Is there coffee in a frappé at Starbucks?

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Starbucks trademarked the name "Frappuccino" in 1994, which often causes confusion with the generic term "frappé". Whether or not there is coffee in a frappé at Starbucks depends entirely on which Frappuccino you order, as the menu includes both coffee and coffee-free blended options.

Quick Summary

Starbucks offers blended beverages called Frappuccinos, not frappés, and their menu includes options with and without coffee. The distinction lies in whether you order a "Coffee Frappuccino" or a "Crème Frappuccino." Coffee-based versions contain caffeine, while crème-based options are coffee-free.

Key Points

Frappuccino vs. Frappé: At Starbucks, the blended drinks are called Frappuccinos, a trademarked name, and they are different from a traditional Greek frappé.
Coffee and Crème Bases: Starbucks Frappuccino menu is divided into coffee-based and crème-based options.
Coffee-Free Options: To get a Frappuccino without coffee, you must order a Crème Frappuccino, which uses a coffee-free base.
Caffeinated Options: Coffee Frappuccinos contain a special Frappuccino Roast instant coffee, which provides the caffeine.
Customization is Key: You can specify "crème base" for any flavor to make it coffee-free or add decaf shots to some coffee versions.
Know the Ingredients: Key components of a Frappuccino include ice, milk, a base syrup (coffee or crème), and other flavorings like mocha or vanilla.

Demystifying the Starbucks Frappuccino

When you see a blended iced drink at Starbucks, you are looking at a Frappuccino®, not a frappé. The name Frappuccino® is a portmanteau of "frappe"—the New England term for a milkshake with ice cream—and "cappuccino," trademarked by Starbucks after they acquired the Coffee Connection in 1994. This proprietary beverage comes in two distinct categories: coffee-based and crème-based. The presence of coffee is the key difference between these two menu sections, and it is a crucial detail for anyone monitoring their caffeine intake or ordering for a child.

Coffee-Based Frappuccinos: The Caffeinated Classics

Frappuccinos under the "Coffee Frappuccino" heading on the menu contain Starbucks' proprietary Frappuccino Roast, a special instant coffee blend designed specifically for these cold beverages. This ensures a consistent and smooth texture without the issue of hot espresso melting the ice too quickly. Examples of these caffeinated blended drinks include the classic Coffee Frappuccino, Mocha Frappuccino, and Java Chip Frappuccino. For those who want the flavor but need to limit caffeine, it is possible to order some coffee-based options with decaf espresso shots, though this is not the standard preparation.

Popular Coffee Frappuccino Flavors

Coffee Frappuccino: The original and most basic version, a simple blend of coffee, milk, and ice.
Caramel Frappuccino: Coffee blended with caramel syrup and topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle.
Mocha Frappuccino: A coffee blend with mocha sauce, finished with whipped cream.
Java Chip Frappuccino: Combines mocha sauce and Frappuccino chips with the coffee base.

Crème-Based Frappuccinos: The Coffee-Free Treats

For those who want a blended drink without the coffee, Starbucks offers a wide variety of "Crème Frappuccinos". These beverages are made using a crème base syrup instead of the coffee roast, ensuring they contain zero or very little caffeine. They are a popular choice for children or for anyone looking for a sweet, milky blended beverage. When ordering any Frappuccino, you can specify that you want it "crème-based" or "without the coffee" to ensure a caffeine-free drink.

Popular Crème Frappuccino Flavors

Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino: A simple, sweet blend of vanilla bean powder, milk, and ice.
Strawberry Crème Frappuccino: Made with strawberry puree and a crème base.
Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino: Mocha sauce and chocolaty chips blended into the crème base.
Chai Crème Frappuccino: Combines the spiced flavor of chai with the creamy, coffee-free base.

Starbucks Frappuccino® vs. A Classic Frappé

While the name "Frappuccino" was inspired by the traditional frappé, they are not the same beverage. The original Greek frappé was invented in 1957 by a Nestlé employee and is made by shaking instant coffee with sugar and cold water to create a foam, then adding ice. A Starbucks Frappuccino, by contrast, is made by blending ice with milk, flavoring syrups, and either a coffee or crème base in a blender. This results in a much thicker, smoother, and more milkshake-like consistency.

Comparison Table: Frappuccino Bases at Starbucks


Feature	Coffee-Based Frappuccino	Crème-Based Frappuccino
Coffee Content	Yes, contains Starbucks' Frappuccino Roast.	No, completely coffee-free.
Caffeine Level	Caffeinated.	Decaffeinated or very low caffeine.
Base Ingredient	Coffee Frappuccino syrup base.	Crème Frappuccino syrup base.
Flavor Profile	Typically coffee-forward, balanced with sweeteners.	Rich, creamy, and sweet, with no coffee taste.
Best For	Coffee lovers seeking a chilled treat.	Kids or those avoiding caffeine.

Customizing Your Frappuccino Experience

Starbucks allows extensive customization for all its Frappuccinos. Here are a few ways to tailor your drink:

Decaf Espresso: For coffee lovers who need to reduce caffeine, ask for decaf espresso shots in your coffee-based Frappuccino.
Non-Dairy Milk: Swap out standard milk for a non-dairy alternative like oat, almond, or soy milk.
"Affogato-Style": To add a more robust coffee flavor, request a hot shot of espresso poured over the finished drink.
Extra Flavors: Add different syrup pumps or drizzles to personalize the taste.

The Final Word: Coffee Content at Starbucks

In summary, while the word "frappé" is a generic term that can mean different things, a Starbucks Frappuccino clearly defines whether it contains coffee or not. By ordering a "Coffee Frappuccino" or a "Crème Frappuccino," you are in full control of your caffeine intake. Always remember to specify the crème base for any flavor if you wish to avoid coffee entirely. For further details on the full Frappuccino menu and nutritional information, you can visit the official Starbucks website.

Conclusion

Navigating the Starbucks menu to find a coffee-free blended beverage is simple once you understand the difference between their Coffee and Crème Frappuccinos. While the original Frappuccino was built on a coffee base, Starbucks' menu evolution has provided robust options for everyone, including those who prefer a dessert-like blended drink without the coffee kick. Just remember to ask for the "crème base" when ordering, and you will receive a delicious, perfectly blended, coffee-free creation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Frappuccinos contain coffee. Starbucks offers two main types: Coffee Frappuccinos, which contain a coffee base, and Crème Frappuccinos, which are made without coffee.

If you want a coffee-free Frappuccino, order one of the Crème Frappuccino options. You can also specifically ask for any flavored Frappuccino to be made with a "crème base".

No, they are different. A classic frappé is a Greek drink made by shaking instant coffee to create foam, whereas a Starbucks Frappuccino is a trademarked, blender-made beverage.

Yes, for Frappuccino flavors that are typically coffee-based, you can often request decaf espresso shots, though this is not the standard preparation.

The crème base for Frappuccinos is a coffee-free syrup containing ingredients like sugar, water, and thickeners, which gives the drink its milky, smooth texture.

Some Frappuccinos are naturally coffee-free because they are on the Crème menu. Examples include the Vanilla Bean Crème, Strawberry Crème, and Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccinos.

The key difference is the base. A Coffee Frappuccino uses a coffee base and is caffeinated, while a Crème Frappuccino uses a coffee-free crème base and is decaffeinated.