When it comes to coffee drinks, there are a lot of different variations out there.
But two of the most popular coffee drinks are frappes and lattes.
So, what’s the difference between these two drinks?
For starters, frappes is an iced drink made with instant coffee, while lattes are made with steamed milk.
Frappes tend to be sweeter and have a milkshake-like consistency, while lattes are smoother and have a more robust coffee flavor.
In this article, we will go deeper into the differences between frappe vs latte so you can decide which drink is right for you. But first, let’s look closely at both of them individually.
What is a Frappe?
There are a lot of different kinds of iced coffee drinks, and one of the most popular is Frappes.
A frappe is a type of iced coffee drink made with instant coffee, milk, and sugar together.
Frappes are commonly served cold and are often topped with additional whipped cream or chocolate syrup.
Frappes can be made with different types of coffee, including decafs like Nescafe coffee or espresso.
Various flavorings can also be added to frappes, such as vanilla, hazelnut, and caramel frappe.
But some stay with the classic Greek Frappe.
Consequently, there are many different ways to make a frappe, and the possibilities are endless.
“Frappe” is derived from the French word for “milkshake.” This beverage initially comes from Greece, where it’s called “frappé.”
The frappe became popular in the United States in the early 2000s.
What is a Latte?
A latte can be a hot coffee drink or an iced latte made with steamed milk and espresso. There are many variations of lattes, but the most common include iced latte and mocha latte.
Lattes can be made with different types of milk, including soy milk, almond milk, and regular milk.
To make a latte, the steamed milk is combined with the espresso and then poured into a cup.
“Latte” is derived from the Italian word “caffé latte.” Caffé latte means “milk coffee.” In Italy, caffè lattes are usually served in a small glass with a handle.
Lattes became popular in the United States in the 1990s.
So, now that we know what frappes and lattes are, let’s compare them side-by-side.
Difference between Frappe and Latte shown visually
| CHARACTERISTICS | FRAPPE | LATTE |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Blended | Brewed |
| Ingredients | Instant coffee, Milk and Sugar | Espresso and Steamed milk |
| Temperature | Cold | Cold/Hot |
| Texture and taste | Sweeter and milkshake-like taste | More intense and robust but has a smoother texture |
| Toppings | Can have any toppings you prefer. | Can have any toppings you prefer. |
| Decoration | Whipped cream | Latte art |
| Caffeine level | Lower | Stronger |
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
Preparation
Frappe and Lattes are prepared in a completely different way. Frappe is prepared by simply mixing all the ingredients with crushed and blended ice, putting it into a cup, and adding whipped cream on top and flavored syrup if you like.
While latte is prepared by brewing strong espresso coffee, mixing it with steamed milk, and adding milk foam on top.
Ingredients
The main difference in ingredients is that the latte is made of ⅓ espresso and ⅔ steamed milk, while the frappe contains 1-2 tbsp instant coffee in 354 – 473 mL of water (12 – 16 ounces), 1 cup of milk, and 1-2 tbsp sugar equal to the amount of coffee.
Moreover, whipped cream is often added to frappe, and different flavorings such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut can be added to both drinks.
Taste
As a result of using different ingredients, these two drinks have completely different tastes. Latte has a stronger coffee taste because of the espresso shots used in its preparation.
On the other hand, frappe has a sweeter taste because of the sugar used in its preparation and instant coffee.
Texture
Another difference between these two iced coffees is texture. Due to mixing all the ingredients in frappe, it has more of a milkshake consistency.
On the other hand, the latte has a smoother and creamier texture because of steamed milk combined with espresso coffee.
Toppings
Both drinks can be topped with cream, chocolate syrup, or any other topping.
But frappe is more often served with whipped cream on top.
Decoration
When it comes to decoration, frappes are usually more basic than lattes.
This is because frappes can be made with a variety of ingredients, so they do not need to be adorned with syrups or other decorations.
On the other hand, latte art is frequently used to decorate lattes due to its popularity.
Caffeine Level
The caffeine level is also different in these drinks. Lattes generally have less caffeine because of the milk that is used to make them.
However, this does not mean that all lattes have less caffeine.
If you order a double shot latte, it will probably have more caffeine than a regular frappe.
A single espresso shot in a latte typically contains 63-133 mg of caffeine per ounce, while a double shot in a latte typically contains 126-266 mg of caffeine per ounce.
When it comes to the frappe, the caffeine level will depend on how much coffee is used in the recipe and the size of the cup. But usually, it ranges from 90 mg – 255 mg.
So, if you are looking for a coffee drink with a lot of caffeine, a frappe is probably your best bet.
Price
The price of these drinks can vary depending on the coffee shop you purchase them from.
In general, lattes tend to be more expensive than frappes because they are made with espresso shots, which can be costly.
However, if you make either drink at home, the cost will be about the same.
Frappe vs Latte: Which is stronger?
Usually, lattes contain a lot more caffeine than frappes, especially the ones made with a double shot of espresso.
However, it also depends on how each drink is prepared.
When it comes to taste, lattes generally have a stronger coffee flavor because of the espresso beans.
Frappes tend to be sweeter because of the sugar and instant coffee used in their preparation.
So if you like a strong coffee taste, then a latte is probably your best bet.
If you prefer a sweeter iced coffee, a frappe might be more up your alley.
And if you are looking for a caffeine boost, then a double shot latte can give you the energy you need.
Our Final Verdict: Frappe vs Latte
Frappe and latte are two coffee-based beverages. The winner of this Frappe vs. Latte battle is whichever best suits you.
A Frappe is generally more sugary and has less coffee flavor. An iced latte is smoother and has more coffee kick to it.
If you want something sweet and creamy, then a Frappe is probably your best bet (It’s a great drink for non-coffee drinkers!).
However, if you’re looking for something with a stronger coffee flavor, then an iced latte is your drink.
So try out both drinks and see which one you like better!
FAQs
Is Latte a Coffee?
Yes, a latte is a coffee drink that’s made with espresso (which is made with finely ground coffee beans) and steamed milk. The milk is usually foamed in order to create a rich and creamy texture.
While a latte contains coffee, it’s important to note that the drink is not simply espresso with milk. A latte is made using a specific ratio of coffee to milk which is usually ⅓ espresso and ⅔ steamed milk.
Is Frappe a Coffee?
Yes, a frappe is a coffee. But, it’s also much more than that. Frappe is a creamy and delicious coffee beverage made with espresso, milk, and ice.
It’s a perfect summer drink on those hot days when you need something refreshing and satisfying. It’s more like a dessert than a simple cup of coffee.
Are iced lattes and iced coffees the same thing?
No, iced lattes and iced coffees are not the same things. An iced latte is made with espresso and steamed milk, while iced coffee is just a coffee brew with ice added.
Some people might like to add milk or cream to their iced coffee, while others might like it black.
Are frappe and Frappuccino the same thing?
Yes, in the United States, a frappe and Frappuccino are essentially the same things. Both drinks are made with coffee, milk, and ice, and they’re usually topped with whipped cream.
