When it comes to coffee drinks, few options are as popular and different as the Frappuccino, latte, and macchiato. Each one provides a unique mix of flavor, texture, and aroma, perfect for various moods and preferences.
All three flavors have a loyal following because of their unique taste and aroma. I will discuss the differences between these flavors and try to identify the one your taste buds would enjoy most.
Frappuccino: A coffee/espresso blended with ice and milk, created by Starbucks for its customers.
Latte: An espresso drink with a high volume of steamed and foamed milk.
Macchiato: An espresso-dominated flavor with a splash of steamed milk on top.
Now let’s dive into the exact differences.
Also, check the difference among Flat white vs macchiato vs cortado.
Frappuccino vs Latte vs Macchiato: What are the differences?
The first important difference to remember is that a Frappuccino is made cold by Starbucks, whereas a latte and a Macchiato are two traditionally hot drinks.
However, you can add ice cubes to change them into cold drinks.
Difference in ingredients
Yes, all three serve with different ingredients that lead to different tastes and textures.
- Frappuccino ingredients
A highly customizable drink with various ingredients, making it sweet and creamy. Preferably brew with espresso shots, or add brewed coffee.
Also, it requires two cups of cold milk. One or two tablespoons of Caramel or chocolate syrup are also needed.
For topping, pick some whipped cream.
- Latte ingredients
Like a Frappuccino, a latte also adds high milk and espresso. However, a latte is typically less sweet and flavored.
A latte contains one espresso shot and double the volume of milk. You can also add any syrups to it.
- Macchiato ingredients
Unlike a Frappuccino and latte, the Macchiato only adds a splash of milk. An espresso-dominated drink, a Macchiato adds two espresso shots.
Macchiato vs Cappuccino vs Breve: Check differences
Difference in brewing method
A Frappuccino is a Starbucks trademark drink you can brew at home. Latte and macchiato are easier flavors to make.
- Frappuccino brewing process
Here’s a simple way to make a homemade Frappuccino with a few ingredients.
- First, brew a strong espresso shot and let it cool down.
- Pick a blender, add cold espresso to it.
- Also, add cold milk, caramel syrup, and ice cubes.
- Now blend until it gets smooth and creamy.
- Pour into the glass.
- Top it with whipped cream,
A glass of cold, refreshing Frappuccino is ready to enjoy.
- Latte brewing process
Latte has a creamy and sweet flavor with some robustness of espresso.
- Make one or two shots of espresso.
- Put espresso into the glass.
- Pick 2/3 glass of whole milk and steam it.
- Now pour steamed milk into the glass of espresso.
- Add a small layer of foam on top.
- Optionally, add some syrup on top.
A glass of latte is ready.
- Macchiato brewing process
- First, make two shots of a strong espresso drink.
- Pour only two tablespoons of steamed milk on top.
A cup of Macchiato is ready to enjoy.
Also, check the difference between Frappuccino vs cappuccino.
Frappuccino vs latte vs macchiato: Serving size
Macchiato has the smallest serving of all three flavors.
A Frappuccino is usually served in a large glass, and a latte also comes in a big glass.
- Frappuccino serving size
Frappuccino is usually offered in three sizes: the tall 12 oz., the grande 16 oz., and the venti 24 oz.
However, you can also make it at home to your preferred size.
- Latte serving size
The standard serving size of a traditional latte is 8 to 12 ounces (240 to 320 ml).
However, coffee shops may serve a latte in a larger glass, as well.
- Macchiato serving size
This drink is usually served in a 2 to 3-ounce (50 to 90 ml) cup size.
Which flavor tastes better?
These flavors are delicious, scrumptious, and mouthwatering. Frappuccino is a sweet, cold flavor; a latte and a macchiato are usually hot, less sweet coffee drinks.
- Frappuccino taste and texture
It tastes like a sweet, creamy, cold, and flavorful drink. A Frappuccino is more of a sugary, cold dessert than a traditional coffee.
It looks quite similar to a milkshake or ice cream dessert.
- Latte taste and texture
A latte is a popular coffee flavor, due to its high milk content. It tastes creamy, sweet, and smooth.
The combination of milk and espresso adds a delightful creamy texture. I enjoy latte’s taste and texture since I’ve been brewing for years.
- Macchiato taste and texture
If you enjoy a strong taste of espresso with a slight amount of milk, Macchiato is the better choice.
It tastes bitter and robust and slightly creamy.
Frappuccino vs latte vs macchiato: How many calories are in each flavor?
These coffee flavors differ in calorie content. A macchiato contains fewer calories compared to a latte and a Frappuccino.
| Drink | Caffeine (mg) | Calories (approx.) | Notes |
| Frappuccino (Coffee) | 95 mg | 230–400 | Sweet, blended with ice, milk, sugar, and often topped with whipped cream |
| Latte (Whole milk) | 63 mg | 180-220 | Espresso + steamed milk, smooth and creamy |
| Macchiato (Espresso-based) | 126 mg | 10-15 | Espresso with a small amount of milk foam; less milk, bolder taste |
- Latte Calories
The calorie content varies due to the size of a glass. However, a glass of 12 ounces consists of 180 to 220 calories, depending on the type of milk.
- Frappuccino Calories
It depends on the type of milk and other ingredients added. If you brew a 12-oz glass of Frappuccino, it contains around 350 to 400 calories.
- Macchiato Calories
A macchiato consists of 10 to 15 calories per 3-ounce.
Frappuccino vs latte vs macchiato: What is the most caffeine-rich drink?
More espresso means more caffeine in any flavor.
- Frappuccino Caffeine
If you brew it with a single shot of brewed coffee, it contains more caffeine than one shot of espresso.
So the caffeine content varies from 60 to 100 mg of caffeine.
- Macchiato Caffeine
If it brews with two shots of espresso, it contains 126 mg of caffeine.
- Latte caffeine
It depends on whether it brews single or double shots of espresso. If it is made with one shot of espresso, it contains 63 mg of caffeine.
Can we customize Frappuccino, latte, and macchiato?
These flavors are highly flexible and can be customized. It depends if you like to add more ingredients, you can add any of these flavors.
However, Frappuccino, due to its nature, can be highly customized. You can choose different flavors like caramel syrup, chocolate sauce, and ice cream.
In contrast, Latte can be moderately customizable. You can add sugar and other flavors. However, a traditional latte always has fewer ingredients.
A Macchiato is typically made with a few ingredients, and you can make slight changes to it.
Final thought: Which drink to prefer?
It depends on individual preference.
Frappuccino, you can pick as a dessert treat and refreshment only once or twice a month, since it contains sugar, cream, and caramel syrup.
On the other hand, latte is a much smoother coffee flavor, with more milk. A cup of latte is enough for the day.
When it comes to robust flavor with fewer calories but more caffeine, a Macchiato is a better option if you ask me to pick.