30 Best Starbucks Frappuccinos, Ranked

You can get just about any coffee drink you want at Starbucks, but if the multi-national company is known for one thing, it's their Frappuccinos. These frozen dessert-like drinks are some of the most popular offerings at the coffee chain, and when you taste one, you'll see why. They're half coffee, half milkshake — a pick-me-up that sates your sweet tooth at the same time. And if you like sweet drinks, then most of the Frappuccinos on the menu are going to appeal to you.

Of course, some are better than others, and if you're a newbie at ordering Frappuccinos, you may not know where to start. Or perhaps you've had one favorite order for years, and now you're ready to explore the other options. That's why we've ranked some of the best Frappuccinos you can find at Starbucks from worst to best. While they're all solid options, this should give you an idea of what you absolutely do want to taste and what you can skip over. But most importantly, you should try these drinks for yourself to find out what you like best.

30. Cotton Candy

Ordering off of the secret menu at Starbucks—or anywhere, really—is usually a huge hassle for the employees who work there, so we try to avoid it at all costs. It's even worse when the secret menu item is as unpleasant as the Cotton Candy Frappuccino that you'll see some social media users snapping photos of. Is the Barbie pink creation pretty? Sure. But flavor is the most important factor in a Frappuccino's deliciousness, and this drink absolutely can not stand up to the competition.

It's basically just a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with raspberry syrup, which doesn't sound awful, but when you take a sip, you'll notice just how cloying these two flavors are together. There needs to be something — anything — to break up all that sugar, but you don't even get any coffee in the mix. Save yourself some money by just ordering a strawberry milkshake from a different fast-food restaurant.

29. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino

If you're looking for lots of sweetness in every sip, you may want to check out the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino. While the original Caramel Ribbon Crunch contains coffee, this one doesn't, so it's a good option if you're trying to cut back on the caffeine (or you're looking for something for the kids when you go through the drive-thru). That being said, is it our favorite of the bunch? Not really. First of all, it lacks caffeine, which is basically our whole reason for making a Starbucks run in the first place. But this drink is also a bit sweeter than we would prefer. While the version with coffee is slightly more balanced, this Frappuccino is really just focused on the sugar — and lots of it.

The crunchy bits do add a nice touch of texture to this drink, but we probably wouldn't go out of our way to order it just for that. If you're looking for something more dessert-adjacent than a first-thing-in-the-morning coffee, then this Frappuccino may be the way to go.

28. Strawberry Shortcake

Here's another one of the Starbucks secret menu orders that we can't stand: the Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino. It utilizes actual strawberry juice mixed with milk to create what's intended to mimic the summery dessert. What you get instead is a drink that looks like the blood-tinged toothpaste you spit into the sink after a particularly vigorous brushing session. To make matters worse, they then pile on the whipped cream. After all, what is a strawberry shortcake without whipped cream?

Sure, these ingredients may not sound terrible, but that's because you've usually enjoyed them with the shortcake. When they stand on their own, though, they're just a strawberry-flavored mess in a cup. There are so many better Frappuccinos to choose from on this list, so why hassle your barista with this strange and deeply unappealing concoction?

27. Butterbeer

Harry Potter millennials, this drink was definitely created with you in mind. The Butterbeer Frappuccino, which is also a secret menu Frapp option, sounds like it could be a fun experience, but unless you like taking straight shots of sugar, it may not be exactly the drink you're looking for. It requires a creme Frappuccino base, meaning it has no actual coffee in it — that's great if you have kids but not so great if you actually want to be able to function at work. Add in some caramel drizzle, caramel syrup, and toffee syrup, and you have the Harry Potter-flavored Frappuccino of your dreams (or maybe your nightmares).

What else can we say? There's an unbelievable amount of sugar in this recipe, which is delicious for about three sips before you'll want to throw the rest of the drink out. If you do opt for this Frappuccino order, we suggest not going for larger than a tall — the one-note flavor profile is hard to take a lot of.

