The Real Difference Between a Frappe vs Milkshake (It’s Not Just the Coffee)

Imagine standing at the counter of your favorite café on a sweltering afternoon. You crave something cold, creamy, and sweet. 

The menu stares back at you with two tempting options: a classic milkshake and a trendy frappe. Do you go for the nostalgic, scoop-shop classic or the icy, caffeinated jolt?

Frappe vs Milkshake: The Core Differences

At a high level, the battle between frappe vs milkshake comes down to two main factors: 

ice cream vs. ice and flavoring vs. coffee.

Milkshakes are historically dairy-forward, relying on a blend of milk and ice cream to create a thick, creamy consistency. They are desserts first, drinks second.

Frappes (pronounced frap-ay outside of New England) are typically ice-based blended drinks. They rely on crushed ice, milk, and flavoring (often coffee) to create a slushy, refreshing texture.

Texture and Taste Profile

Milkshake: Think “rich and velvety.” Because the base is ice cream, the texture is dense and smooth. 

You often need a wide straw (and strong lung capacity) to drink it. The flavor profile is dominated by sweet cream and sugar.

Frappe: Think “frothy and slushy.” The ice makes it lighter and more drinkable. 

If it’s a coffee frappe, the bitterness of the espresso cuts through the sweetness, offering a more balanced flavor profile than a pure sugar-bomb milkshake.

A Tale of Two Origins

Understanding where these drinks came from explains why they are so different today.

The Milkshake: An American Icon

Believe it or not, the “milkshake” started life in 1885 as an alcoholic whiskey tonic containing eggs. 

It wasn’t until the 1920s, with the invention of the electric blender, that it evolved into the kid-friendly drive-in staple we know today.

The Frappe: A Happy Accident

The modern coffee frappe was born by mistake in Greece in 1957. A Nescafe representative at a trade fair couldn’t find hot water for his instant coffee, so he shook it with cold water and ice. 

The result was a foamy, refreshing hit that became Greece’s national drink.

Regional Note: If you are in Massachusetts or New England, disregard everything above. There, a “milkshake” is just milk and syrup shaken up (no ice cream). 

If you want ice cream, you must order a “frappe” (pronounced frap). If you are in Rhode Island, you might even call it a “cabinet”!

Nutrition Comparison: Calories, Caffeine & Sugar

If you are watching your intake, the choice between these two is significant. Below is a comparison based on a standard 16 oz (Medium/Grande) vanilla or coffee-flavored serving from major chains.

Key Takeaway: Milkshakes are generally higher in calories and fat due to the ice cream base. Frappes are often lower in fat but can still pack a massive sugar punch from flavored syrups.

The Caffeine Factor

This is the deal-breaker for many. A standard milkshake has zero caffeine (unless it’s specifically coffee ice cream). 

A coffee frappe, however, usually contains a shot of espresso, instant coffee, or coffee concentrate.

• Starbucks Coffee Frappuccino (Grande): ~95mg caffeine (roughly equal to one cup of coffee).
• McDonald’s Vanilla Shake: 0mg caffeine.

Price Breakdown: What Will It Cost You?

Prices vary by location, but generally, frappes command a higher price point due to the “coffee shop” premium and branding.

• Fast Food Milkshake (e.g., McDonald’s, Burger King): $3.50 – $5.00
• Coffee Chain Frappe (e.g., Starbucks, Dunkin‘): $5.25 – $6.75
• Artisanal/Gourmet Milkshake: $7.00 – $10.00+

Note: Prices are estimates based on 2024/2025 US averages for medium sizes.

When to Choose Which?

Struggling to decide? Here is a quick cheat sheet based on your needs:

Choose a Milkshake if:

• You want dessert. It’s rich, filling, and indulgent.
• You dislike coffee. You want pure vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry flavor.
• You want to feel full. The fat content in ice cream is more satiating.

Choose a Frappe if:

• You need a boost. The caffeine content will wake you up.
• It’s extremely hot outside. The icy texture is more refreshing and hydrating than heavy cream.
• You are dairy-sensitive. It is often easier to customize a frappe with almond or oat milk compared to finding a dairy-free milkshake at a standard diner.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is a Frappuccino the same as a frappe?

Technically, yes. “Frappuccino” is a trademarked brand name owned by Starbucks for their line of frappes. It is a portmanteau of “frappe” and “cappuccino.”

Can you make a milkshake without ice cream?

In New England, yes they call it a milkshake! Everywhere else, a milkshake without ice cream is essentially just flavored milk. 

If you blend ice, milk, and sweetener without ice cream, you are making a frappe, not a milkshake.

Which one is healthier?

Neither is a healthy food, but a frappe is often the “lighter” option if you skip the whipped cream topping. It typically has fewer calories and less saturated fat than an ice cream-based milkshake.

Final Thought

If you are looking for a comforting, nostalgic treat to pair with a burger, the milkshake is the undisputed king. 

But if you need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up that cools you down without weighing you down, the frappe is your best friend.

Next time you are at the counter, don’t just guess. Order with confidence, knowing exactly what’s going into your cup and whether you’ll need a spoon or a straw to enjoy it.

Naeem

Naeem is a passionate drink enthusiast and recipe curator behind DrinkWhisper.com. With 10 years of exploring cafes, bars, and home mixology trends, he shares inspiring drinks, creative cocktails, and refreshing non alcoholic recipes for every occasion.