Frappe vs Cappuccino: What are the basic differences?

frappe vs cappuccino

It is interesting to compare and discuss frappe vs cappuccino, two different drinks served at different temperatures: one cold and the other hot. Similarly, one uses espresso as the base, while the other uses instant or brewed coffee.

  • Frappe

A cold flavor is made with instant or brewed coffee, milk, and ice cubes.

  • Cappuccino

A traditional flavor is made with espresso, steamed milk, and foam.

If you’re seeking richer, creamier, and more flavorful options for your next coffee, here are two delicious flavors with some stark differences.

Let’s dive into the details.

Frappe vs Cappuccino: What are the differences?

These flavors vary in ingredients, brewing method, and taste. Additionally, they differ in caffeine and calorie content.

Cold vs hot drinks

This comparison is also based on one flavor being cold and the other hot.

Frappe is typically a cold beverage made with instant coffee, milk, and iced cubes, while Cappuccino is a hot drink that includes an espresso shot and milk.

frappe vs cappuccino: infographic comparison

What is the difference in ingredients?

Yes, when it comes to ingredients, those are two dissimilar flavors.

  • Cappuccino

Like many flavors, cappuccino uses espresso as its base drink. It also includes steamed milk and a thin layer of milk foam on top.

You can also add other flavors and sugar.

  • Frappe

Unlike cappuccino, it is brewed with instant coffee, milk, and ice cubes. Also, you can add sugar to make it sweeter.

Frappe vs Cappuccino: How to brew?

They differ in the brewing process.

  • Frappe brewing process

The blending process in Frappe is unique and rare in coffee flavors.

Put two tablespoons of instant coffee and milk in a blender, then blend thoroughly. It will create thick creamy foam.

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, and then gently add the foamy coffee mixture to it.

You can use a straw to enjoy your Frappe.

  • Cappuccino brewing process

Unlike Frappe, a cappuccino is prepared using a more traditional coffee-making method.

First, an espresso shot is prepared using an espresso machine.

Pour milk into the frother to get steamed milk and try to create velvety foam on top.

Now, slowly add steamed milk to the espresso cup, and let the milk mix with the espresso. Add thick foam on top to get a creamy texture.

frapee glass

Cappuccino is different in the brewing process and also in appearance from frappe.

Which flavor tastes better?

Espresso has a much more robust coffee flavor compared to Frappe. The main difference is in the type of coffee used.

Cappuccino adds an espresso shot compared to Frappe, which uses instant coffee. As we know, espresso delivers the strongest and most intense coffee flavor. Brewed coffee is lighter and less bitter.

  • Cappuccino Taste

Cappuccino, with espresso and milk, offers a smoother, slightly bold, and sweeter flavor.

Espresso has a strong, bitter flavor, and steamed milk softens it, making it milder and creamier.

Additionally, Cappuccino has a creamy, foamy texture.

  • Frappe taste

It has a light, refreshing, and slightly bitter taste with a frothy texture. Instant coffee is slightly less intense than espresso, so it gives a smoother and less bitter taste.

Frappe has a cold, foamy, and slushy texture.

Flat white vs latte vs Cappuccino: Amazing comparison

What is the difference in serving size?

Frappe is always served in a larger glass compared to a cappuccino, which is served in a cup.

A cappuccino is served in a 6-oz cup (180ml).

A frappe has the serving size in an 8 to 12-oz cup (280 to 360ml)

Frappe vs Cappuccino: Which flavor has more calories?

Mostly, calories come from the milk and added flavors, so if you add sugar and milk to your coffee, it will have more calories.

  • Cappuccino calories

A 6-oz cup of cappuccino contains around 60 to 120 calories, depending on the type of milk and added sugar or other flavors.

  • Frappe calories

A frappe consists of around 60 to 100 calories, depending on different factors. However, if you add whipped cream or flavored syrups, the calorie count will increase.

DrinkWithout SugarWith Sugar/Flavors
Frappe50–100 calories200+ calories (with cream & syrups)
Cappuccino60–80 calories120+ calories (with sugar or chocolate topping)

Which flavor has more caffeine?

Again, it depends on the type of coffee you add to a particular flavor.

Cappuccino contains slightly less caffeine per serving than Frappe. Since a single cup of instant or brewed coffee consists of more caffeine than an espresso shot.

Cappuccino cup
  • Frappe caffeine

Brewed or instant coffee consists of 90 to 100 mg of caffeine.

  • Cappuccino caffeine

A cappuccino with a single shot of espresso has around 60 to 70 mg of caffeine.

Serving SizeFrappe (Instant Coffee Based)Cappuccino (Espresso Based)
Small (150 ml / 5 oz)60 mg caffeine120 mg caffeine
Medium (250 ml / 8 oz)80–100 mg caffeine150 mg caffeine (double shot)
Large (350 ml / 12 oz)120–150 mg caffeine (depends on instant coffee strength)180–200 mg caffeine (double or triple shot)

What is the origin of Frappe and Cappuccino?

Italy is known for its great coffee flavors. Espresso, the base for many flavors, also originated in Italy.

Cappuccino originated in Italy when espresso was combined with milk to make it smoother and creamier.

Frappe was first created in Greece around 1960. So, both of these flavors originated in Europe.

Espresso vs Americano vs Cappuccino vs Latte: Comparison

Cappuccino vs frappe: Which flavor is better to enjoy?

Frappe is cold, refreshing, and can be enjoyed as a dessert. Whereas Cappuccino has an amazing and strong taste.

Cappuccino is an all-season flavor that you can enjoy throughout the year, whereas frappe is a cold drink usually preferred in summer.

Now you can pick one of these flavors.