Which Frappes Have No Caffeine? A Comprehensive Guide to Jitter-Free Blended Drinks

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that not all frappes are made with coffee? For those who love the creamy, icy texture of a blended beverage but want to avoid the stimulating effects, knowing which frappes have no caffeine is essential for making the right order every time.

Quick Summary

A guide to popular caffeine-free frappe options from major coffee chains like Starbucks, including how to order them correctly. Also covers homemade recipes and ingredients to create custom, non-caffeinated blended drinks.

Key Points

Order the 'Crème' Version: Specify 'crème' or 'cream-based' when ordering a frappe at most coffee shops, as this indicates a non-coffee foundation.
Vanilla Bean Crème is a Safe Bet: The Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino from Starbucks is a classic, reliably caffeine-free option.
Be Mindful of Chocolate: While coffee-free, frappes containing chocolate, like the Double Chocolaty Chip, may have a small amount of caffeine.
Fruity Blends Are Often Caffeine-Free: Blended drinks featuring fruit purees, such as the Strawberry Crème Frappuccino, are typically made without coffee or tea.
Homemade Frappes Offer Control: Making your own frappe with milk, ice, and custom flavorings provides complete control over ingredients and caffeine content.

Understanding the Caffeine-Free Frappe

Many people associate the term "frappe" with coffee, but this is a common misconception. The key to finding a caffeine-free version lies in understanding the base ingredients. Most coffee shops, including Starbucks, offer "crème" or "cream-based" frappes, which are explicitly made without coffee or espresso. Instead, these drinks use a creamy milk or juice base, ice, and flavored syrups or powders to achieve their rich flavor and signature blended texture. While the drink itself is free of coffee, it's important to be mindful of ingredients like chocolate or matcha, which naturally contain small amounts of caffeine.

Popular Café Options with No Caffeine

For those seeking a guaranteed coffee-free experience, here are some of the most popular choices available at major coffee chains:

Starbucks Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino®: A timeless classic, this beverage blends vanilla bean powder, milk, and ice, topped with whipped cream for a simple yet satisfying treat.
Starbucks Strawberry Crème Frappuccino®: A vibrant and fruity option, this is made with a puree of sweet strawberries and milk, resulting in a refreshing and colorful drink.
Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino®: For those who love caramel without the coffee, this crème-based version uses a rich caramel sauce blended with milk and ice, finished with a caramel drizzle and crunchy topping.
Blended Strawberry Lemonade (Starbucks): A tangy and sweet choice, this beverage is a simple blend of strawberry puree, lemonade, and ice, with zero caffeine.

Making Your Own Jitter-Free Frappe at Home

Creating a caffeine-free frappe at home gives you complete control over ingredients and flavors. The basic formula is simple and can be easily customized.

Basic Vanilla Crème Frappe Recipe

1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 scoop vanilla ice cream or 1/4 tsp vanilla bean powder
1 cup ice
2 tbsp granulated sugar or preferred sweetener
Whipped cream for topping (optional)

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients (except whipped cream) in a blender.
Blend on high speed until the ice is completely crushed and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Pour into a tall glass and top with whipped cream.

Flavor Variations for Homemade Frappes

Double Chocolaty Chip: Add 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup and 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips to the basic recipe. Blend well and top with more chocolate chips. Be aware this adds a minimal amount of caffeine.
Fruity Fun: Replace the vanilla extract with a fruit puree of your choice, such as mango or raspberry. Blend with ice and milk for a refreshing alternative.
Cookie Crumble: Blend in your favorite chocolate sandwich cookies for a rich, textured frappe.

How to Order a Crème Frappe Like a Pro

When ordering at a coffee shop, precision is key to ensuring your drink is caffeine-free. If you want a non-coffee frappe, always use the word "crème" or specify "cream-based." For example, instead of asking for a "Caramel Frappuccino," request a "Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino". If you are unsure, simply ask your barista, "Could I have a crème-based caramel frappe with no coffee?" They should understand your request and confirm the order is made correctly.

Comparison of Caffeine-Free Frappe Options


Feature	Vanilla Bean Crème	Strawberry Crème	Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème	Homemade Recipe
Availability	Widely available at Starbucks and many other coffee shops.	Widely available at Starbucks.	Widely available at Starbucks.	Complete customization at home.
Flavor Profile	Sweet, creamy, classic vanilla.	Sweet, fruity, and refreshing strawberry.	Rich caramel with a crunchy texture.	Fully customizable to your preferences.
Base Ingredients	Milk, vanilla bean powder, ice, whipped cream.	Milk, strawberry puree, ice, whipped cream.	Milk, caramel sauce, ice, whipped cream, cookie crumbs.	Milk, ice, sweetener, flavorings of choice.
Potential Trace Caffeine	Minimal to none.	None.	Minimal, from the cookie crumble.	Varies depending on chocolate or other additives.
Cost	Standard menu price at cafés.	Standard menu price at cafés.	Standard menu price at cafés.	Much lower cost per serving.

Conclusion: Your Guide to Caffeine-Free Enjoyment

Whether you're visiting a coffee shop or blending up a treat in your own kitchen, a world of delicious, caffeine-free frappes awaits. By understanding the distinction between coffee-based and crème-based beverages, and knowing how to communicate your order clearly, you can enjoy all the creamy, blended goodness without the jitters. From classic vanilla to fruity concoctions and homemade creations, finding a frappe with no caffeine is both simple and delicious. For a complete list of their crème-based offerings, consult the official Starbucks menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all frappes contain coffee. Many coffee shops, including Starbucks, offer "crème" or "cream-based" frappes that are made without coffee or espresso, using a milk or juice base instead.

The main difference is the base. A coffee frappe uses coffee or espresso as its base, while a crème frappe is made with a non-coffee base, typically milk or a juice.

Yes, for many frappes, you can request a "crème-based" version to have it made without coffee. This is a common customization at most coffee shops.

Frappes made with chocolate, like the Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino, do contain a small amount of caffeine from the chocolate itself, but they are coffee-free.

No, the Starbucks Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino is completely free of coffee and caffeine.

Yes, crème-based frappes like the Vanilla Bean or Strawberry Crème are excellent caffeine-free options that are popular with children.

While most of McDonald's frappes are coffee-based, you can often request a custom version made without coffee. For a similar treat, consider a shake, which is always caffeine-free.