As a coffee lover, there are so many different types of coffees to satisfy your cravings. While this is perfect, trying to make sense of the different types of coffees that exist can leave you confused at times.
You might start wondering if any true marked difference exists between the coffees that exist.
For instance, you might tend to worry if any difference exists between Cappuccino vs. Frappuccino. Since they sound alike and are almost spelled alike, they definitely have their differences.
So that you do not get both coffees mixed up when next you want to order a coffee, we’ve highlighted in detail what difference exists between these two amazing types of coffees and other coffee types.
Difference Between Frappuccino And Cappuccino
Take some time to understand their main differences so that you don’t fool yourself ever!
- Frappuccino is a Starbucks trademark; Cappuccino is an Italian expresso drink.
You should know that Frappuccino isn’t a commodity you can find anywhere. The reason is that it is a name trademarked by Starbucks.
It is trademarked by Starbucks because it describes a coffee that is made with special ingredients combination.
History has it that Starbucks inherited the Frappuccino along with its ingredient from the smaller chain of coffee shops that made this drink.
Having bought the coffee shops, Starbucks trademarked it and no other coffee shop, except a Starbucks franchise, can make it.
Hence, the only place where you can get a good and delicious Frappuccino is at Starbucks.
If you get to a coffee shop that’s not a Starbucks franchise and you happen to see Frappuccino on their menu, here’s a tip for you; it’s totally a spin-off.
It won’t taste anything like the Starbucks Frappuccino, even though it comes close.
A Cappuccino is an Italian coffee-based drink. It is formed from a blend of espresso, milk foam, and steamed milk.
The required ingredients for a cappuccino are measured equally with the milk foam about 2cm thick on the surface of the drink.
Hold up! Milky and foamy does sound like the perfect latte description. But there are quite a few Cappuccino vs. Latte similarities and differences. But that’s a story for another day.
- The Temperature Makes The Difference
Another distinguishing difference between a Cappuccino and a Frappuccino is the temperature.
When you think of a Cappuccino, always picture it as a hot drink. The hotness of this drink is all thanks to the hot espresso used in making it.
Of course, the hot espresso isn’t the only ingredient that makes up the cappuccino drink. Baristas add milk and milk foam to the drink to balance out the taste.
Let’s not forget the unique and various latte art that goes on the cappuccino as part of the finishing touch.
In addition to all the ingredients added to make a cappuccino, it’s safe to say that the hotness of a cappuccino is also part of the ingredients.
Here’s why. When a coffee-based drink is hot in temperature, you feel the impacts of the caffeine in the drink faster than with a cold coffee-based drink.
The hotness of the drink ensures that the milk doesn’t drown out its effects. In addition to the temperature of a cappuccino, you can absolutely have an iced cappuccino.
After making your hot cappuccino coffee, you can pour it in ice to enjoy your coffee with less milk.
On the other hand, a Frappuccino is a cold, iced drink. The ice is the only key ingredient in a Frappuccino.
So, you can’t possibly have a hot Frappuccino. The ice would melt before it gets to your hand from the barista.
And no! Frappuccino doesn’t come with latte arts. Instead, the topping on a Frappuccino is usually a blend of whipped cream and a sauce or syrup.
Also, because a Frappuccino is an iced, cold drink, coffee is brewed stronger when compared to a cappuccino, perhaps so that you will feel its effects.
- Caffeine Content and Versatility
When it comes to the caffeine content in both Cappuccino and Frappuccino, the latter doesn’t always contain caffeine. A major fact about the Frappuccino is that there is no one method to making it.
It is quite versatile and, depending on the flavor you want, it may or may not be devoid of caffeine. For instance, if you order the strawberry-flavored Frappuccino, it has zero caffeine content.
These types of Frappuccino without coffee are referred to as crème Frappuccino or just cremes. Of course, strawberry isn’t the only flavor you can get.
Other flavors that you can explore include the double chocolaty chip Frappuccino, the matcha Frappuccino (which has a bit of caffeine content due to the matcha powder that’s used to make it), butterscotch flavor, etc.
These various decaf Frappuccinos are sweetened. So, you might want to monitor how often you take them so as to gauge your sugar levels.
Speaking of which a Frappe vs. Frappuccino are quite similar. Except that while the frappe also uses syrup, it might include coffee and stems from ice cream.
As for the Frappuccino that’s coffee-based, espresso is not used to make it. Instead, it is made with regular roast coffee (Frap roast) and it contains higher caffeine content compared to a cappuccino.
