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America’s beloved fast food spot, McDonald’s, is now a hot spot for coffee lovers! From cozy McCafe lattes to bold Americanos, and even delicious frappes, they’re reviving a classic coffee style that’s too good to miss.
Dive into this guide to uncover everything about McDonald’s Frappes! Learn the key facts about their coffee and caffeine content, and see how the mocha and caramel versions differ in their caffeine kick.
Do McDonald’s Frappes Have Caffeine?
Every cup of McDonald’s coffee buzzes with caffeine, except for the decaf option. Want a decaf frappe? Unfortunately, that’s off the menu. McDonald’s frappes come from a ready-made mix, which includes a coffee concentrate. This not only gives the frappe its rich coffee taste but also its caffeine kick.
Both mocha and caramel frappes at McDonald’s pack a caffeine punch, but the mocha edges out with a bit more. Their seasonal frappes? They buzz with caffeine levels close to those in the caramel or mocha options.
Does a Frappe Usually Have Caffeine?
Frappe drinks usually contain caffeine, no matter where you buy them. People often mix up frappes with Frappuccinos, causing confusion about what’s in them and how much caffeine they have. Learn more here.
Frappuccinos can be made with different bases, but Frappes stick to instant coffee. Want a caffeine-free version? Just pick decaf instant coffee. Usually, a Frappe’s caffeine level is close to what you’d find in regular drip coffee.
Caffeine Content in McDonald’s Frappes
Every McDonald’s frappe packs a caffeine punch, but how much you get varies with the drink’s size and the frappe flavor you choose.
Do mocha frappes have caffeine?
Did you know when you order a mocha frappe from McDonald’s, they start with a regular coffee base? You might think choosing decaf makes it caffeine-free, but surprise! The chocolate in it still packs a little caffeine punch.
Did you know that chocolate has caffeine, too? The amount varies, especially in milk chocolate syrup, which is about 3.5 to 6 mg per ounce. When you order a frappe, the caffeine you get depends on its size. McDonald’s has three options: small (12 ounces), medium (16 ounces), and large (22 ounces). So, the bigger your drink, the more caffeine it has!
- Small mocha frappe — 100 mg of caffeine
- Medium mocha frappe — 125 mg of caffeine
- Large mocha frappe — 180 mg of caffeine
Did you know? A regular coffee cup packs 95 mg of caffeine, while a shot of espresso contains slightly less, at 63 mg. Find out more here.
If you think a regular cup of coffee or a tiny one-ounce espresso shot packs a punch, wait till you hear about these giants. They’re more on par with the mightiest brews at Starbucks. For instance, a tall Starbucks iced coffee buzzes with 120 mg of caffeine, while a tall clover brewed coffee skyrockets up to 280 mg!
Do caramel frappes have caffeine?
Caramel frappes swap out the mocha base for a different coffee foundation but keep the same coffee essence. The twist? They skip the cocoa and add a mix of natural and artificial flavors to create their unique taste.
Caramel frappes, like mochas, vary in size but have slightly less caffeine.
- Small caramel frappe — 75 mg of caffeine
- Medium caramel frappe — 90 mg of caffeine
- Large caramel frappe — 130 mg of caffeine
What about other Mcdonald’s frappes?
Sometimes, the quick service restaurant offers limited-time or holiday drinks.
Did you know the secret chocolate chip frappe at the cafe isn’t listed online? But, you can snag it during special times of the year. Packed with more caffeine than McDonald’s mochas or caramel frappes, it’s a chocolate lover’s dream with an extra energy kick!
Do McDonald’s Frappes Have Coffee?
McDonald’s frappes blend a special coffee concentrate, not fresh brew, crafted from their signature beans. Perfect for beginner coffee lovers!
To make their frappes less bitter, McDonald’s mixes coffee concentrate with milk, cream, and different flavors. This clever mix is why so many pre-teens and teens love McDonald’s frappes. The added ingredients sweeten the coffee, making it taste similar to the sugary beverages you find at places like Starbucks. This approach makes coffee enjoyable for those who prefer sweeter drinks.
Can You Get a Decaf McDonald’s Frappe?
McDonald’s doesn’t offer a decaf frappe. They use a ready-made coffee mix, so swapping in decaf coffee for their drinks isn’t possible.
Looking for a decaf frappe? You’re in luck! Many coffee shops can whip up a caffeine-free version since they often use instant coffee to make frappes. If they have instant decaf coffee on hand, you’re good to go. However, keep in mind, not all places have frappes or instant decaf coffee, so your favorite spot might not offer this option.
What’s Next?
McDonald’s is stepping up its game to charm American coffee lovers, aiming to rival giants like Starbucks and Dunkin’. They’ve got all the coffee favorites, including cappuccinos and lattes (yep, cappuccinos are caffeinated too). Add in some cool iced coffees and creamy frappes, and you’ve got plenty of reasons to visit the golden arches for your next coffee fix.
McDonald’s might have good coffee, but they’re missing a couple of cool features. For example, Starbucks can grind your beans for you, something McDonald’s doesn’t do. Also, their espresso machines aren’t as top-notch as Starbucks’ Mastrena.