26. Pumpkin Spice Creme

The iced coffee people may come for me for saying this, but a Pumpkin Spice Latte in its original form should be a hot drink. To order it iced is to miss the point completely, but to order it in Frappuccino form is an autumnal crime. When it comes to the Pumpkin Spice Creme Frappuccino, though, it's even worse because this drink doesn't even contain any coffee. This Frappuccino is basically just a baking spice milkshake. It's not cozy, it's not autumnal, and it's an affront to fall lovers everywhere.

That being said, the flavor itself isn't horrible. It may not be what we want to drink on a fall day, but if you want to take a sip of fall-flavored ice cream, there are worse things you could ingest.

25. White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino

Here's another beverage lacking in the caffeine department: the White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino. If you love white chocolate but don't really like coffee, then this drink will probably be perfect for you. It has a strong white chocolate taste, so it's not lacking flavor in the slightest. However, without the coffee to balance this drink out, we feel it may be too sugary. It could be more interesting if other flavors were added into the mix, but that's not what you're getting here.

We think the White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino is great for kids because there's nothing too intense about it — even the pickiest eaters (or drinkers) shouldn't have a problem with the flavors at work here. After all, it is chocolate. However, unless you're looking for an ultra-sweet, one-note drink, there are better Frappuccino options than this one available to you at Starbucks.

24. Apple Crisp Oatmilk Creme

For those who aren't PSL aficionados, it can sometimes feel like we're being left in the autumnal dust while the pumpkin spice people get to have all the fun. Whatever happened to the good old-fashioned cinnamon apple treats? Luckily, Starbucks has created Frappuccinos just for those people. The Apple Crisp Oatmilk Creme Frappuccino definitely isn't our favorite, which shouldn't come as a surprise — again, the lack of caffeine is off-putting to coffee lovers.

However, the flavor of this Frappuccino is pleasant, even if it lacks the complexity of a pumpkin spice number. Even though sweet syrups and drizzles don't always enhance the flavor of a Frappuccino, in this case, the spiced apple drizzle actually does take things up a notch. Yes, this Frappuccino is too sweet (like many of them are), but there are definitely worse drinks you could order.

23. Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino

If you're looking for a boring, one-note Frappuccino, you should opt for the Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino. The best descriptor for this drink is, in fact, "vanilla." Is it bad? Not at all. It's sweet, it's creamy, and it has a strong flavor of vanilla beans. While they don't use whole vanilla beans, they do use vanilla bean powder, and the flavor is on point. So, why is it ranked the lowest on our list?

It all comes down to the fact that there's just nothing special going on here. There's no drizzle of chocolate or caramel to compete with the overwhelming flavor of the vanilla. And after a few sips, you're probably going to be over it.

This is a great option for kids or for those who are really, really picky about the flavors they like. But for the rest of us? There are much better options on the Starbucks Frappuccino menu.

22. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino

Caramel lovers, you're in for a real treat with the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino. The flavor of caramel is strong in this one, and we meat strong. If that's what you like in your sweet treats, then this one should be at the top of your list. But for those who like an added layer of complexity, the Caramel Ribbon Crunch is probably going to let you down. While you do get the added texture of the caramel crunch, it seems like every component here has pretty much the same flavor. And with not two but three different sources of caramel, sipping this drink can get old fast.

If you're ordering Frappuccinos with several friends and just want to take a few sips of each, then the Caramel Ribbon Crunch isn't a bad idea. However, if you're going to drink the whole thing yourself, there's a good chance you're going to get tired of this Frappuccino long before you reach the bottom of your cup.

21. Toasted White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino

If you're looking for a photo-worthy Frappuccino, you can't deny that the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha is going to look great on your Instagram stories. The holiday sugar sprinkles on top give this otherwise understated coffee drink a festive look that shouldn't be limited to the holidays, if you ask us. But just because it's pretty doesn't mean it's the best option of the bunch. In reality, the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha isn't one of the most interesting Frappuccinos on the menu, and it's definitely not our first choice.

The toasted white chocolate mocha sauce just tastes sweet with the slightest bit of white chocolate. But considering white chocolate itself is mostly just sugar, that's not a huge compliment. This one does contain caffeine, so it's not a good choice for the little ones, but anyone who has a serious sweet tooth will probably appreciate the flavors. If that's not you, though, then check out some of the better flavors of the bunch — your taste buds will thank you.

20. Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino

The Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino is undoubtedly a fun drink. If you ask us, the best part is undoubtedly the cookie crumbles that are mixed into the drink and sprinkled on top. It adds a nice touch of texture you don't always get with your standard Starbucks order. And since this one doesn't contain any coffee either, it's a great choice when you want to get your kids something to drink. Of course, like many of the other Frappuccinos on this list, this drink is more of a dessert than something you would want to enjoy first thing in the morning, but hey, if you prefer your sweets first thing in the morning, we support you fully.

The chocolate is rich and flavorful, and the drizzle of chocolate syrup on top makes everything even better. We don't absolutely love this drink, as we think it tastes better when the bitterness of the coffee balances things out a bit more. But for all the cookie lovers out there, it may be worth a try.

19. Double Chocolatey Chip Crème Frappuccino

Calling all chocolate lovers! Does the Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino sound almost delicious to you? If you're not a huge cookie person, but you're big on chocolate, you're probably going to enjoy the Double Chocolatey Chip Crème Frappuccino. Just a warning: This stuff contains a lot of chocolate chips. Like, a lot. If you can't finish a chocolate bar in one sitting, there's a good chance that this will probably seem like too much chocolate to you.

On the other hand, if you absolutely devour chocolate, then this Frappuccino may be a hit for you. The chips add some texture to the drink. It's definitely not crunchy, but the chunkiness is a nice break from some of the smoothly blended Frappuccinos in this ranking. As with all of the crème Frappuccinos, you can't expect any coffee here, so the flavor profile is, above all else, sweet. If that's what you're into, give this Frappuccino a try. On the other hand, if you prefer subtler flavors, look toward some other items on this list.

18. Caramel Brulee Frappuccino

Hear the words "Caramel Brulée Frappuccino," and a sickly sweet drink will probably come to mind. And you're not wrong — this definitely tastes like one of the sweetest offerings on the menu. With both the Caramel Brulée sauce and the special topping the drink is finished off with, it can be kind of overwhelming. So, why does this one rank higher than the other super-sweet options on our list? It all comes down to this Frappuccino's richness.

With this drink, you're going to get a depth of flavor you won't find in most of the other caramel offerings. It's not just plain caramel — it really tastes like you're taking a sip of the famous sugar-coated dessert in drink form. Of course, drinking a venti Caramel Brulée Frappuccino may leave you in a veritable sugar coma, but if you opt for one of the smaller sizes, it's definitely not the worst of the bunch. It may not be our favorite, but if you already love crème brulée, then there's a chance that you'll find this one to be a hit. Maybe buy it when you're with someone so you can easily share it with them if you've had too much sugar in one go.

17. Strawberry Crème Frappuccino

If you're already familiar with Frappuccino lingo, then you'll know that "crème" Frappuccinos are versions of the drink that don't contain coffee, which is perfect for when you want that sweetness you crave but you're not trying to get an extra dose of caffeine in for the day. There are several amazing crème options on the menu, but unfortunately, the Strawberry Crème isn't one of our favorites. It's not too exciting, and it feels like something you could easily make at home.

That doesn't mean it's not delicious, though. Our favorite part of this drink is the strawberry puree sauce. Don't get us wrong, this sauce is definitely super sweet, but it also has a tartness to it that balances out the rest of the drink. Combine that with the creamy base of the drink, and you've got a sippable dessert that's not as overwhelming as many of the caramel or mocha-based Frappuccinos on the menu.

This one is definitely great for the kids, but you don't have to be in the under-18 group to enjoy this sipper. When you're looking for something sweet but not too sweet, layered but not too complex, and reminiscent of your favorite berry-based desserts, the Strawberry Crème Frappuccino will be calling your name.

16. Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino

For those looking for a dessert and a drink all in one, it's hard to beat the appeal of the Mocha Cookie Crumble. Yes, it does actually have cookies on top, and yes, it tastes just as good as it sounds. As you would expect, this one is on the sweeter side, but it's not quite as strong as something like the Caramel Brulée, so if your sweet tooth isn't quite as active but you still want something dessert-adjacent, this might be the drink for you.

