These two drinks, Macchiato vs Frappuccino, differ completely in every way. A coffee enthusiast might find it interesting to understand the differences between the two flavors.
These flavors differ completely in ingredients, brewing process, taste, and calorie count.
- Macchiato
A macchiato is an espresso-based drink with a slight volume of milk.
- Frappuccino
A Frappuccino is Starbucks’ trademark drink, made with coffee, milk, ice, whipped cream, and flavored syrups.
Let’s discuss in detail.
Macchiato vs Frappuccino: What are the differences?
One drink is a traditional espresso with a splash of milk, while Starbucks baristas create the other for their customers.
Which flavor includes fewer Ingredients
The first obvious difference is the ingredients. That results in different brewing methods, flavors, and calorie counts.
A Frappuccino is a flavorful drink made with many ingredients, whereas a Macchiato contains fewer ingredients.
- Macchiato ingredients
A macchiato consists of one espresso shot and a small amount of milk. It usually doesn’t come with added flavors or sugar.
One cup of macchiato is made with espresso and milk, with the ratio of 3:1.
- Frappuccino ingredients
It is quite different from a Macchiato in terms of ingredients.
A Frappuccino consists of coffee, milk, ice, flavored syrup, and whipped cream.
Difference in Preparation Method?
A Frappuccino significantly differs in the brewing process from a macchiato.
- Frappuccino brewing process
Starbucks is preparing a Frappuccino for its customers, but you can make one at home.
Make a single cup of strong-brewed coffee and let it cool down for a few minutes.
Add one cup of whole milk, two tablespoons of any flavored syrup or sugar, and ice cubes to the blender. Also, pour brewed coffee into the blender.
Blend well until you get a smooth and frothy mixture.
Pour the mixture into the large glass and whip cream on top. Additionally, you can drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce on top.
- Macchiato brewing process
A macchiato is an espresso drink with a slight amount of milk.
First, brew a single shot of espresso. Add a small amount of steamed milk on top. A cup of macchiato is ready to enjoy.
Macchiato vs Cappuccino vs Breve: in-depth comparison
Macchiato vs Frappuccino: Which flavor tastes better?
It depends on what type of flavor you prefer. If you love highly sweetened and flavored drinks, a Frappuccino should be your first choice.
However, if you want a strong, pungent drink with slight creaminess, a macchiato should be a priority.
A Frappuccino is a sweet, creamy flavor. The most noticeable is the sweetness with flavored syrups like caramel or chocolate.
Macchiato tastes strong and bitter with a hint of creaminess.
Why does a Frappuccino serve in a larger glass than a Macchiato?
Starbucks Frappuccino is a highly flavored drink that adds many flavors and a high volume of milk. Whereas a Macchiato consists of a small cup of espresso with a smaller amount of milk.
- Frappuccino serving size
You can brew a standard Frappuccino in a 12-oz Cup. However, it can be made in a small size of 8-oz.
At Starbucks, you can choose from a Frappuccino in three sizes.
Tall 12-oz
Grande 16-oz
Venti 20-oz
- Macchiato serving size
A macchiato is a quick, strong espresso-based drink always served in a smaller cup. A macchiato is a much smaller beverage than a Frappuccino.
A single cup of espresso and a splash of milk, a Macchiato is served in a 2 or 3-oz cup.
However, if you like double-shot espresso with slightly more steamed milk, the cup size may be increased to 5 or 6oz.
Why does a Frappuccino contain more calories than a Macchiato?
A Frappuccino is a dessert-like sweet drink that is made with a few flavored syrups. It contains more calories than a macchiato.
A macchiato contains an espresso shot, which has no sugar, and a small amount of milk adds a few calories.
A Macchiato cup (without sugar) consists of 40 to 50 calories.
A Frappuccino cup contains approximately 200 to 500 calories, depending on the flavors added.
| Feature | Macchiato | Frappuccino |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | Espresso Macchiato: 2–3 oz (60–90 ml) Latte Macchiato: 6–12 oz (180–350 ml) | Tall: 12 oz (355 ml) Grande: 16 oz (473 ml) Venti: 24 oz (710 ml) |
| Calories | 10–25 (espresso macchiato, no sugar) 60–120 (latte macchiato, with milk) | 200–300 (Tall) 300–450 (Grande) 400–600+ (Venti, with cream/syrups) |
| Caffeine Content | 63 mg per espresso shot, 126 mg for a double shot | 65–100 mg (coffee-based, depending on size/flavor) 0–15 mg (crème-based, no coffee) |
Frappuccino vs latte vs macchiato: Differences explained
Which flavor contains more Caffeine?
The caffeine content of a Frappuccino depends on whether it’s made with brewed coffee or espresso. A cup of brewed coffee has more caffeine than an espresso shot.
A Frappuccino with one shot of brewed coffee contains 90 to 100 mg of caffeine.
Whereas a Macchiato with a single shot of espresso has 60 to 70 mg of caffeine.
Macchiato vs frappuccino: Which drink is healthier?
If you look for a healthier drink, a Macchiato should be the flavor to pick. It contains very few calories and less caffeine.
However, a Frappuccino is not recommended if you’re aiming for a healthy coffee. It typically contains various flavored syrups, sugar, and whipped cream, which are high in calories and fats.
Final thoughts: Which drink is better to brew at home?
You can make both of these flavors at home. However, a Macchiato requires fewer ingredients to prepare than a Frappuccino.
Also, if you want a bold espresso shot with a touch of milk, a macchiato is your best choice.
On the other hand, A Frappuccino is for sweet drink lovers.
Also, check the difference between frappe and mocha.