If you love coffee, yet you’re not sure if you’ll find satisfaction in Starbucks’ Mocha Frappe, then it’s time to look into just what this indulgence truly has to offer. Does it have coffee in it? Let’s check it out.
Sugar and Cream, But What Else?
Just what exactly do you get in a Mocha Frappe from Starbucks? According to the official website, you’ll receive a blend of coffee and cream, along with ice and mocha topping. So yes, coffee is included. But while coffee is the primary element, other ingredients may still be involved as well.
Most users report that a rush of energy and a smooth, sweet taste is what they get in each and every sip. While coffee is the drink’s star, the presence of other ingredients, including mocha, sugar and dairy, could be the key factor giving this frappe its unique flavor and texture.
The mocha and sugar combination could be a real hit for some but, depending on your taste buds, you might want to opt for a decaf version – or opt out of the frappe altogether.
The Nutrition Behind it All
It’s worth discovering what kind of nutrition awaits you in this frappe. Unfortunately, that’s not an easy question to answer. While the company has revealed how much sugar is included in each Mocha Frappe cup, the figures can vary based on the size of your order. Also, depending on where you live, the ingredients you’ll get in your frappe could even differ!
Still, it’s worth mentioning that one medium-sized Mocha Frappe, with a 12 oz cup size, will contain some 320-390 calories and roughly 45-55g of sugar. Moreover, according to the ingredients revealed on its official website, your Frappuccino also includes palm oil, High Fructose Corn Syrup and artificial ingredients.
The Caffeinating Factor
Speaking of coffee, one serving of Starbucks’ Mocha Frappe will contain roughly two shots of espresso. But those two shots could keep some of us awake for days if we’re not used to drinking the strong stuff.
But what if you’re not a fan of caffeinated drinks? Well, you’ll still be able to get your fill of energy, even if you need to drop the coffee component – as the combination of sugar and milk will likely still be enough to give you a boost.
The Health Benefits of Flavors
Most of the healthier benefits that may follow from a cup of Mocha Frappe are derived from teaspoons of espresso you’ll find in it. But it’s not just caffeine that can give you a health boost. Coffee itself includes plenty of antioxidants, which can help your body fight off the bad effects of oxidation and even reduce the risk of cancer.
But it’s the mocha that may be the biggest bonus health-wise. Cocoa, which is often an integral part of mocha, is packed with polyphenol, which many consider to be the healthiest elements you can add to your diet.
Taking it Easy – Pros and Cons of Decaf
For many of us, the rising levels of caffeine can be too much to bear. Yet, decaf will still allow us to enjoy the sweet taste of Mocha Frappuccino without the jitters. How does decaf manage to eliminate caffeine without stripping the flavor?
The answer is that it takes great skill and expertise to carefully removing this element. Thankfully, what you get in return is the smooth texture and aroma that makes Mocha Frappe so popular.
But if you’re worried that removing caffeine means you’re also removing a range of health benefits, fret relax. Studies show that when you remove caffeine, up to 97% of the antioxidants remain intact – so you won’t be missing out on much.
The Big Strive for Excellence
It’s evident that creating a great Mocha Frappe is not a task for the faint-hearted. From all the ingredients that need to be carefully blended to the expertise required to eliminate the caffeine without making drastic changes to the flavor, all this requires an extra something. That- something could be the unique art of roasting.
It takes dedicated experts to create a Mocha Frappe that integrates the roasting process from start to finish, so that all ingredients have the desired taste and aroma. In other words, roasting pushes Mocha Frappe’s greatness from being normal, to standing out from the crowd.
Satisfaction without Dumping
Just like any other coffee-based beverage, Mocha Frappe can get you the energy you need, without the risk of becoming dependent. You can take it easy and sip small amounts, yet enjoy the same pleasure every time. In fact, it’s dose-dependent, meaning that you get to decide just how energized or relaxed you want to be.
So, there may be a concern or two when it comes to the number of artificial and processed ingredients that you get in your cup but, fortunately, these risk factors are minimal, allowing you to enjoy your Mocha Frappe without constantly worrying about the results.
The Money, The Value – Is it Worth it?
Without considering the nutritional value of all the ingredients, one thing should be stated – Mocha Frappe is expensive. A medium-sized, 12oz cup will cost around $5 and, with all the ingredients tasted and considered, this could still be deemed overpriced.
Coffee-lovers will have their own list of pros and cons, but it’s generally worth considering whether or not you’re getting good value for money. There are much cheaper coffee drinks with a similar taste and energy levels, like Chai Latte and Cold Brew Coffee, so if your budget has no room for frappes, you may want to switch it up.
The Extra Shot – Should You Be Worried?
All the energy swings that come with a cup of Mocha Frappe can be fun, but they can also become too much. Still, there’s no need to worry if you know what a reasonable quantity looks like.
Some studies have revealed that up to four shots of espresso per day are acceptable for healthy adults, meaning that you can still order a Mocha Frappe every day – as long as you don’t exceed the four-shot limit.
The Local Scene – What Else Is Out There?
Of course, if you love the idea of Mocha Frappuccino, but don’t want to continually grab the same product, you can always look into alternative options. Most customers are surprised to find out that their local cafes have their own range of exciting frappes and lattes.
These local drinks don’t include as many artificial ingredients and, since they’re often made in-house, they’re much cheaper to purchase. Also, you could get a chance to see how your favorite flavors are made and set up your own perfect cup.
The Tempting Taste – Experimentation as the Key
Last but not least, we come down to what really matters – the overall taste. Yes, Mocha Frappe from Starbucks may have its appeal, but it’s also worth experimenting from time to time.
You can alter the way you consume your favorite coffee drinks and create some of your own concoctions. For example, a single shot of espresso or coconut milk can enhance the aroma and taste of a Mocha Frappe in ways you wouldn’t have expected.
All you can do is give it a try and see where it takes you. You could find new flavors that you never expected to like – and presents a whole new twist on the American classic.
