How Much Caffeine Is in a Frappe?

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

The amount of caffeine in a frappe can vary dramatically, ranging from as low as 0mg in some creme-based drinks to over 200mg in larger, coffee-heavy versions. This wide range is a key factor for anyone watching their intake, as a single frozen beverage can sometimes contain as much, or more, caffeine than a standard cup of brewed coffee.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the caffeine content found in frappes from popular coffee chains. It compares different sizes, flavors, and ingredients to help you understand the variables that influence the caffeine level in your blended beverage.

Key Points

Significant Variation: The caffeine content in a frappe can range from 0mg in crème-based drinks to over 390mg in some large sizes from chains like Dunkin'.
Brand Matters: Different coffee chains have vastly different recipes; Dunkin's Frozen Coffee generally has much higher caffeine than a Starbucks Frappuccino of the same size.
Coffee vs. Crème: Not all frappes contain coffee; crème-based varieties, like Starbucks' Vanilla Bean Frappuccino, are made without coffee and are caffeine-free.
Size is a Factor: The serving size directly impacts caffeine content, with larger sizes containing more caffeine due to an increased volume of coffee base or syrup.
Extra Shots Boost Caffeine: Adding shots of espresso to a frappe will increase its caffeine level, with a Starbucks Espresso Frappuccino being one of the most potent options.
Check Before You Sip: Always verify the specific drink's caffeine content if you are sensitive to caffeine, as levels vary significantly based on ingredients and customization.

What Determines the Caffeine in a Frappe?

The caffeine level in a frappe is not standardized across all brands or even all flavors within the same brand. Several key factors contribute to the final amount of caffeine in your cup:

Type of drink base: Is the frappe made with a traditional coffee base, or is it a crème-based or fruit-based version? Crème-based frappes often contain very little to no caffeine, while coffee-based ones are the primary source of the stimulant.
Serving size: A larger venti or large-sized frappe will almost always have more caffeine than a smaller tall or small-sized version simply due to the increased volume of coffee ingredients.
Added espresso shots: Some coffee shops allow or automatically add extra espresso shots to certain frappes, significantly boosting the caffeine level.
Flavor variations: The specific flavor can impact caffeine. For instance, a mocha frappe will contain additional caffeine from the chocolate component, which naturally has some caffeine.
Coffee concentration: The strength and type of coffee or coffee extract used by the specific brand also plays a crucial role. For example, some brands use highly concentrated coffee syrups for their frozen drinks.

Caffeine Content Breakdown by Popular Coffee Chains

Here is a closer look at the caffeine content of frappes and similar frozen coffee beverages from some major chains. Note that these are approximations and can vary by location and specific recipe.

Starbucks Frappuccino Caffeine (Grande, 16oz)

Coffee Frappuccino: ~95 mg
Mocha Frappuccino: ~100 mg
Caramel Frappuccino: ~100 mg
Espresso Frappuccino: ~185 mg (in a Venti size)
Matcha Frappuccino: ~70 mg
Crème-based Frappuccinos (e.g., Vanilla Bean): 0 mg (unless espresso is added)

McDonald's McCafé Frappé Caffeine

For McCafé Frappés in the U.S., caffeine levels are not published, but estimates from customer service and former employees suggest the following:

Small Frappé: ~75 mg
Medium Frappé: ~85 mg
Large Frappé: ~130 mg

Dunkin' Frozen Coffee Caffeine

Unlike traditional frappes, Dunkin's Frozen Coffee is made from a concentrated coffee syrup. This results in surprisingly high caffeine levels.

Small Frozen Coffee: 196 mg
Large Frozen Coffee: 393 mg

Frappe Caffeine Comparison Table


Beverage (approx. 16oz)	Caffeine Content (mg)	Notes
Starbucks Coffee Frappuccino	95	Moderate amount, equivalent to a standard brewed coffee.
McDonald's Large Frappé	130	A solid caffeine boost, but less concentrated than Dunkin's offering.
Dunkin' Frozen Coffee	295 (medium)	Significantly higher than most frappes due to concentrated syrup.
Starbucks Espresso Frappuccino	185 (venti)	One of the most caffeinated frappe-style drinks on the menu.
Standard Brewed Coffee (8oz)	90-150	A benchmark for comparison, but frappes vary greatly.
Starbucks Crème Frappuccino	0	Caffeine-free, unless espresso shots are added.

Navigating Frappe Caffeine Levels

For consumers concerned about caffeine, there are several ways to manage their frappe experience. One of the most important considerations is distinguishing between coffee-based and crème-based options. Many chains clearly label these on their menus or website nutritional information. When in doubt, asking the barista is the best course of action. If you're a fan of a specific flavor but want to avoid the caffeine, you can often request a crème-based version with the same syrup flavor. Conversely, for those seeking an extra kick, adding a shot of espresso is a common customization option. However, it is crucial to remember that adding espresso also adds to the overall calorie and sugar content, especially when it comes to sweet blended drinks. For those with caffeine sensitivities or health concerns, alternatives like smoothies, juice, or caffeine-free hot beverages are often safer options. Always be mindful of your personal caffeine tolerance and daily recommended limits, which are typically around 400 mg for most healthy adults.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the amount of caffeine in a frappe is highly variable and depends on the specific brand, size, and flavor. A Starbucks grande Coffee Frappuccino contains approximately 95 mg of caffeine, a McDonald's large Frappé has about 130 mg, and a Dunkin' medium Frozen Coffee packs a substantial 295 mg. This wide disparity means that a frappe can be a low-caffeine treat or a high-octane energy booster, depending on your choice. To make an informed decision, checking nutritional information or asking a barista is always the best practice. For those who love the taste but not the buzz, many crème-based options provide a delicious, caffeine-free alternative.

Mayo Clinic's guide to caffeine content and health

Frequently Asked Questions

A frappe's caffeine content varies widely. While some crème-based frappes contain no caffeine, coffee-based versions can range from low to very high, with some brands offering large sizes that contain more caffeine than a standard cup of coffee.

Among major chains, the large Dunkin' Frozen Coffee has one of the highest caffeine contents, with some estimates placing it at nearly 400 mg. The Starbucks Venti Espresso Frappuccino is also a top contender.

Yes, many coffee chains offer crème-based frappes that do not contain coffee or caffeine. Examples include Starbucks' Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino. You can also ask for the coffee or espresso base to be omitted from other flavors.

A frappe's caffeine content per ounce is often lower than brewed coffee because it is blended with ice and other ingredients. However, because frappes are typically served in larger sizes, the total amount of caffeine in a frappe can be comparable to or even higher than a regular cup of coffee.

No. Starbucks Frappuccinos are divided into 'Coffee' and 'Crème' categories. All Coffee Frappuccinos contain caffeine, but Crème Frappuccinos (like Vanilla Bean or Strawberry) are made without a coffee base and are therefore caffeine-free.

In the U.S., McDonald's does not publish official caffeine figures. However, estimates from former employees suggest a large McCafé Frappé contains around 130 mg of caffeine, with Mocha flavors sometimes having slightly more.

To reduce the caffeine in your frappe, choose a crème-based flavor, order a smaller size, or request that it be made with decaffeinated coffee. Some shops may offer this customization depending on their standard procedure.