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Frappuccino

Frappuccino is a line of blended iced beverages sold by Starbucks, including coffee-based and coffee-free versions.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Frappuccino is a line of blended iced beverages sold by Starbucks, including coffee-based and coffee-free versions. The name was originally associated with The Coffee Connection in Boston before Starbucks acquired the brand and launched its own Frappuccino drinks in 1995.

History

The Frappuccino name originated with The Coffee Connection, a Boston-area coffee business, and Starbucks later acquired the company and adapted the product. Starbucks introduced its own Frappuccino blended beverages in 1995, beginning with Coffee and Mocha flavours.

Product format

Frappuccino refers to blended iced drinks made with ingredients such as coffee, milk, ice, syrups, and often whipped cream. Starbucks has also extended the brand to bottled ready-to-drink products sold outside its stores.

Variations

Starbucks markets Frappuccino in many combinations, including coffee-based and coffee-free versions. The product line has expanded over time into a highly customizable menu category.

Commercial significance

Frappuccino became one of Starbucks' signature beverage lines and was later expanded into bottled retail products. Search results describe it as a major contributor to Starbucks' cold-beverage business and a widely recognized coffee drink.

Key facts

  • Frappuccino is a Starbucks product line of blended iced drinks.
  • Starbucks says it launched the first Frappuccino blended beverages in the U.S. in 1995.
  • The drink name and concept were first associated with The Coffee Connection in Boston before Starbucks acquired the business.
  • Frappuccino drinks can be made in many combinations and may be coffee-based or coffee-free.
  • Starbucks also sells Frappuccino as bottled beverages in retail settings.
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Canadian context

Frappuccino has been sold in Canada as part of Starbucks' North American rollout, making it a familiar menu item for Canadian Starbucks customers.[8]

Frequently asked questions

What is a Frappuccino?
A Frappuccino is a Starbucks line of blended iced beverages, usually made with coffee or a coffee-free base, ice, milk, and flavourings.
Who created the Frappuccino?
The drink name and an early version were associated with The Coffee Connection in Boston, which Starbucks later acquired.
When did Starbucks launch Frappuccino?
Starbucks launched its first Frappuccino blended beverages in the U.S. in 1995.
What were the first Frappuccino flavours?
Starbucks says the first flavours were Coffee and Mocha.
Is Frappuccino only available in Starbucks stores?
No. Starbucks also sells Frappuccino as bottled beverages in grocery stores, convenience stores, and vending machines.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frappuccino
    Supports: General description of Frappuccino as a Starbucks blended iced drink and bottled product.
  2. Starbucks Coffee Company — https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2019/01/Frappuccino_Fact_Sheet_FINAL-1.pdf
    Supports: First Starbucks release in 1995, original flavours, and product-line scale.
  3. Boston Magazine — https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2012/12/07/frappuccino-history/
    Supports: Background on the Boston origin story and naming.
  4. Starbucks Archive — https://archive.starbucks.com/record/the-blended-frappuccino
    Supports: Starbucks account of acquiring the name, launching in 1995, and bottled expansion.
  5. TODAY — https://www.today.com/food/starbucks-didn-t-invent-frappuccino-here-s-who-did-t130891
    Supports: Origin with The Coffee Connection and Starbucks nationwide launch, including Canada.