Is a Frappe a McCafé Beverage? The Complete Guide
Yes, a Frappe is a McCafé beverage, typically made with blended ice, coffee, and flavorings, served cold and often topped with whipped cream.
Frappes are indeed part of McDonald’s McCafé beverage lineup. These icy blended drinks have become a staple of the fast food chain’s coffee menu, offering a sweet, creamy alternative to traditional hot coffee drinks. Available in caramel and mocha flavors, McDonald’s frappes blend coffee with ice and top them with whipped cream for a refreshing treat.
What Exactly is a McCafé Frappe?
McDonald’s frappes are frozen coffee drinks that combine:
- Brewed coffee base
- Ice for thickness
- Flavor syrup (caramel or mocha)
- Dairy components
- Whipped cream topping
The McCafé frappe menu currently offers two main varieties:
| Flavor | Description | Small Size Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Caramel Frappe | Rich caramel flavor with a hint of coffee | 420 calories |
| Mocha Frappe | Chocolatey coffee flavor | 440 calories |
Frappe vs. Other McCafé Drinks
While all McCafé beverages contain coffee, frappes differ from other offerings:
- Lattes: Hot or iced, milkier with less intense coffee flavor
- Cappuccinos: Foamier texture with stronger coffee taste
- Macchiatos: Layered drinks with espresso poured over milk
- Frappes: Blended frozen texture, sweeter profile
Nutritional Information
McDonald’s frappes are indulgent treats rather than health drinks. A small caramel frappe contains:
- 420 calories
- 16g fat
- 63g carbohydrates
- 59g sugar
- 5g protein
The mocha version is slightly higher in calories at 440 for a small. Both come in small, medium and large sizes, with nutrition values increasing accordingly.
Caffeine Content
While frappes contain coffee, their caffeine content is lower than other McCafé drinks:
- Small Frappe: 75mg caffeine
- Small Brewed Coffee: 180mg caffeine
- Small Latte: 142mg caffeine
This makes frappes a good option for those who want coffee flavor without a strong caffeine kick.
How to Order and Customize
You can order McCafé frappes:
- In-restaurant at the counter
- Through the drive-thru
- Via the McDonald’s app for pickup
- Through delivery services
Customization options include:
- Requesting extra whipped cream
- Asking for light ice
- Adding flavor shots (vanilla, caramel)
- Opting for no whipped cream
For those looking to make similar drinks at home, check out our guide to the best blenders for frappes.
McCafé vs. Other Coffee Chains
McDonald’s frappes compete directly with:
- Starbucks Frappuccinos
- Dunkin’ Frozen Coffee
- Burger King Iced Coffee drinks
Key differences include:
- Price point (McCafé is typically more affordable)
- Flavor intensity (Starbucks tends to be stronger)
- Customization options (more at specialty coffee shops)
At-Home Options
McDonald’s also sells McCafé frappe K-Cup pods for Keurig machines. These contain:
- Sugar
- Creamer
- Cocoa powder
- Instant coffee
- Natural flavors
For those wanting to blend their own, our review of the best blenders for frozen drinks can help choose the right equipment.
Allergen Information
Important notes for those with dietary restrictions:
- Contains dairy
- May contain traces of nuts
- Not certified as gluten-free
- Not vegan due to dairy content
McDonald’s provides detailed allergen information on their website for those with specific dietary needs.
Seasonal and Limited-Time Variations
While caramel and mocha are the standard flavors, McDonald’s occasionally offers:
- Seasonal flavors (pumpkin spice in fall)
- Regional specialties
- Limited-time collaborations
These special offerings typically appear for a few weeks before being discontinued.
