How much caffeine is in a Costa frappe?

December 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to product information from Coca-Cola, a standard 250ml Costa Coffee Frappé Caramel Swirl contains 85mg of caffeine. The total caffeine content can vary significantly depending on the specific flavour and size ordered, and whether it contains a shot of espresso. Understanding how much caffeine is in a Costa frappe requires looking beyond a single flavour.

Quick Summary

The caffeine in a Costa frappe is not uniform, varying greatly depending on the specific flavor, size, and addition of espresso. Some pre-packaged frappes have moderate caffeine, while made-to-order coffee-based versions can contain much higher amounts, offering a wide range of options for different energy needs.

Key Points

Caffeine Varies Significantly: The caffeine level in a Costa frappe is not fixed and depends on the flavour, size, and whether it contains espresso shots.
Bottled vs. Barista-Made: Pre-packaged frappes like the Caramel Swirl have a measured 85mg per 250ml, while made-to-order frappes can have much higher caffeine due to added espresso.
Coffee-based Frappes are High: Flavours like Mocha and Coffee Cream contain espresso, which can result in very high caffeine amounts, especially in larger sizes.
Non-Coffee Frappes have Zero Caffeine: Cream-based or fruit-flavoured frappes are typically caffeine-free unless an espresso shot is explicitly added.
Size is a Major Factor: The size of your barista-made frappe directly correlates with the number of espresso shots and, therefore, the total caffeine content.
Comparative Strength: Larger Costa coffee frappes can contain more caffeine than many energy drinks and are significantly stronger than competitors' equivalent drinks.

Understanding Frappe Caffeine Levels at Costa Coffee

Unlike standard espresso-based drinks, a Costa frappe's caffeine content is highly dependent on its preparation and ingredients. The term 'frappe' is broad and can include both coffee-based and non-coffee-based options. This means that a chocolate or fruit-flavoured frappe will have different caffeine levels than a version made with a shot of Costa's signature espresso blend. For customers trying to manage their caffeine intake, knowing these variations is crucial.

Bottled vs. Barista-Made Frappes

One of the most common frappe options from Costa is their pre-packaged, ready-to-drink range. As noted, the bottled Caramel Swirl Frappe contains 85mg of caffeine per 250ml serving. This provides a useful baseline. However, when you visit a Costa store and order a barista-made Coffee Cream Frappe, the caffeine content will differ. These made-to-order frappes often include espresso shots, and the number of shots varies with the drink size, directly influencing the final caffeine total. For instance, a regular (medium) Coffee Cream Frappe will have a higher caffeine load than a small one.

Factors That Influence Caffeine Content

Several elements contribute to the final caffeine levels in a custom-made Costa frappe:

Espresso Shots: Many of the coffee-flavoured frappes use one or more shots of Costa's espresso. Costa is known for a higher-caffeine robusta blend, meaning a single shot packs a considerable punch. Additional shots can significantly increase the total caffeine. A large Costa cappuccino can contain as many as four shots, a potential indicator of how shots scale in size across their menu.
Frappe Powder: Some frappe mixes might contain a small amount of coffee or caffeine even before any shots are added. Non-coffee flavours, like a fruit frappe, may have no caffeine, making them a safe choice for those sensitive to it.
Flavour Syrups: While the main purpose of syrups is flavour, they do not typically add caffeine. However, syrups like mocha or caramel are often paired with espresso shots.
Milk Choice: The type of milk (skimmed, full-fat, soy, etc.) does not affect the caffeine level, but it can alter the overall nutritional profile.

Frappe Caffeine Comparison Table

To provide a clearer picture, here is a comparison of caffeine levels for various frappes and related drinks. Please note that figures for made-to-order frappes are estimates based on available nutritional information from different regional Costa menus (e.g., UAE, US) and general caffeine densities, as exact figures for all UK variants are not always readily published or consistent.


Drink (Made-to-Order)	Size	Estimated Caffeine (mg)	Notes
Coffee Cream Frappe	Small	~150-180 mg	Based on typical espresso shot allocation.
Coffee Cream Frappe	Regular	~200-250 mg	Likely contains additional espresso shots.
Coffee Cream Frappe	Large	~350-400 mg	Maximum potential with extra shots.
Mocha Cream Frappe	Small	~190 mg	Mocha typically includes coffee shots.
Mocha Cream Frappe	Large	~395 mg	Can be very high in caffeine.
Chocolate Cream Frappe	All	0 mg	Non-coffee based; will contain no caffeine unless an espresso shot is requested.
Caramel Swirl Frappe	250ml Bottle	85 mg	Manufacturer-confirmed amount.

A Note on Regional Variations

It is important to remember that nutritional information, including caffeine content, can vary by country and region. As seen in the search results, the UAE menu shows Mocha frappes with potentially very high caffeine counts. Always check the local or in-store nutritional guide for the most accurate information available. The difference can be significant, especially when compared to competitor brands like Starbucks, which typically uses a lower-caffeine arabica blend.

Comparing Costa Frappe Caffeine to Other Drinks

To put these figures into perspective, consider the caffeine content of other popular beverages:

Standard Cup of Tea: Approximately 75mg.
Mug of Instant Coffee: Approximately 100mg.
Costa Medium Cappuccino: Around 325mg (UK).
Starbucks Triple Shot Energy: 225mg.
Can of Red Bull (250ml): Approximately 80mg.

As you can see, a large, made-to-order coffee-based Costa frappe can easily exceed the caffeine found in most energy drinks. This makes it a serious pick-me-up for those needing a significant energy boost, but also highlights the need for caution, especially for individuals sensitive to caffeine.

Conclusion

So, how much caffeine is in a Costa frappe? The answer is not a single number, but a range that depends on the specific product. For a pre-packaged Caramel Swirl frappe, the caffeine is a moderate 85mg. However, a barista-made coffee frappe can contain significantly more caffeine, sometimes surpassing many other popular high-caffeine beverages. Always check the menu or consult a barista if you are concerned about your caffeine intake. For those seeking a caffeine-free option, non-coffee frappes are the ideal choice.

For more information on general nutrition and healthier choices, see the Costa Coffee website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The caffeine content varies. Some barista-made coffee frappes can have very high caffeine levels, while non-coffee flavours are caffeine-free. A 250ml bottled Caramel Swirl frappe has 85mg, which is a moderate amount.

For the pre-packaged, ready-to-drink version, a 250ml bottle contains 85mg of caffeine. For barista-made versions, the amount can differ based on size and espresso shots.

No. Only the frappes made with coffee contain caffeine. Non-coffee flavours, such as chocolate or fruit-based frappes, are caffeine-free unless a shot of espresso is requested by the customer.

The highest caffeine frappes are typically the large, barista-made, coffee-based options, such as the Mocha Cream Frappe, which can reach nearly 400mg in larger sizes.

The caffeine can be comparable, but it depends on the size and type. A large coffee frappe might have similar or even higher caffeine than a large latte, as Costa's drinks often contain multiple espresso shots.

A frappe's strength is not consistent. A small coffee frappe might be less caffeinated than a large black coffee, but a large, extra-shot frappe can easily be stronger in caffeine than a regular hot coffee. It depends on the specific drink.

Yes. Simply choose a frappe flavour that does not contain coffee, such as a chocolate, fruit, or cream-based one. Always double-check with the barista if you are unsure.

To reduce caffeine, you can ask for a smaller size, fewer espresso shots, or choose a decaf espresso. Your best option for zero caffeine is to select a non-coffee flavour.