Our only complaint about this one is that it's not quite as flavorful as we would prefer. When you think of a cookie crumble, you may imagine that you're getting big chunks of chocolate chip cookie in every sip. In reality, though, you're just getting a dusting of chocolate cookie crumbs. While it tastes great, we think Starbucks could have done so much more with this drink to make it even more appealing. If you're listening, Starbucks, we'd love a chocolate-chip dotted version of this Frappuccino. However, settling for this one isn't anything to scoff at either.

15. Caramel Frappuccino

If you are looking for something less dressed up than the Caramel Brulee Frappuccino, the standard Caramel Frappuccino is waiting for you at your nearest Starbucks. If you love caramel, then this is likely to be one of your favorites on the menu. It's sweet, and the flavor has just the right nuttiness and intensity. There's even a touch of salt, so things don't get too sugary. That may seem like a lot, but this is an exceptionally uncomplicated drink. It's a basic coffee Frappuccino with some syrup, and a caramel drizzle added. Sometimes, simplicity is good, and in those times, this Frappuccino is the way to go. 

If you like caramel, this Frappuccino is a reliable choice, even if it isn't the most exciting flavor of the bunch. After all, how can you go wrong with a classic? However, if you want something more interesting or inventive, there is a whole Frappuccino menu to explore.

14. Café Vanilla Frappuccino

Here's another classic that makes for easy sipping — if you like vanilla, that is. The Café Vanilla Frappuccino is ideal for those who always choose vanilla over chocolate when they order ice cream. Just imagine a vanilla latte in frozen form. We'll give you a warning here: The vanilla character of this drink is pronounced, so if you're not a fan, then order something else. Still, in our opinion, the vanilla flavor takes any average coffee drink and brings it up a notch. Even if you've never had a Frappuccino before, you'll likely enjoy the timeless taste of Café Vanilla.

The Café Vanilla Frappuccino is ideal for those who like to keep things simple. Of course, it won't suit everyone, especially not those who go to Starbucks looking to try something that they couldn't find elsewhere. If you want to stick to the enduring taste of vanilla, or you're dipping your tastebuds into Frappuccinos for the first time, you can't go wrong with this drink.

13. Pumpkin Spice

There are the traditional PSL people who always order the hot version of the drink, and then there are those who opt for the iced iteration of the classic. But those who prefer the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino over the other PSL options at Starbucks are in a class of their own. It's the same traditional flavor profile you love placed into the framework of a Frappuccino. Is it strange? Maybe. Is it an aberration of nature? Definitely. But, it's also not entirely bad.

Of course, if you're not usually a fan of pumpkin-spice anything, then you're probably not going to want to order this drink on a whim. But the creamy, ice cream-like format works surprisingly well with pumpkin spice flavoring. Omit the whipped cream if you want to tone down that sweetness a bit.

12. Java Chip Frappuccino

Looking for one of the classic Frappuccinos? You can't go wrong with the Java Chip. It's a classic for a reason. It's a mix of chocolate and coffee, so how can you go wrong? This one is simple but in a good way. Those looking for something different, interesting, or out of the ordinary are likely to be disappointed by such a basic drink, but that doesn't mean it's bad. But we think it's one of those menu items that you have once and then never have to have again.

For people who are just starting to get into coffee drinking, this one is a great choice. It does have plenty of coffee flavor, unlike some of the other Frappuccinos that tend to focus on the extraneous ingredients more than the coffee itself. However, it's definitely not bitter or too strong, so even those who aren't used to a ton of caffeine shouldn't have a problem with it.

If you're looking for a standard drink that's not going to disappoint, the Java Chip Frappuccino is where it's at. But more adventurous eaters may want to pass on this option in favor of something else.

11. Chestnut Praline Frappuccino

Pralines may remind you of the holidays, but we don't think the Chestnut Praline Frappuccino should be limited to the coldest months of the year. Salty, sweet, and overall delicious, this Frappuccino is a great option for those who want to shake things up and try something new off the menu. It's one of the few drinks on the menu that has a truly sweet-and-salty combination to it, which is why we're big fans. Plus, with the added flavor of the chestnut, this drink is a lot more complex than most Frappuccinos that appear in our ranking. But, why isn't it higher on our list?

