If you are like me when I first started out trying to learn about different coffees, I had no idea what the difference was between a frappe, latte, espresso or iced coffee.  I’m going to be sharing some of the the things that I have learned over the past few years about coffee and to start I will be explaining the difference between a frappe and latte!

What is a Frappe?

First we will start with what is a Frappe?  A frappe is a cold, blended coffee drink that originated in Greece in the 1950s. The traditional Greek frappe was made using instant coffee, water, and sugar, shaken to create a foamy, refreshing drink. 

chocolate frappe with whip cream sat on a table

However, in a coffee shop. especially in the U.S. and other Western countries, the term “frappe” has evolved to include more elaborate, dessert like drinks.  They are usually served in a cup lined with syrup and topped with whip cream and more syrup.

Traditional frappes today are often made with brewed coffee or espresso, milk, sometimes a frappe base, flavored syrups, blended with ice, and topped with whipped cream and or a drizzle of syrup. 

What is a Latte?

A latte, short for “caffè latte” in Italian, literally means “milk coffee.” It is a hot espresso-based drink made with one part espresso and two to three parts steamed milk, often topped with a small amount of milk foam. The latte is a staple in cafés around the world and is known for its smooth, rich, and creamy texture.

latte with latte art in a white mug

Skilled baristas often use lattes as a canvas for latte art, creating intricate patterns using the foam. Lattes can also be flavored with syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut, but they maintain a more balanced and subtler sweetness compared to frappes.

What About Iced Lattes?

While traditional lattes are served hot, iced lattes are a popular variation that provide a chilled alternative, especially in warmer weather.  In fact, most of the lattes (if not all) that I make and enjoy myself are iced lattes.

hand holding a clear glass with an iced latte

Many people confuse iced lattes with frappés, thinking they are the same but they are quite different from each other.

Just like hot lattes, iced lattes can be customized with:

  • Flavored syrups (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut)
  • Non-dairy milk (oat, almond, soy, etc.)
  • Sweeteners (simple syrup, honey, or sugar-free options)
  • Extra espresso shots

Usually a regular size iced latte will be made with cold milk, syrup flavor of your choice and a double shot of espresso.  Usually made with whole milk, you can swap it out for a different option like almond milk (which is what I use), fat free milk or even soy milk or oat milk based on your personal preferences.

You can also add extra shots of espresso if you want to up the amount of caffeine or just give you a stronger flavor.  The more shots of espresso you add, the more intense coffee flavor.  Or you can do the opposite and take away a shot of espresso to give you less caffeine and a less intense flavor.

Difference Between a Frappe and Iced Latte

To put it in simple terms the main difference is a frappe is blended (like a smoothie) while an iced latte is just poured over ice.  Yes, I know that different ingredients can be used between the 2 for various factors but that’s the basic difference.

Some frappes are made with a powdered frappe base along with milk, coffee or espresso and flavored syrups while iced lattes are never made with a powdered base but you get the point.

While both drinks are cold, the iced latte is lighter and lets the flavor of the espresso shine. It’s a great option for someone who wants a cold drink without the added sweetness or heaviness of a frappe.

iced latte in a to go cup

Another one of the key differences is that frappes tend to have way more calories than iced lattes.  Given all the syrups and flavors added to a frappe on top of a powdered base, they rack up the calories pretty fast.  They have a lot of visual appeal but a downfall when looking at calories.

Which One Should You Choose?

Still not sure which drink is right for you?  This may help:

Choose a Frappe if:

  • You want a cold, refreshing drink in warmer weather.
  • You’re craving a sweet treat more like a dessert with a sweeter taste.
  • You like milkshake-like textures.
  • You enjoy lots of add ins and toppings in this blended beverage.

Choose a Latte if:

  • You prefer a hot drink.
  • You want a smooth, creamy coffee.
  • You appreciate the taste of espresso.
  • You’re looking for a healthier, less sugary option in a hot coffee drink.

Choose an Iced Latte if:

  • You want a lighter, cold coffee.
  • You are not looking for a dessert level drink.
  • You want it to taste more like coffee than syrup.
  • You want to enjoy an iced drink on hot days without having 600 calories

Understanding the major differences between coffee drinks will help you a great deal the next time that you go somewhere and order coffee so you can order exactly what you want!

scooters iced turtle latte

I hope this post has helped you to understand the difference of a frappe vs latte.  No matter what type of coffee you enjoy, I hope that this will be a place where coffee lovers can enjoy being and maybe learn some new things about coffee that they didn’t know before.