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Frappuccino vs Macchiato

Frappuccino vs Macchiato

7 min read MAY 05, 2022

Frappuccino vs. macchiato is a battle of the giants that have been raging for years. Both are coffee drinks that have their own unique flavor profiles and brewing methods.

When you ask coffee lovers and enthusiasts about their opinions on these two drinks, you’re likely to get a variety of answers.

Some people might say that they prefer Frappuccinos because of the sweetness and creaminess that comes from the added syrups and milk.

Others might prefer macchiatos because of the bolder flavor profile that comes from espresso.

The varied answers might leave you confused, and you might not know which drink to order the next time you go to your local coffee shop.

In this article, we are going to look at frappuccinos vs. macchiatos. We examine each drink’s history, taste, and how they’re made.

By the end of this article, we’re sure you’ll have a better understanding of these two drinks. Hopefully, it will help you make an informed decision the next time you go to order a coffee.

What This Article Covers:

Macchiato

Before we look at the differences between frappuccino and macchiato, it’s important to understand both types of coffee and where they came from.

A macchiato is an espresso with a small amount of steamed milk and foam. The word macchiato in Italian means “stained” or “spotted” so the literal translation of caffè macchiato is “stained coffee”.

The history of the macchiato is a bit unclear, but most believe that it originated in Italy in the early 1980s. It was probably made by baristas who wanted to add a bit of milk to their espresso but didn’t want a full-blown latte.

It's worth noting that the word 'macchiato' is often misused in many coffee shops. Their macchiato is simply an espresso 'marked' with a dollop of steamed milk and foam on top. This is different from the traditional Italian macchiato, which is espresso 'stained' with just a small amount of milk.

The traditional Italian macchiato doesn't contain any flavored syrups. This is because the milk is meant to cut the bitterness of the espresso, not mask it.

You can, however, use LifeBoost's Caramel Macchiato beans to make your macchiato sweet without any added syrups. These low-acid coffee beans are hand-washed and selected. They give you a smooth, sweet, and healthy cup of coffee.

Frappuccino

A frappuccino is a blended, iced drink that contains coffee, milk, and ice cream (or frappe). It was created in the early 1990s by George Howell and Andrew Frank of The Coffee Connection.

The original Frappuccino was made with a coffee base, milk, and ice cream. However, over the years, baristas have come out with different variations of this drink.

The most popular flavor of frappuccino is the mocha frappuccino. This drink consists of a coffee base, milk, mocha sauce, and ice cream. It’s then topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

If you’re looking for a frappuccino that’s not as sweet, you can try the coffee Frappuccino. This beverage consists of a coffee base, milk, and ice. It is then topped with whipped cream.

If you want to avoid caffeine, you can try the decaf version of this drink. Decaf frappuccino contains a decaffeinated coffee base, milk, and ice. Whipped cream is then added to give it a creamy texture.

Frappuccino vs Macchiato: The Differences

We can differentiate Frappuccino vs. Macchiato based on various factors, including:

Taste

One of the differences between frappuccino vs. macchiato is the taste. A frappuccino is a blended coffee drink that has a sweet and creamy taste. A macchiato's, on the other hand, is more intense since it’s a more concentrated drink.

Caffeine Content

The caffeine content in a frappuccino is higher than that of a macchiato. A 16-ounce serving of frappuccino has about 120 mg of caffeine, while a macchiato only has 75 mg of caffeine.

Preparation

The next difference between frappuccino and macchiato is the preparation. Frappuccino is made by blending coffee, milk, ice, and syrup together. A macchiato is made by adding a small amount of steamed milk to espresso.

Calories

Another difference between frappuccino vs. macchiato is the calories. A standard 16-ounce serving of frappuccino can have up to 230 calories, while a macchiato only has about 60 calories.

caramel frappuccino vs caramel macchiato

Texture

The last factor that differentiates frappuccino and macchiato is the texture. A frappuccino has a smooth and creamy texture, while a macchiato is more watery.

Differences Between Macchiato and Other Coffee Types

Macchiato is often confused with other coffee drinks. In this section, we will look at a few coffees and how they differ from macchiato.

Americano

The difference between americano and macchiato is that americano is made with more espresso. The ratio is one part espresso to three parts water. This results in a stronger coffee flavor.

Americanos also have less milk than macchiatos. The milk is added to the espresso and then diluted with water.

Cappuccino

What’s the difference between a macchiato and a cappuccino? Well, while both have espresso and milk, cappuccinos have more milk and less espresso. The ratio is one part espresso to six or eight parts steamed milk.

Cappuccinos also have a layer of foam on top. This is created by steaming the milk until it forms bubbles.

Latte

difference between macchiato and frappuccino

The difference between a latte and a macchiato is that a latte has more milk and less espresso. The ratio is one part espresso to four parts steamed milk.

Lattes also have a layer of foam on top, but it is not as thick as the foam on a cappuccino.

Espresso

Macchiato vs. espresso is another common debate that’s been going on for years. The main difference between these drinks is the amount of milk added. A macchiato typically has a small amount of steamed milk, while an espresso has no milk at all. This results in a much bolder flavor for the espresso.

Flat White

There are many differences between flat white vs macchiato. However, the main difference is the preparation. A flat white is made by pouring steamed milk over a double shot of espresso. On the other hand, a macchiato is made by adding a small amount of milk to espresso.

In terms of taste, a flat white is smoother and creamier than a macchiato. This is because of the steamed milk. However, a macchiato has a stronger coffee flavor because of the less milk.

Iced Vanilla Latte vs Iced Caramel Macchiato

The main difference between an iced caramel macchiato and an iced vanilla latte is the flavoring. An iced caramel macchiato has caramel syrup added to it, while an iced vanilla latte only has vanilla extract. The result is that an iced caramel macchiato is sweeter and more decadent than an iced vanilla latte.

Frappuccino vs Macchiato: Which is Better?

Now that we have outlined the main differences between Frappuccino vs. macchiato, you might be wondering which one is better.

Look - there is no right or wrong answer here. It all comes down to personal preference. There are a few factors that you should consider before making your decision. They include:

What Kind of Coffee Drinker Are You?

If you like your coffee sweet and creamy, then a Frappuccino is probably a better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a stronger, less sweet coffee, then a macchiato might be more up your alley.

What Time of Day Do You Plan On Drinking Your Coffee?

the difference between frappuccino and macchiato

If you want a refreshing iced coffee to drink in the afternoon, then a Frappuccino would be a great option. If you are looking for an energizing coffee to help you wake up in the morning, then a macchiato might be better suited for you.

What Is Your Budget?

A Frappuccino can be a bit pricier than a macchiato, so if you are watching your budget, then a macchiato might be the better choice.

At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter which one you choose - they are both delicious! So, go ahead and treat yourself to a Frappuccino or macchiato - you deserve it!

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