee: While the traditional Greek frappé is made with instant coffee, many modern versions, particularly from large chains, are coffee-free.
'Crème' means no coffee: For Starbucks and other coffee shops, ordering a "crème" frappuccino indicates a version made with a cream or flavor-based syrup instead of coffee concentrate.
Know the difference between frappe and Frappuccino: A traditional Greek frappé always contains instant coffee, whereas a Starbucks Frappuccino is a trademarked, broader term with both coffee and non-coffee options.
Modern variations include dessert-like drinks: Many blended beverages are more akin to milkshakes, using flavored syrups like vanilla bean, strawberry, or chocolate without any coffee.
Always check the menu or ask your barista: To be certain, read the product description or ask an employee if the drink is coffee-based or crème-based, especially when ordering at chains like Starbucks or McDonald's.

The Traditional Frappé vs. Modern Blended Beverages

To understand the question, it is crucial to first distinguish between a traditional Greek frappé and the modern, often Americanized, version. A true frappé is a staple in Greece and was invented in 1957 using instant coffee. It is made by shaking or blending instant coffee, water, and sugar to create a thick foam, to which ice and cold water are then added. By its very definition and origin, this version contains coffee.

However, the word “frappé” has evolved, especially in the US, to describe a much broader category of blended, iced drinks. These drinks often have a coffee base, but plenty of popular variations, especially at major coffee shop chains, are made without any coffee at all.

The Rise of the Coffee-Free Frappé

The popularity of blended beverages led to the creation of non-coffee versions to appeal to a wider audience. Major chains like Starbucks capitalized on this by creating a menu of crème-based Frappuccino options, which use flavored syrup and milk instead of coffee concentrate. McDonald's also offers frappes, and while their classic mocha or caramel versions include coffee, other flavors are available that are coffee-free.

For those seeking a chilled treat without the jolt of caffeine, these options are a perfect solution. From vanilla bean to strawberry and double chocolaty chip, the market is filled with delicious, coffee-free frappés that are essentially milkshakes or flavored cream blended with ice.

How to Tell if a Frappé Has Coffee in It

When ordering, the easiest way to know for sure is to ask your barista. However, menu descriptions also provide important clues. Look for terms like "Crème," "Caffeine-Free," or specific flavor names that don't typically involve coffee, such as 'Strawberry' or 'Vanilla Bean.' In contrast, drinks labeled 'Mocha,' 'Caramel,' or 'Espresso' are almost certain to include coffee.

Frappé vs. Frappuccino vs. Non-Coffee Frappé


Feature	Traditional Greek Frappé	Starbucks Frappuccino	Non-Coffee/Crème Frappé
Origin	Greece (1957), with instant coffee.	Trademarked by Starbucks (1995), from 'Coffee Connection'.	Modern variations from various brands.
Coffee Content	Always contains instant coffee.	Options with and without coffee; uses a 'Frappuccino roast' or cream base.	Specifically made without coffee; uses a 'crème' base or flavored syrups.
Preparation	Shaken or blended instant coffee, water, sugar, and ice.	Blended with milk, syrups, ice, and either a coffee or crème base.	Blended with milk, flavored syrups, ice, and no coffee.
Taste Profile	Strong, foamy, and slightly bitter coffee taste, adjustable with sugar.	Sweet, dessert-like, and smooth, with a wide variety of flavors.	Sweet, creamy, and indulgent, similar to a milkshake.
Example	Classic Greek Frappé	Coffee Frappuccino, Caramel Frappuccino	Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino, Strawberry & Cream Frappuccino.

How to Order a Coffee-Free Frappé

If you want to enjoy a blended drink without the caffeine, here are some tips for ordering from common retailers:

Starbucks: Ask for a "Crème Frappuccino." Many standard Frappuccino flavors can be made without coffee by using the 'crème' base. For example, a 'Caramel Frappuccino' can become a 'Caramel Crème Frappuccino'. The Vanilla Bean Crème and Strawberry & Cream are naturally coffee-free.
McDonald's: While McDonald's signature frappes often contain coffee, they also have coffee-free options, such as the Strawberry & Cream or other seasonal dessert-based blended drinks. Always check the menu or ask an employee to be sure.
Local Coffee Shops: Look for blended drinks or milkshakes on the menu, or simply ask if a blended drink can be made without coffee. Many shops have flavored powders or syrups that can be used to create a custom, coffee-free blended treat.

Conclusion: A Name with Evolving Meaning

In conclusion, the short answer to "Does all frappé have coffee in it?" is no. While the original Greek frappé is fundamentally a coffee drink, the term has been co-opted by global coffee chains to represent a diverse category of blended, iced beverages. This expansion includes popular crème-based drinks that use flavored syrups and milk instead of coffee, providing a sweet, icy indulgence for those who wish to avoid caffeine. Ultimately, a shopper must verify the ingredients on a case-by-case basis, as the name no longer guarantees the presence of coffee. To be certain, always check the menu description or simply ask for a "crème-based" version of your desired flavor. This distinction allows coffee lovers and abstainers alike to enjoy the perfect blended, iced drink for any occasion.

For more insights into coffee culture and terminology, an excellent resource is the Nescafe UK website, which offers details on the origin of the traditional Greek frappé.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Starbucks offers both Coffee Frappuccinos and Crème Frappuccinos. Crème Frappuccinos, such as the Vanilla Bean Crème and Strawberry & Cream, do not contain coffee.

Most of McDonald's classic frappe flavors, like Mocha and Caramel, are made with coffee. However, menu availability varies and they may offer seasonal or limited-time coffee-free blended drinks.

A crème frappuccino is a blended, iced beverage made without coffee. It uses a cream-based syrup combined with milk, ice, and flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or fruit.

Yes, it is often possible to customize a coffee-based frappuccino with a shot of decaf espresso instead of the standard coffee mix, but this can affect the texture and may not be an option for all locations.

No, a traditional Greek frappé is fundamentally a foamy, instant-coffee drink shaken with cold water and ice. It is distinct from a milkshake, which is typically a blended dairy drink made with ice cream.

Some coffee-free frappés, especially those with chocolate or matcha, may contain trace amounts of caffeine from their flavoring ingredients. For example, a Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino contains a small amount of caffeine from the chocolate.

You can make a coffee-free frappé at home by blending milk or a milk alternative, ice, flavored syrup (like vanilla or raspberry), and sweetener until smooth and frothy.