As earlier stated, the caffeine content in a coffee-based Frappuccino is higher than in a cappuccino because of its temperature.
A cappuccino has no variety. It is a tradition for a cappuccino to be made with espresso as it’s based. The moment you swap the espresso with instant coffee or a different type of coffee, you’re no longer trying to make a cappuccino.
The espresso is the key ingredient in a cappuccino. Also, the quantity of espresso, milk, and foamy milk that should be mixed to get it is very specific.
You have to use 1/3 espresso quantity, 1/3 steamed milk quantity, and 1/3 milk foam to get an espresso.
In essence, if you reduce the steamed milk quantity but still add the same 1/3 espresso and milk foam quantity, you’ll have yourself a macchiato.
The major Cappuccino vs. Macchiato difference is in the milk quantity. With a lesser milk quantity in a macchiato, you have yourself a drink stronger in terms of coffee content than a cappuccino.
Likewise, you’ll create a caffe latte if your milk foam is more than the stipulated quantity for a cappuccino.
- Size
When it comes to the size of Frappuccino and Cappuccino, the latter is smaller. Nevertheless, you can have a large cappuccino.
This happens when your espresso shot is double; this is also the only acceptable twist to a cup of cappuccino. However, a Frappuccino comes in big sizes, bigger than a cappuccino.
- Sugar Content
You should be able to already tell that Frappuccino has higher sugar content than Cappuccino. The sugar content in Frappuccino is alarming high.
The high sugar content is no thanks to the syrups used as toppings on the drinks.
The syrups are pumped full of an alarmingly high blend of sugar and flavoring. It is said that the standard venti-sized Frappuccino contains about 15 teaspoons of sugar.
All of the sugar content is to drown out the bitter taste of the coffee in coffee-based Frappuccino and add to its sweetness in decaf Frappuccino. That’s why it’s so delicious and you always want more.
But craving aside, the high sugar content in the syrup makes it a bad choice for your health.
Consuming too much Frappuccino could easily make you diabetic. Nevertheless, it still has its benefits. So, rather than cut it off, it’s best to regulate how often you consume Frappuccino.
Cappuccino, on the other hand, has no sugar content. It is just a blend of espresso, milk, and foamy milk. It requires no sugar or sweetener to spice up its taste.
- Anyone Can Make A Frappuccino In Their House
Although trademarked by Starbucks, it is ironically easy to make a Frappuccino in the comforts of your home.
Of course, you’ll have a spin-off of Frappuccino when you do it in your house and for yourself.
Note that attempting to sell your spin-off as Frappuccino is equivalent to copyright violation which is a punishable offense.
Also, since no one knows the exact Frappuccino ingredient, you won’t exactly get the exact Starbucks Frappuccino.
Nevertheless, when you attempt to make a Frappuccino in your house out of boredom, it will be easy to imitate. It would also come close to the Starbucks Frappuccino.
All you need to make a Frappuccino is any coffee, it could be Nescafe’s instant coffee, brew it well.
Then, pour it in a blender along with any milk of your choice, ice, any flavoring of your choice and blend it all together.
Since Frappuccino is a flexible and versatile drink, you are free to get creative with your mixture.
For instance, in place of flavored syrup, you could add your favorite fruit, banana, strawberry, etc. or, you could have both flavored syrup and fruit.
However, making a cappuccino is a complex affair. While you can get a cappuccino at any coffee shop, it is one of the toughest drinks to make.
The reason? You require skill, practice, and expertise to make the espresso that is the base of the drink.
You’ll also need the help of some pretty expensive machines like an espresso machine for starters. In essence, if you dedicate your time to learning the perfect way to make espressos, you can absolutely make a great cappuccino.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the Cappuccino vs. Frappuccino difference, you can place your order at Starbucks or a coffee shop with confidence and a clear head.
If you feel there is too much information to stuff up in your head, just remember that Frappuccino is served with ice and can never be hot. Also, it contains a lot more sugar content than a cappuccino.
If you are looking to have an ice-cold sugary drink either with coffee or cream and flavored syrup, you’ll have that with a Frappuccino.
But if you want to enjoy the hot creamy-textured drink with latte art on it, then you most likely mean to order a cappuccino.
Either way, aside from sounding alike, both drinks offer an amazing experience with their distinct and delicious taste. Now, watch this short video explaining all the differences among various types of coffee.
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