Frappuccino vs. Latte: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 17, 2023
Frappuccino is a blended, iced coffee drink with flavors and toppings, while a latte is espresso with steamed milk and light foam.
Key Differences
Frappuccino, typically associated with the Starbucks brand, is a blended ice drink, often mixed with various flavors, sweet syrups, and creams, making it a flavorful, indulgent beverage. In contrast, a latte focuses on the pure, rich taste of espresso softened with steamed milk, creating a creamy but strong coffee experience.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Frappuccinos cater to a love for variety, often coming in an array of flavors and sometimes even seasonal specials, involving whimsical ingredients and toppings. Conversely, lattes adhere to simplicity and tradition, primarily involving just espresso and milk, though flavored syrups can sometimes be added.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Frappuccinos are known for their cold, thick, and smoothie-like consistency, being more akin to desserts than traditional coffee beverages. Lattes maintain the warmth and aromatic attributes of classic coffee, providing warmth and comfort, typically known for a soothing effect.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Frappuccinos, with their blended ice base, are particularly popular in the summer months, providing a cool escape from the heat. On the other hand, lattes, with their warm and steamed milk, are a go-to during colder months, though they can be enjoyed year-round.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
Frappuccinos often contain high levels of sugar and calories due to the added syrups and whipped cream, making them a less healthy option compared to their coffee counterparts. Lattes, while they may have added sugars if flavored, generally remain a simpler, more coffee-forward option, especially if one opts for low-fat or alternative milks.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Health
Typically higher in calories and sugar
Generally simpler, can be healthier
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
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Frappuccino and Latte Definitions
Frappuccino
Frappuccino can refer to a style of cold coffee drink that combines ice cream, coffee, and other flavorings.
She created her homemade frappuccino with vanilla ice cream and a shot of strong espresso.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
Latte
Latte is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk.
Every morning begins with a piping hot latte for me.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
Frappuccino
Frappuccino is often a term used for frozen, blended coffee or crème beverages served cold.
On hot days, nothing is as refreshing as a mocha frappuccino.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Latte
Latte can sometimes refer to a variant that uses a flavored syrup, like vanilla latte or caramel latte.
He ordered a hazelnut latte with an extra shot of espresso.
Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Frappuccino
Frappuccino is a trademarked brand of the Starbucks Corporation for a line of iced, blended coffee drinks.
He ordered a caramel frappuccino with extra whipped cream.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
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Latte
Latte art is a method of preparing coffee by pouring steamed milk into a shot of espresso, creating a pattern or design on the surface.
The barista crafted a beautiful heart with the latte art.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
Frappuccino
Frappuccino is sometimes a coffee or crème base blended with ice and other various ingredients, served with whipped cream.
The new pumpkin spice frappuccino quickly became a fall favorite.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
Latte
Latte, short for “caffè latte,” is Italian for “milk coffee.”
On her trip to Italy, she enjoyed a traditional latte every day.
Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
Frappuccino
Frappuccino, in casual use, can refer to any thick, frozen, blended coffee drink.
Despite the cold weather, he couldn't resist the frappuccino's allure.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Latte
Latte is often served in a larger portion than other coffee drinks, due to the milk content.
She switched from cappuccinos to lattes for the larger size.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Latte
A drink of coffee made from espresso and steamed milk, generally topped with foam.
Sumera Saeed
Sep 03, 2017
Latte
A similar drink, where the espresso is replaced with some other flavoring ingredient such as chai, maté or matcha (green tea).
Sumera Saeed
Sep 03, 2017
Latte
Same as cafe latte; a type of espresso coffee served with foamy steamed milk, and usually served in a tall glass or mug.
Sumera Saeed
Sep 03, 2017
FAQs
Are frappuccinos and lattes similar?
No, frappuccinos are cold, thick, and sweet, while lattes are hot and have a strong coffee presence.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Is there coffee in all types of frappuccinos?
No, frappuccinos can be coffee-based or crème-based, the latter containing no coffee.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Do lattes always contain caffeine?
Generally, yes, unless decaffeinated espresso is used.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
How many flavors of frappuccinos are there?
There's a wide variety, with seasonal and regional variations expanding options.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
Do all frappuccinos have a lot of calories?
They tend to be higher in calories, but choosing low-fat options or omitting whipped cream can reduce them.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
Are frappuccinos only available at Starbucks?
While "Frappuccino" is a Starbucks trademark, many coffee shops have similar blended drinks.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
Is latte art difficult to create?
It requires practice and control of milk frothing and pouring techniques.
Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Can I get a dairy-free latte?
Yes, most places offer plant-based milk alternatives.
Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Can frappuccinos be served hot?
No, frappuccinos are specifically cold, blended ice drinks.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Can I make a frappuccino at home?
Yes, with a blender, ice, coffee, and your choice of flavors and milk.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
What's a popular frappuccino flavor?
Caramel and mocha are enduring favorites.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Are there non-coffee frappuccinos?
Yes, crème frappuccinos don't contain coffee.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
What's the main component of a latte?
The main components are espresso and steamed milk.
Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
Are frappuccinos suitable for a diet?
Generally, they're indulgent; however, lighter options are sometimes available.
Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Can lattes be iced?
Yes, iced lattes are simply espresso with cold milk, served over ice.
Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
Can I adjust the sweetness of a latte?
Yes, by regulating the syrup amount or opting for a sugar substitute.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Does a latte have more caffeine than regular coffee?
It depends on the number of espresso shots; usually, it's similar or slightly lower.
Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Is "frappuccino" a universal term?
It's widely recognized due to Starbucks' global presence, but it's specific to the brand.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
What's the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?
A latte has more steamed milk and less foam than a cappuccino.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
What kind of milk is used in a latte?
Typically whole or semi-skimmed, but alternatives like soy, almond, or oat are available.
Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