Even though you do have that element of saltiness, the overwhelming sweetness of this drink is intense. If you usually love super-sweet drinks, then this one is going to be perfect for you. But if you want something on the milder, tamer side, you may want to leave the Chestnut Praline Frappuccino in the dust.

10. Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino

Mint and chocolate don't always go together, but sometimes, you get a combo that's just right. The Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino is one of those combos. While you may assume that the peppermint flavor in this coffee drink would be overwhelming, that's just not the case. The rich chocolate tones down the harsh notes of the peppermint to the perfect level, and with the coffee included, it feels like you're taking a sip of winter with every drink. We love this option during the holiday season, but, really, it could be enjoyed at any time of the year.

However, the Peppermint Mocha didn't rank higher on our list because some people are definitely not going to enjoy the peppermint flavor. If you're not already into chocolate and mint, then there's not a good chance that you'll find this drink too enjoyable. But don't worry — there are so many other delicious options to choose from.

9. Pistachio Coffee Frappuccino

While the Pistachio Coffee Frappuccino may not be our absolute favorite out of the bunch, it is still high on our list because of its originality. You're not going to find a pistachio-flavored coffee drink everywhere, so we appreciate that Starbucks is offering something a little out of the ordinary. The pistachio sauce is what really makes the difference in this drink. The sweet addition to your Frappuccino adds a lovely nutty flavor and just the right amount of sweetness to your drink. The addition of coffee Frappuccino syrup ensures that the flavors are well-balanced and you still get that coffee taste you love.

If that combo wasn't already enough, the drink gets even better with the addition of the salted brown butter cookie-flavored topping for some extra texture. While you can always ask for your Frappuccino without whipped cream, we think that this one tastes better when it's included — the topping doesn't do well without the whipped cream to complement it.

8. Matcha Crème Frappuccino

Not everyone likes to drink coffee on the regular. But just because you don't partake in a daily cup of Joe doesn't mean you never want caffeine at all. The solution? Matcha. While coffee will give you a jolt of energy right away, but also put you at risk for negative side effects like anxiety and a racing heart, matcha doesn't have quite the same drawbacks. Instead, the caffeine in matcha "may boost your energy at a slower pace than coffee," according to Healthline. Therefore, matcha gives you a less intense burst of energy.

And if you don't want to drink your matcha plain, you can't go wrong with a Matcha Crème Frappuccino from Starbucks. This cold, blended take on a matcha latte is one of our favorite things to drink on a hot summer day. It feels a lot lighter than coffee, but you don't have to give up the lovely creaminess you've come to expect from Frapps.

7. Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Frappuccino

We were surprised that we enjoyed the Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Frappuccino as much as we did, but take one sip, and you'll see why it made this spot on our ranking. While almond milk generally isn't our favorite non-dairy milk out there (if you haven't jumped on the oat milk bandwagon yet, what are you even doing with your life?), it actually works really well in this ultra-rich drink. Because all of the other ingredients are so indulgent and intense, the slightly thinner almond milk adds just a touch of flavor without making the whole Frapp so creamy it coats your mouth.

Most of Starbucks' syrups are too sweet if you ask us, but when it comes to the sugar cookie-flavored syrup, we're big fans. Yes, it is really, really sweet, but it tastes remarkably similar to an actual sugar cookie. And with the colored sprinkles on top, it feels a bit festive too.

Just remember, if you want to keep this one completely dairy-free, you should ask for no whipped cream. Otherwise, just sip away at this delicious dessert drink.

6. Chocolate Java Mint

Chocolate and mint may just be one of the best sweet flavor combos of all time, second only to chocolate and coffee. If you want to experience all that deliciousness in one frozen, blended beverage, you're in luck because Starbucks' Chocolate Java Mint Frappuccino has you covered. It's a combo of bold coffee, sweet chocolate, and just the right amount of fresh mint to make the perfect sweet drink.

We love that they include actual chocolate chips in the mix so you get a bit of texture with every sip, and even though we're usually not big fans of a lot of whipped cream, it actually makes sense with this flavor combo. The chocolate mint cookie crumble finishes it off with even more texture to keep things interesting.

