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September 12, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Money & Work • Starbucks

Frappuccino

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

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

Frappuccino is a line of blended iced beverages sold by Starbucks. Originally associated with The Coffee Connection in Boston, Starbucks launched its own Frappuccino drinks in 1995.

What it is

Frappuccino refers to blended iced drinks made with coffee or a coffee-free base, ice, milk, syrups, and often whipped cream. Starbucks sells them in-store and also offers bottled Frappuccino beverages in retail settings.

History

The Frappuccino name originated with The Coffee Connection in Boston. Starbucks acquired the company and launched its own version in 1995, starting with Coffee and Mocha flavours.

Variations and significance

Starbucks offers many combinations, including coffee-based and coffee-free versions. The product line has become a signature cold-beverage category and is widely recognized. It is also sold in Canada as part of Starbucks' North American rollout.

In short

  • Frappuccino is a Starbucks product line of blended iced drinks.
  • Starbucks launched the first Frappuccino in the U.S. in 1995.
  • The name and concept originated with The Coffee Connection in Boston.
  • Frappuccino drinks can be coffee-based or coffee-free.
Canadian angle

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

Quick questions

What is a Frappuccino?
A Starbucks line of blended iced beverages, usually with coffee or a coffee-free base, ice, milk, and flavourings.
When did Starbucks launch Frappuccino?
In 1995 with Coffee and Mocha flavours.
Is Frappuccino available outside Starbucks stores?
Yes, as bottled beverages in grocery and convenience stores.

Sources

  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.