Frappuccino vs. Latte: Know the Difference
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By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A Frappuccino is a cold, blended coffee drink with various flavors and sweeteners, while a latte is a hot drink made with espresso and steamed milk.
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Key Differences
Frappuccino is a trademarked blend of coffee with a frappe base, often combined with other ingredients like milk, sugar, and flavored syrups, and served cold, often with whipped cream. Latte, on the other hand, is a classic espresso-based drink, combining strong espresso with steamed milk, typically served hot and with a light layer of foam.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
In the making of a Frappuccino, the focus is on a creamy texture and sweet flavors, often enhanced with ice and blended to a smooth consistency. Contrastingly, a Latte emphasizes the balance between the bitterness of espresso and the creaminess of milk, with a focus on the quality of the espresso shot and the texture of the steamed milk.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
The variety of Frappuccinos can include non-coffee versions, incorporating ingredients like fruits and syrups, making them more dessert-like. In contrast, Lattes remain coffee-centric, with variations typically involving different types of milk or added flavors like vanilla or caramel.
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Nov 19, 2023
Frappuccino is often seen as a more casual, indulgent drink, popular among those who prefer sweeter, iced beverages. Latte, being a staple in traditional coffee culture, is preferred by those who appreciate the distinct taste of espresso, often enjoyed in a more relaxed, sit-down environment.
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Nov 19, 2023
The presentation of a Frappuccino can be quite elaborate, with toppings such as whipped cream, syrup, and sprinkles. A Latte, however, is usually presented more simply, sometimes with latte art created in the foam on the top of the drink.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Word Origin
Blend of "frappe" and "cappuccino"
Italian, short for "caffè latte"
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Nov 19, 2023
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Frappuccino and Latte Definitions
Frappuccino
A coffee or crème based drink served cold with various toppings.
He opted for a chocolate chip Frappuccino as an afternoon treat.
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Nov 17, 2023
Latte
A base for flavored coffee drinks, like vanilla or caramel latte.
She ordered a hazelnut latte for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
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Nov 17, 2023
Frappuccino
A customizable coffee drink with a variety of syrups and add-ins.
I tried a mocha Frappuccino with extra whipped cream today.
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Latte
A hot coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk.
She starts her morning with a freshly brewed latte.
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Frappuccino
A blended iced coffee drink with added flavors.
I ordered a caramel Frappuccino to cool off in the summer heat.
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Nov 17, 2023
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Latte
An Italian beverage, traditionally served in a tall glass.
He savored the rich flavor of his latte at the quaint café.
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Nov 17, 2023
Frappuccino
A modern, popular coffee shop beverage, often seen as a dessert.
They shared a vanilla bean Frappuccino on their first date.
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Nov 17, 2023
Latte
A creamy coffee option, often topped with a small amount of foam.
I love to draw designs in the foam of my latte.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Frappuccino
A trademarked beverage from Starbucks, often sweet and creamy.
She loves the new pumpkin spice Frappuccino every fall.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Latte
A popular choice among espresso aficionados for its balanced flavor.
His favorite part of the day is enjoying a latte with the newspaper.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Latte
A drink of coffee made from espresso and steamed milk, generally topped with foam.
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Oct 19, 2023
Latte
A similar drink, where the espresso is replaced with some other flavoring ingredient such as chai, maté or matcha (green tea).
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Latte
Same as cafe latte; a type of espresso coffee served with foamy steamed milk, and usually served in a tall glass or mug.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How is a latte different from regular coffee?
A latte combines espresso with more steamed milk and less foam than regular coffee.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Are Frappuccinos served hot or cold?
Frappuccinos are typically served cold.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is latte stronger than regular coffee?
Yes, a latte typically has a stronger coffee flavor due to the espresso.
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Do all Frappuccinos have caffeine?
No, some Frappuccinos are caffeine-free, especially the crème-based ones.
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Can Frappuccinos be made without coffee?
Yes, Frappuccinos can be coffee-based or crème-based without coffee.
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What's the best way to sweeten a latte?
Lattes can be sweetened with sugar, syrups, or flavored shots.
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What is a Frappuccino?
A blended, often sweetened iced coffee drink, trademarked by Starbucks.
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What makes a Frappuccino thick?
The thickness comes from ice and sometimes a frappe base or xanthan gum.
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Is a Frappuccino considered a dessert?
Many consider Frappuccinos a dessert due to their sweet, indulgent nature.
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Can Frappuccinos be made dairy-free?
Yes, many Frappuccinos can be made with non-dairy milk and without whipped cream.
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Can you make a latte with non-dairy milk?
Yes, lattes can be made with various non-dairy milk alternatives.
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What's the ratio of espresso to milk in a latte?
A typical latte has about one-third espresso to two-thirds steamed milk.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Can Frappuccinos be customized?
Yes, Frappuccinos are highly customizable with various flavors, toppings, and milk options.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Is a latte a good choice for someone new to coffee?
Yes, its mild flavor and creaminess make it a good introduction to espresso-based drinks.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Is it common to add flavors to a latte?
Yes, lattes are often flavored with syrups like vanilla or caramel.
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Do lattes always have foam on top?
While traditional lattes have a small layer of foam, some variations may have more or less.
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Are Frappuccinos high in calories?
Many Frappuccinos are high in calories, especially with added toppings and syrups.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
What's the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?
A cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, whereas a latte has more steamed milk and less foam.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Are Frappuccinos suitable for children?
Caffeine-free versions can be suitable, but it's advisable to consider the high sugar content.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
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Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.