5. Apple Crisp Oatmilk

Finally, finally, there is a fall-themed coffee Frappuccino for all the non-pumpkin spice people in the world. It's the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Frappuccino, and it may just be the best seasonal drink on the menu. Although oat milk doesn't work, it's especially tasty in this mix because it gives the drink a pie-like vibe. In addition to the oat milk, this drink is blended with coffee, ice, and a blend of cinnamon and brown sugar. It doesn't exactly taste like apples, but that's okay — it's more reminiscent of apple pie than anything else.

To finish it off, they drizzle an apple-spice concoction on the Frappuccino and top it with the expected whipped cream. It tastes autumnal, but it's not such a strong flavor that you wouldn't want to drink it at any other time of the year. If you're trying to change up your PSL Frappuccino routine, this drink may be just what you're looking for.

4. Mocha Frappuccino

Chocolate and coffee are a match made in heaven. These intensely flavored ingredients pair perfectly together, especially if you like bold drinks. And while you can find types of coffee like mocha pretty much anywhere, it's only at Starbucks that you're going to find a Mocha Frappuccino. While many of the other Frappuccino recipes can be overly complicated and have too many ingredients, you're not going to run into that problem with this easy drink. Because coffee and chocolate develop earthy flavors together, we found the beverage to be easily drinkable, especially when we don't want something that's too sweet.

While this drink does come with whipped cream on top, we think it tastes better without it — if you are trying to keep things straightforward, of course. However, if you're all about being indulgent, go with the whipped topping. When mixed into the rest of the drink, it turns things creamier and lighter. Ultimately, the choice of how to take your mocha is up to you. Whether you choose whipped cream or not, you won't be disappointed with this option.

3. Coffee Frappuccino

Although the Coffee Frappuccino from Starbucks isn't the absolute favorite, it's pretty close. It may not sound that interesting when you look at some of the other wild Frappuccino concoctions on this list, but believe us when we say that it truly is one of the best. This drink captures the flavor and intensity of an average coffee but offers it in a completely different format. It's essentially an iced coffee made a little more interesting. Instead of the coffee being served over ice, it's actually blended with the ice, which gives the drink a smoothness that makes it super-sippable on a hot day.

While there are better options for a drink on the stronger side, it's hard to beat the effortless simplicity of a Coffee Frappuccino. It's a great option for those who don't want a mess of sweet syrups, flavored powders, and additional toppings. Order it easily and without complications, start sipping, and then get on your way.

2. Chai Crème Frappuccino

What if you don't want a coffee-laced Frappuccino from Starbucks but you still want something that's not going to be super sweet? In that case, the Chai Crème Frappuccino is the way to go. If you've ever had hot chai before, the taste of this Frapp is very similar. It's blended with ice and some sweetener, and it comes out tasting better than you ever could imagine. While it is slightly sweeter than we prefer, the sugar isn't too much, especially if you like a touch of sweetness in your drinks. It comes with whipped cream on top, but if you're like us, you'll ask them to leave it off if you want it to be on the more refreshing side.

While this chai may be far from traditional, it puts an iced spin on a classic drink that we already love. When it's too hot outside to be sipping on warm chai, this drink will give you those same comforting flavors you love without making you feel like you're overheating.

1. Espresso Frappuccino

Finally, we can get down to our absolute favorite of the bunch: The Espresso Frappuccino. This drink may sound simple, and it definitely is. But simple doesn't mean bad, boring, or lacking in flavor. While most Frappuccinos are super sweet (and would frankly taste strange if you were to take out the ultra-sugary syrup), this one is fine without the sweetener. In fact, it's our favorite precisely because it actually tastes like espresso. This one is less a dessert and more like a proper coffee drink, only perfect for the hottest month of the year when even a plain old iced coffee won't do the trick.

Like most drinks at Starbucks, you can really adjust this one to your preferences. Add whipped cream if you're looking for something a little extra decadent, or ask for a sprinkle of the cookie crumble if you want to add a bit of texture. But no matter how you decide to order your Espresso Frappuccino, we feel confident that you're going to love every single ounce of it.